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UNLV Rebels 2016 Preview: Rebels Continue to Improve

Former Bishop Gorman HC Tony Sanchez led UNLV to three wins in his first season at the university. Despite the minimal amount of success on the field, Sanchez caught fire on the recruiting trail bringing in one of UNLV's best classes ever. A total of 26 signees that can help as soon as this upcoming season. In Year 2 of Sanchez's reign the Rebels look to double their win total and play in a bowl game for the first time since 2013.

The Offense

UNLV returns plenty of talent on the offensive side of the ball but the focus for Tony Sanchez this offseason is who will replace Blake Decker at quarterback. Sanchez has listed both Johnny Stanton and Kurt Palandech as the starting QB going into camp. Stanton, a JUCO transfer and former Nebraska Cornhusker, is considered by many as the best option to start considering the immense amount of talent and connection with former Nebraska coach Barney Cotton who is now the OC for UNLV. Palandech played a considerable amount of time while oft-injured Blake Decker was sidelined. Sanchez has also stated that four-star commit Armani Rogers will have a chance to compete for the starting gig.

Whichever quarterback wins the job will have profusion of talented young skill players to work with. The running back position contains returning stars Keith Whitley, Xzaviar Campbell, and Lexington Thomas along with 3-star recruit Charles Williams. UNLV brings back an amplitude of receivers led by Devonte Boyd, Kendal Keys, and Brandon Presley. Senior TE Andrew Price has developed into a force through the air that shouldn't be underrated.

The offensive line brings back three starters from 2015 along with some much needed depth after signing two 3-star freshmen and JR JUCO transfer Michael Chevalier. The O-Line will try to improve after allowing 33 total sacks last season.

The Defense

By far UNLV's biggest weakness last season was the defensive line. UNLV's pass rush was the worst in the FBS last season, according to opponent-adjusted stats and their rush defense wasn't much better either. The D-Line will be led by senior DE Jeremiah Valoaga and junior DT Mike Hughes Jr. Tackles Jason Fao, Dominic Baldwin, and 3-star commit Leevel Tatum III round out the rest of the defensive line. This unit will need to have the most improvement on the team in order for UNLV to even dream about reaching a bowl game.

UNLV returns all three starting linebackers from last season. Seniors Ryan McAleenan and Tau Lotulelei, who led the team in sacks (3) last season, headline the group with junior Matt Lea also returning to his starting role in 2016. Illinois transfer LaKeith Walls, JUCO transfer Brian Keyes, and senior Iggy Porchia are also expected to have a serious impact at the position.

The secondary was the top strength for the Rebels' defense last season and is expected to pick up where it left off this season. The secondary managed 10 INTs in 2015 behind the worst pass rush in the FBS and should improve as long as the defensive line can apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Torry McTyer and Tim Hough return as the two starting corners, but UNLV lost both starting safeties and will be looking for contributions from seniors Troy Hawthorne and Kenny Keys in 2016 in order to replace them.

The Special Teams

UNLV returns average place-kicker Nicolai Bornand for his senior season. Developing sophomore punter Evan Pantels should be on the top of special teams coach Andy Larussa's mind after three-year-starter Logan Yunker's departure. Lexington Thomas will take over kickoff returning duties from Aaron Criswell while Keith Whitely will retain his punt returning duties.

The Outcome

Projected Overall Record: (5-7)

Projected Conference Record: (3-5)