Rebels QB Decker ready to hair it out for senior season

While visiting family and friends in the summer of 2014, UNLV quarterback Blake Decker wondered aloud what he would look like if he let his hair grow long.

He wasn't serious, but was curious what kind of reaction his statement would draw. The reaction was one of doubt, with his family and friends saying they didn't think he would go through with it.

Decker proved them wrong, and his hair has reached shoulder length as he prepares for his senior football season, which begins Sept. 5 at Northern Illinois. He hopes to spend a lot of time throwing touchdown passes, little time throwing interceptions and no time going near someone holding scissors.

"I was going to cut it at the end of last season," Decker said. "I was like, 'Hey, I've made it this far. I might as well keep going.' "

Now Decker (6 feet 2 inches, 215 pounds) looks more like some of his Polynesian teammates with the long flowing locks.

"That's one of the main reasons why I grew it out," he said. "The Polys are good at everything they do, and they've got to have some power in that long hair. I figured I could get some power, too, by growing it out."

And maybe some Biblical power as well.

"A little Samson inspiration," Decker said. "So we're not letting anybody cut it."

He will cut his hair after the season and donate it to a charity, such as Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization that uses donated hair to make wigs for children who have lost their hair because of medical issues.

NOTABLE

Junior cornerback Torry McTyer (6-0, 180) returned to full practices Wednesday. He had been working his way back after missing the beginning of training camp with a left knee injury. McTyer ran with the first team, with senior Fred Wilson (6-0, 180) on the other side. "It's good to be back, to come out here and be with my team," McTyer said. "It's tough (not practicing) because the team's out here working hard." … Junior Nicolai Bornand (6-1, 225) kicked field goals with the first and second teams, and coach Tony Sanchez said Bornand has taken the lead over senior Jonathan Leiva (5-11, 190). "He just hasn't been as consistent," Sanchez said of Leiva. "Bornand has been hitting the ball better right now." … The linebackers are the most experienced position group for the Rebels and considered an area of strength. "We've certainly made some improvements since Day One," defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Kent Baer said. "I think there are times when we take a couple of steps forward and then we take a step back. I thought (Wednesday) we took a step forward, so I think they're coming along. We've still got a lot to learn."

POSITION SPOTLIGHT

Linebackers

The Rebels have gone back and forth between their base 4-3 and 4-2-5, the latter alignment that is increasingly common for defenses with the proliferation of spread offenses. The depth chart isn't settled, so what's listed below is a snapshot of where that position area stands at this moment.

Strongside

Matt Lea So. 5-10 215

Najee Johnson Sr. 6-4 220

Middle

Ryan McAleenan Jr. 6-2 220

Trent Langham Jr. 6-2 205

Weakside

Tau Lotulelei Jr. 6-1 230

Kimble Jensen Sr. 6-0 215

Matt Lea So. 5-10 215

SITTING OUT

Player Pos. Injury