UNLV boots Alabama transfer Tenpenny because of rules violation

Running back Altee Tenpenny announced in May he was transferring from Alabama to UNLV.

His stay at UNLV didn't last long.

Coach Tony Sanchez said Friday that Tenpenny no longer was on the football team because he broke team rules. Sanchez didn't offer specifics.

Tenpenny, who was to sit out this season because of NCAA transfer rules, represented part of the future for the Rebels. But they also will play incoming freshmen Lexington Thomas and Xzaviar Campbell this season, and both players are receiving a lot of snaps in training camp.

"It's unfortunate, but we've got plenty of guys," Sanchez said. "The young guys look fantastic. That had nothing to do with (the dismissal). At the end of the day, rules are the rules."

Tenpenny, a 6-foot, 218-pounder who had two years of eligibility remaining, rushed for 136 yards in his two seasons at Alabama, but he was one of the nation's top recruits when he signed with the Crimson Tide.

UNLV coaches had hoped that promise would pay off in Las Vegas, but Sanchez's actions showed he won't establish a separate set of rules for the more talented players.

"Absolutely," Sanchez said. "The whole team knows that now."

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him: @markanderson65