Ex-Cowboys standout Lett drops in on Rebels

Former NFL All-Pro defensive tackle Leon Lett was at Rebel Park today following UNLV defensive line coach Andre Patterson around, but he wasn't there simply to catch up with his old position coach.

Lett is interested in coaching, and he watched how the Rebels run practice. "Being away from the gang was so difficult, I had to get back around it," Lett said. "I think this is the best way to be around it and not get banged up — get out and help the guys and give them a message about being dedicated to whether it's school work, finishing school and being on the football field."

Lett played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1991 to 2000 and the Denver Broncos in 2001. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 1994 and 1998 and won three Super Bowl rings with the Cowboys.

Now Lett, who played college ball at Emporia State in Kansas, is finishing a sociology degree at UNLV. He wouldn't mind serving as a graduate assistant next season for the Rebels, but coach Mike Sanford hasn't made any decisions.

"Mike is a great coach," Lett said. "He's very meticulous. He has everything organized. I love the way he organizes things that has everybody in place. The guys love him. The guys come out and practice fast, and they enjoy it."

WEARING BLACK

Quarterback Mike Clausen and cornerback Deante Purvis wore the black jerseys as the standout players on each side of the ball at the previous practice. The nominees were wide receiver Ryan Wolfe and defensive end Preston Brooks and defensive tackle Malo Taumua.

SPRING GAME

UNLV concludes spring practices with its annual game at 6 p.m. Friday at Sam Boyd Stadium. Unlike past years when assistants drafted teams, the first team will play the second-stringers. Needless to say, Sanford hopes for a blowout by the starters. There also will be an overtime component. A barbecue follows the game at 7:30 p.m.