Sophomore Claridge is wily beyond his years

Steve Guiremand

Thursday, Aug. 16, 2001 | 10:45 a.m.

Ryan Claridge is making a name for himself these days.

The younger brother of former USC All-American and current Atlanta Falcon Travis Claridge, the sophomore from Almont, Mich., will play a key role again in the middle of UNLV's defense this fall.

Claridge will start and call defensive signals at middle linebacker where he replaced the injured James Sunia midway through the 2000 season.

And with Sunia still probably at least a month away from playing in a game after undergoing two knee surgeries, and redshirt freshman backup Adam Seward sidelined most of fall camp with a pulled hamstring, Claridge's role becomes even more magnified.

"He's just got to play," UNLV coach John Robinson said. Claridge was in a similiar situation last season when Sunia went down with a season-ending knee injury in the fifth game of the year against Nevada-Reno.

A former prep running back, Claridge started seven of the team's final eight games at middle linebacker and finished with 59 tackles, including 12 in one game against Colorado State. This despite still trying to learn the position as a true freshman.

Now the 6-3, 247-pound Claridge, who bench-presses 400 pounds, is a wily veteran entering just his sophomore year.

"I think it helped a lot to be able to play last year," he said. "I mean, there was no one else left to play. You either step up or go into the tank."

Fortunately, Claridge had been splitting time at the position with Sunia, so he didn't get tossed into the fire without any game experience.

"I was nervous," he said. "I was just trying not to be a weak link out there. As a defensive unit I thought we were pretty good. We had a lot of players who can play."

This year Claridge said he has a much better grasp of the Rebel defense and what is expected of him.

"I still have a lot of work to do," he said. "But I'm reading things better and understanding my keys a lot better. I know how the defense is working and where I'm supposed to be. Last year I was pretty much run forward, be physical and try and get the ball. And now at least I know the signals. Before I was just guessing."

"He's a very physical player and a very good athlete," Robinson said.

"There's no questioning his athletic ability. ... He was pushed into the fray before he was ready but he improved so fast and has such good natural instincts that he could become a great one. "

The rest of the UNLV linebacking corps is talented and experienced. Seniors Scott Parkhurst and LaMar Owens will man the strongside outside linebacker spot while senior Shanga Wilson and junior Tosh Burrus share the weakside spot.

Seldom-used junior Alonzo Freeman is currently backing up Claridge although Wilson could also swing over and play that position.

* BRASSINGTON BACK: Junior Garrett Brassington, a transfer from Grossmont (Calif.) College who will be a key backup to sophomore Dietrich Canterberry at nose guard, finally has been cleared to take part in drills.

Freshman running back Dyante Perkins, who also excelled as a punter at Bishop Gorman High School, took part in punting drills on Wednesday night and more than held his own.

All three uncorked several high punts in the 35-yard range. The left-footed Perkins would give the Rebels a good fake threat if he wins the job.

The injury first appeared to be serious. But UNLV trainer Kyle Wilson said Smeltzer suffered only a sprained ankle that will keep him out at least over the weekend.

"After that it will be on a day-to-day basis," Wilson said. "It did appear to be much more serious at first."