UNLV Rebels Camp Report, Aug. 22

WR Davis shows maturity

ELY - UNLV football coach Bobby Hauck would redshirt every freshman every year if he could, and he nearly did last season.

But one player from the 2011 recruiting class made it onto the field last season, and now wide receiver Devante Davis might be reaping the benefits.

Davis (6 feet 3 inches, 200 pounds) figures to be a major part of the offense this season. He has stood out with a series of difficult catches in training camp.

"Playing as a true freshman boosted my confidence," Davis said Tuesday. "I understand the game more. When I played, I really didn't know much, but after playing, I'm more experienced knowing the defenses and knowing the coverages and things."

Because the Rebels were thin at receiver last season - they're not much deeper now - Davis got his chance to play right away.

He appeared in 11 of the 12 games and started three, catching four passes for 42 yards. Under ideal circumstances, he would have watched from the sideline.

"The first game action is oftentimes disconcerting for guys," Hauck said. "When they've played, it settles things in a little more. You couple that with the other side of the coin, when you redshirt, generally your best football is played later in your career."

Davis went to Houston's North Shore High, the same school Rebels junior running back Tim Cornett attended. Texas A&M offered Davis, Texas' triple jump champion, a track scholarship.

He also was a noted football prospect, rated by Rivals.com and Scout.com as a three-star recruit.

Maybe last season didn't show that type of potential, but Davis' work in camp tells a different story - one he hopes translates into the season.

"He knows what to expect," Hauck said. "He knows what it's like to go through an offseason now. He's just a way more mature kid, and part of that was playing last year."

NOTABLE

Hauck said he is "very" concerned sophomore Marcus Sullivan, counted on to be a big-play wide receiver and kick returner, won't be healthy in time for the opener. Sullivan, a Cheyenne High graduate, spent the second day in a row in the trainers' room receiving treatment for an undisclosed injury. He has not practiced since Thursday when he received two big hits. "He is going to be with the trainers until we can get him out here," Hauck said. UNLV begins its season Aug. 30 against Minnesota at Sam Boyd Stadium. ... Senior linebacker Princeton Jackson might have had his best practice of the camp. He repeatedly found his way into the offensive backfield, recording about three tackles for loss and at least one sack. ... The Rebels scrimmage at 8 a.m. today and then return to Las Vegas.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

QUARTERBACK: Nick Sherry officially was handed the job, beating out Caleb Herring.

DEPTH CHART

Player Ht. Wt. Yr.

Nick Sherry 6-5 235 Fr.

Caleb Herring 6-3 200 Jr.

Sean Reilly 6-4 210 Sr.

SITTING OUT

Player Pos. Status

Alvin Amilcar DL Limited

David Green DL Out

Nick Gstrein TE Out