Rebels finally get look at ’07 signee

The Rebels were expecting him this year, but they had to be sure he would be around. Vea, a Pahranagat Valley High School graduate, signed in 2007 before going on a Mormon mission to Kingston, Jamaica.

Vea said he never felt threatened in Kingston but acknowledged it wasn’t the safest place to live.

"People would rob each other," he said. "A lot of areas I served, generally I would get there five minutes after someone was shot."

It’s uncertain how quickly Vea will make an impact with the Rebels.

"Small towns have good players. They get good, solid fundamental coaching," coach Bobby Hauck said. "But oftentimes they don’t get (taught) as much scheme. So I think he’s got a tremendous upside. The more football he learns, the better he’s going to be."

■ GOING AT IT — Sophomore wide receiver Aaron Reed and redshirt freshman safety Courtney Bridget got into a tussle in Thursday afternoon’s practice and then were told to continue the drill.

UNLV’s previous staff would probably have been upset a fight occurred, but the current one didn’t make it a big issue.

"If it’s kind of a clean play and guys getting after each other, it’s a combative sport," Hauck said. "It’s not for everybody and you have to be an aggressive, combative individual to play it. So we don’t want to temper that too much."

■ MAKING THE GRADE — Cornerback Quinton Pointer is UNLV’s highest-rated senior NFL prospect, according to the National Scouting Service.

"When you’re out there, you want to work hard because everybody’s goal is to try to get to the next level," Pointer said. "It’s obviously in the back of my mind, but I’m trying to compete this year and try to get our team to a bowl."

The other top-rated Rebels prospects, in order, are center John Gianninoto, offensive tackle Matt Murphy and defensive tackle Isaako Aaitui.

■ GETTING WORK — Sophomore defensive back Corbin Brown, who transferred from Air Force, won’t play this season because of NCAA transfer rules. But the Spring Valley High product has been active on the practice field.

"We want him to have a chance this spring to compete and next fall to compete," Hauck said. "This is a time where he can sneak a (repetition) or two because pretty soon we’ll be on to our scout teams."

■ RECEIVER NEWS — Junior Phillip Payne, a Western High graduate, is a candidate for the Biletnikoff Award, which goes the nation’s top receiver.

Also, sophomore wide receiver Mark Barefield (knee) returned to practice.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.