Freshman wide receiver Barefield finds home at UNLV

ELY -- When his home burned down before he entered high school, Mark Barefield went to live with another family for three years.

"That's really my second family," Barefield said.

When it came time to choose a place to play college football, Barefield wanted a family atmosphere and found it at UNLV.

The freshman wide receiver from Wills Point, Texas, is showing why the Rebels were interested in him.

He made a terrific catch Wednesday, going high over junior cornerback Quinton Pointer for a touchdown.

"He's got a chance to definitely contribute as a freshman," coach Mike Sanford said.

• MAKING IT COUNT -- Sophomore tight end Austin Harrington showed no signs of easing up after coaches awarded him a scholarship. Harrington caught two touchdown passes in a goal-line scrimmage.

Junior cornerback David Biggs and sophomore linebacker Matt Kravetz also received scholarships.

Harrington also was considered for the offense's black jersey, which went to junior quarterback Omar Clayton. Senior linebacker Jason Beauchamp wore the defense's black jersey. The top player on each side of the ball from the previous practice is awarded the black jersey.

• THIS AND THAT -- Senior Jerriman Robinson has moved ahead of sophomore Michael Johnson at first-team wide receiver. ... Freshman wide receiver Marcus Sullivan did not pass the state-required math proficiency test and plans to enroll in January. Freshman linebacker Jordan Barrett is expected to take Sullivan's roster spot. ... Sanford said all five candidates to start at tailback are still in contention. Junior Channing Trotter had the most impressive run Wednesday morning, scoring on a 4-yard run after initially getting stuffed.