Nevada Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up

Spring Takeaways

The Wolf Pack had to adapt to a new coaching staff and new defensive scheme. It appeared the team successfully did both of those two items.

First-year coach Brian Polian, who takes over for Hall of Famer Chris Ault, implemented a handful of changes that were well received by the players. A number of these changes were off the field. On the field, the team will still run the Pistol offense behind coordinator Nick Rolovich, who was with the program last season.

Defensively, the team will shift to a Tampa 2 scheme, a big change from last season, under coordinator Scottie Hazleton. The defense, typically the weak part of the team, looked strong for most of spring.

Unknown players who could have breakout seasons

The leading candidates are running backs Don Jackson and Kendall Brock, who both had strong camps. Jackson is a junior-college transfer with big potential. Brock came to Nevada as a running back but moved to wide receiver and then switched back to running back in the middle of spring camp. He looked great in the spring game. With Nevada’s run-oriented offense, either back could hit 1,000 yards if they get a healthy number of carries.

Defensively, middle linebacker Jordan Dobrich had a strong spring. He is a former walk-on who is entering his sophomore season. He could be in line for a 100-tackle season in his first year as a starter.

Position grades 

Quarterback: A-

Running backs: B-

Wide receivers: B+

Offensive line: D

Tight ends: B

Defensive line: B+

Linebackers: B-

Cornerbacks: C+

Safeties: C+

Special teams: B

Are there any 2013 Surprises?

Spring camp generally made me more optimistic about the Wolf Pack’s season. The schedule remains tough, including games at UCLA, Florida State, Boise State, Fresno State and San Diego State. But the defense was better than expected considering it’s so young.

This team will hinge on its defense (the offense always averages 30-plus points and that shouldn’t change). If the defense continues to adapt to the new scheme, the Wolf Pack should reach a bowl game for the ninth straight season.

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Chris Murray of the Reno Gazette-Journal provided the information for our nevada Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up.  For more Nevada  football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Chris on Twitter @MurrayRGJ.

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