Palepoi is anchor on UNLV’s defensive front

Steve Guiremand

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2001 | 10:14 a.m.

Editor's note: Sun football writer Steve Guiremand profiles 10 potential impact players who could make -- or break -- UNLV's 2001 football season. This is the eighth in a 10-part series.

UNLV will find out in a hurry just how good its defensive line is this season.

In the span of 16 days, the Rebels will go against three of the nation's premier running backs in all-SEC candidate Cedric Cobbs of Arkansas, Heisman Trophy favorite Damian Anderson of Northwestern and first team all-Mountain West returnee Cecil Sapp of Colorado State.

But to hear senior defensive end Anton Palepoi tell it, the Rebels may be up for the challenge.

"I think any team that prepares to play us knows what we are capable of doing," the 6-5, 270-pound All-American candidate said. "We have guys like (defensive backs) Kevin Thomas and Sam Brandon, a good interior line and a lot of good ends.

"And our linebacker group is stronger than ever. I think our defense looks good and fast."

And no member of that defensive unit has been more impressive this fall than Palepoi.

A returning first team all-MWC pick after finishing second in the conference with eight sacks, Palepoi has worked hard in the weight room, increasing his bench press from 320 pounds to 405. He also has improved his speed and quickness.

"He's 270 pounds yet he is linebacker fast," UNLV coach John Robinson said. "I think he's got a really good future in front of him. He's a mixture of really good quickness and darn good size. ... He can get to the quarterback with the best of them. Now that he has one year under his belt at this level, we expect a big year out of him and all five of our ends coming off the edge."

Palepoi is going through just his second fall camp with the Rebels. He transferred to UNLV from Dixie College in St. George, Utah, after earning first team JC All-American honors.

"This camp is a lot easier for me," Palepoi said. "Mentally, I'm a lot more prepared and ready to play. I came in last year not knowing what to expect. But this year I've got a good idea of what's going down and what we have to do to be successful."

Palepoi split time at left end last year with another JC All-American, Scott Parkhurst. But Parkhurst has been moved to outside linebacker this fall, which means Palepoi should see more time on the field.

And that should aid him in his quest to lead the MWC in sacks this year.

Last year, Palepoi finished just 1 1/2 sacks behind New Mexico defensive end Brian Johnson, who also returns for his senior year with the Lobos.

"I should have been first," Palepoi said with a smile. "If I had more reps, I think I would have been. But I split time. If I play the game I'm capable of playing this year, I should lead the conference easily."

Success does have some drawbacks, however. As last season went on, Palepoi began seeing more-and-more double-teams. And he expects that pattern to continue.

"I expect more of that," Palepoi said. "I expect them to run more the other way. But when they do that, they're going to run right into trouble with (Ahmad) Briggs on the side."

Palepoi and Briggs lead a strong unit of defensive ends which also includes seniors Steve Newton and Adrian Watson and at times, Parkhurst. Senior Ahmad Miller, sophomore Dietrich Canterberry, JC transfer Garrett Brassington and junior Phil Reed will play the tackle spots.

"Our defense needs to become a league leader and top-25 unit in the country," Robinson said. "We need to accept that responsibility."

Count Palepoi among those willing to take on that goal. "I'm very anxious for the season to start," he said.