Grant makes strong case for starting cornerback

ELY — UNLV's football coaches still haven't settled on the starting cornerbacks, but junior Mike Grant is making a strong case.

Grant, who has been running with the first-team defense, came up big this morning. He intercepted a pass, broke up one in the end zone and provided such great coverage on a third pass that it forced an incompletion.

"I always say preparation is the best thing for you, and today I prepared like I wanted to win a championship," Grant said. "So I came out here and I gave everything I had. It was a blessing to come out here and take care of business today."

Grant has impressed from the first day of camp, pretty amazing considering he had recently arrived and didn't have the benefit of spring practices. He is a transfer from Sierra College in Rocklin, Calif., and actually wanted to sign with the Rebels two years ago, but said he "couldn't get it done in the classroom."

"I had to take the JC route ... and I got it together," Grant said. "The coaches stuck with me."

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS

In addition to Grant, other players stood out.

— Junior safety Alex De Giacomo battled senior wide receiver Ryan Wolfe at the goal line and kept him out the end zone.

— Sophomore wide receiver Phillip Payne made a one-handed touchdown catch for a 16-yard touchdown look simple.

— Junior quarterback Omar Clayton made a nice scramble and completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to junior tailback Channing Trotter.

— Senior nickel back Terrance Lee made a nice diving knockdown of a pass intended for sophomore wide receiver Michael Johnson.

— Junior safety Calvin Randleman broke up a pass in the end zone intended for senior wide receiver Rodelin Anthony.

— Junior defensive end B.J. Bell pressured sophomore quarterback Mike Clausen into what probably would have been an intentional-grounding penalty in a game.

— Junior safety Travis Dixon broke up a pass in the end zone to Anthony.

INSIDE THE ROSTER

Though Bell has been working with the third team, he practiced with the second team today in nickel defenses, and coach Mike Sanford said Bell has a chance to claim the starting spot in that alignment.

Junior cornerback Warren Zeigler worked with the first team.

On offense, redshirt freshman Yusef Rodgers went in for junior Evan Marchal, who sprained his shoulder Thursday. Marchal was not seriously injured, and was limited but not held out.

IN THE BLACK

Wolfe wore the black jersey on offense and senior end Heivaha Mafi on defense. The black jersey goes to the top practice performer from the previous day.

There were no other offensive nominees. Junior end Daniel Mareko and senior linebacker Jason Beauchamp were the other defensive nominees.

STILL WAITING

Incoming freshman linebacker Jordan Barrett, one of UNLV's top recruits, didn't arrive for this morning's practice. He is expected to be here for the afternoon session.

Barrett, who planned to grayshirt, is taking the roster spot of wide receiver Marcus Sullivan, a Cheyenne High School product who has not passed his state-required math proficiency exam.