Special section: Expect big things from these guys

Steve Guiremand

Thursday, Aug. 29, 2002 | 8:55 a.m.

1. Jason Thomas,

6-4, 235, Sr., QB

When healthy there are few, if any, quarterbacks in the country who combine the running ability and arm strength of Thomas. With a much improved supporting cast at the skill positions, a fulltime quarterback coach in Vince Alcalde and a more wide open offense that should better take advantage of Thomas' skills, it wouldn't be surprising to see the senior lefty flirt with both running and passing for 1,000 yards. One of the most highly touted prep prospects in Southern California history, this is Thomas' last chance to live up to the considerable hype. If he does, it could be bad news for Mountain West foes.

UNLV head coach John Robinson says: "I think we will see Jason Thomas regain the form he established as a sophomore. He has matured and focused his energies into becoming a great player through refining the individual skills of the position."

2. Jamal Wynn,

6-0, 185, Sr., CB

With the loss of Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Thomas to the NFL, Wynn takes over as UNLV's premier cover corner, although he won't be asked to play nearly as much one-on-one as Thomas did. He has shown flashes of becoming an all-conference player but needs to become more consistent. He started 11 games opposite Thomas last year and had seven pass breakups. The Rebels need a big year out of Wynn to solidify their rebuilt secondary.

Robinson says: "I think he's a good football player who has benefitted from experience and is doing very well. We need him to give us stability at that position."

3. David Relf,

6-1, 190, Jr., WR

One of UNLV's biggest offensive problems last season was the lack of a receiver that could make the key catch to keep drives alive. When the Rebels went to the Las Vegas Bowl in 2000, Nate Turner excelled in that role. Look for the sure-handed Relf, a former prep teammate of Jason Thomas at Dominguez High School in Compton, Calif., to assume that role.

Robinson says: "David Relf ... has shown signs of becoming a solid, Nate Turner-type of team contributor."

4. Chris Eagen,

6-4, 275, Jr., DE

The Rebels were hoping for big things from this first team JC All-American even before the season-ending neck injury to expected starter Trevan Sorensen. Now they're keeping their fingers crossed that Eagen can come close to duplicating the feats of the man who preceded him at left end, NFL second-round pick Anton Palepoi. With first team all-Mountain West pick Ahmad Briggs manning the other defensive end spot, UNLV could have one of the conference's top pass-rushing duos if Eagen can make the jump from junior college competition to Division I.

Robinson says: "(With the injury to Sorensen), he has to come through. We've got to have that."

5. Connie Brown,

6-3, 215, Sr., S

Although Sam Brandon led the team in tackles the last two seasons and was drafted by the Denver Broncos, this hard-hitting Alabama transfer may be even better. Though he has yet to play a down for the Rebels, he was already tabbed a preseason all-conference pick by Phil Steele's preview magazine.

Robinson says: "I think he has the size and the speed to (play in the NFL). He just needs to put together the kind of season we think he's capable of having."

6. Dominique Dorsey,

5-6, 165, Soph., RB/KR

Although he missed about half of last season with ankle injuries, the at-times electrifying Dorsey still garnered Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors after averaging 34.6 yards on kickoff returns. He appears to have overcome off-the-field problems that forced him to miss spring practice and is capable of breaking it any time he touches the ball.

Robinson says: "Dominique Dorsey's talent is phenomenal. When this young man is healthy, he is worth the price of admission as both a returner and runner."

7. Adam Seward,

6-2, 240, Soph., LB

With Ryan Claridge possibly out for the season with an abdominal injury, the leadership role of the Rebels' thin linebacking unit falls on the broad shoulders of this Bonanza High grad. Don't be surprised if the hard-nosed team leader is up to the task.

Robinson says: "I think Adam Seward will establish himself this year as one of the nation's top linebackers."

8. Larry Croom,

5-10, 205, Jr., RB

That's Croom as in Zoom. The Arizona transfer brings game-breaking speed to the backfield and was one of the stars of fall camp. He's been timed at 10.5 in the 100 meters and has good hands. Look for him to line up in the slot in passing situations where the Rebels hope to exploit his speed against linebackers.

A bigger, faster version of former Rebel running back Jeremi Rudolph, Croom is the early candidate to be UNLV's media guide cover boy in 2003.

Robinson says: "Larry Croom is one of the more versatile players that I have coached. He is a very elusive runner and is as good as it gets at making you miss."

9. Dominic Furio,

6-3, 295, Jr., C

With the graduation of underrated Peter Tramontanas and the surprising departure of talented Cal State Northridge transfer Carlos Acosta, it's up to the scrappy Furio to take over the line calls on a rebuilt offensive front.

It's also important Furio stay healthy because depth up front is thin, especially at center.

Robinson says: "He's doing very well. He's a solid center. I think he gives us what Pete gave us last year."

10. Dillon Pieffer,

5-11, 180, Jr., P

In what figures to be a very competitive Mountain West, the difference between a conference title and a bowl berth could come down to the leg of this former walk-on.

Pieffer, who has connected on 13 of 19 field goal tries, including 2 of 3 from 40 or more yards, has been mostly up to the task.

Robinson says: "For us to be successful, we must be among the best in special teams and I expect that will be the most improved part of our team."

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