The Brian Polian era is about to begin.
Polian, who took over the Nevada Wolf Pack football program from retired coach Chris Ault in January, will step on the field for the first time in his new role when spring practices begin on March 27.
Polian and the Pack have a lot of questions to answer this spring and summer as they try to improve on the disappointing 7-6 seasons of the last two years.
Among the issues facing the Pack is who will replace starting running back Stefphon Jefferson, who left the program early after his 2012 junior season for the NFL draft. Among the running backs expected to compete during spring practices off of last year's roster are Anthony Knight, Xavier Stephens, Chris Solomon, Nate McLaurin, Nate Lytle and Drake Griffin, though none of them saw more than brief playing time in 2012.
Although there will be a lot of new faces this spring, there will also be a lot of familiar ones including quarterback Cody Fajardo, offensive linemen Joel Bitonio and Matt Galas, wide receiver Brandon Wimberly, tight end Kolby Arendse and defensive linemen Brock Hekking, Lenny Jones and Jack Reynoso.
Practices are closed to the public. The team, though, will be on display to the public during three scrimmages this spring, on April 6, 13 and 20. The scrimmages at Mackay Stadium are free to the public.
