| 2008 overall record: 5-7 2008 conference record: 2-6, T-6th Returning starters Offense: 6, defense: 8, punter/kicker: 1 Top returners QB Omar Clayton, WR Ryan Wolfe, LT Matt Murphy, C Joe Hawley, LB Jason Beauchamp, LB Nate Carter, DE Isaako Aaitui, DT Malo Taumua, DT Martin Tevaseu, SS Terrance Lee, LB Ronnie Paulo Key losses RB Frank Summers, WR Casey Flair, DB Daryl Forte 2008 statistical leaders (* returners) Rushing: Frank Summers (740 yards)
Passing: Omar Clayton* (1,894 yards)
Receiving: Ryan Wolfe* (1,040 yards)
Tackles: Jason Beauchamp* (127)
Sacks: Jason Beauchamp*, Isaako Aaitui*, Heivaha Mafi* (2.0)
Interceptions: Quinton Pointer* (2) Spring answers | 2009 Schedule | | Sept. 5 Sacramento State
Sept. 12 Oregon State
Sept. 19 Hawaii
Sept. 26 at Wyoming
Oct. 3 at Nevada
Oct. 10 Brigham Young
Oct. 17 Utah
Oct. 24 at New Mexico
Oct. 31 at TCU
Nov. 7 Colorado State
Nov. 14 at Air Force
Nov. 28 San Diego State | | | 1. Receivers are set: Leading receiver Ryan Wolfe returns after a 1,000-yard season, and Phillip Payne and Rodelin Anthony, who were third and fourth on the team in receiving, will be the starters. Additionally, Michael Johnson, who was used last season on sweep plays, is expected to contribute and coach Mike Sanford is hoping for depth from incoming freshmen Marcus Sullivan and Mark Barefield. 2. The Rebs best spring: Sanford remarked that this was the team's best spring session since he became coach. Linebacker Jason Beauchamp noted in a blog he does for the Las Vegas Sun that he thinks the leadership is stronger on this team than it has ever been in the past. 3. O-line needs depth: The offensive line should be one of the strongest aspects of the Rebels roster this season with four returning starters -- Matt Murphy, Evan Marchal, John Gianninoto and Joe Hawley. But depth is a concern with no viable replacements emerging during the spring. Still, the O-line starters should be more than capable in protecting Omar Clayton and opening holes for the running backs. Fall questions 1. Subbing for Summers: With Frank Summers gone to the NFL, the Rebels spent the spring auditioning new running backs and two emerged as co-starters heading into fall camp. Chris Brogdon and C.J. Cox are sharing the role into the summer, but Imari Thompson and Channing Trotter are still in the hunt. Incoming freshman Bradley Randle could also be a factor. 2. Defending the spread: With several Mountain West teams switching to a spread offense this year, the competition in the UNLV secondary is pretty deep. All four starting spots have two starters listed and separated by a "slash" mark. Sanford expects to play several defensive backs in the nickel to make sure the Rebels are keeping up with the high-powered offenses. 3. Quarterback pressure: The Rebels managed just 11 sacks last season, so the quest for a rushing defensive end has been ongoing. Heivaha Mafi is the starter on the post-spring depth, but he's sharing the position with B.J. Bell, a junior college product that doesn't even arrive on campus until August. | 
Watson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Missouri Tigers and the Big 12 Conference for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She also covered college football recruiting for the Dallas Morning News.
