Cornerbacks chosen based on performances in preseason practices

Mike Grant might have appeared to make more plays among UNLV's cornerbacks in training camp, but coach Mike Sanford said today Quinton Pointer and Deante Purvis won the jobs in the 4-3 base defense because of preseason football practices.

Sanford was effusive in his praise of Purvis.

"Last year, (Purvis) was a fast guy trying to play corner that made some plays on special teams," Sanford said. "He's become a corner, and the exciting thing about it is he has a huge upside. He can continue to get a lot better."

Grant spent most of the preseason operating as a first-team cornerback, but Sanford pointed out that was because the Rebels usually were in a nickel (five defensive backs) or dime (six DBs) defense. UNLV worked out of those defenses often in preseason because they expect to be in those sets more often than the 4-3, where Grant is second team.

The Rebels open their season at 7 p.m. Saturday against Sacramento State at Sam Boyd Stadium.

CROWDED BACKFIELD

Highly touted freshman tailback Bradley Randle isn't listed among the top four backs on the depth chart, but that doesn't mean he won't play.

Sanford said he expects all five backs to receive playing time this season. One of the backs, Imari Thompson, is expected to be cleared from a concussion Wednesday or Thursday.

KICKIN' IT

Kicker Ben Jaekle, who had back surgery in June, will handle kickoffs Saturday. He also was in charge of long field goals last season, and could reclaim the role as he continues to get healthier. As of now, though, Kyle Watson will handle all field goals.

Watson also won the punting job.