UNLV freshmen Campbell, Thomas swap scrimmage highlights

When Xzaviar Campbell saw his fellow UNLV freshman running back and Houstonian Lexington Thomas pull off an amazing run Friday morning at Rebel Park, he knew he had to respond with one of his own.

Thomas was going to the ground when he rolled on top of a defender without touching the turf and somehow regained his footing at the 9-yard line. He then headed to the end zone and completed a 28-yard touchdown run.

"I ran to him and celebrated and told him I'm going to top him," Campbell said.

Campbell did just that. He produced a 19-yard run and touchdowns from 8 and 3 yards. But his best run was a 42-yard dash when Campbell took the handoff and headed right, but then cut back left into open territory.

"It motivates the team, which helps motivate me to want to do better and help the offense," Campbell said of the runs. "So whatever I do to contribute to the team is great."

The running backs shined in UNLV's second and final scrimmage. Junior Keith Whitely had a 27-yard run and junior David Greene a carry for 20 yards.

All four running backs are from Texas, and all will be a big part of the Rebels' ground game. Greene will play fullback as well as tailback.

At 5 feet 11 inches, 220 pounds, Campbell gives UNLV a physical presence.

"The biggest thing with those guys, especially coming out of high school, they've got to get north and south," coach Tony Sanchez said. "When he does that, he's pretty darn good."

NOTABLE

Unlike the first scrimmage and most practices, the Rebels didn't have the first-team offense and defense face each other. They went against backups and the scout team. "We had some give and take, but overall, I thought it was a good deal," Sanchez said. ... Senior quarterback Blake Decker completed a 37-yard TD pass to sophomore wide receiver Devonte Boyd. Decker also connected on a short pass with junior tight end Andrew Price, who turned it into a 62-yard gain. ... Senior linebacker Najee Johnson, freshman tackle Salanoa-Alo Wily and senior tackle Senituli Fakauho recording sacks. ... Wily, who has been with the second team much of camp, worked with the starting defense. … Junior cornerback Torry McTyer, who missed most of camp because of an injured left knee, took a helmet to his thigh and left the scrimmage. "He'll be fine," Sanchez said. "Part of it, too, is our guys have got to be tough. One of the biggest things is our guys understanding what being hurt and being injured is." ... Sanchez wasn't happy with the kicking game, with junior Nicolai Bornand and senior Jonathan Leiva struggling to make field goals. "Sometimes it feels like neither one of them wants it," Sanchez said. "They've got to step up and be more consistent."

POSITION SPOTLIGHT

Special teams

This part of the team has been a disappointment over recent seasons, and little has occurred in camp to suggest much will change. The kicker and punt return jobs remain undecided.

Kicker

Nicolai Bornand Jr. 6-1 225

Jonathan Leiva Sr. 5-11 190

Punter

Logan Yunker Sr. 6-2 200

Kickoff return

Keith Whitely Jr. 5-9 195

Punt return

Brandon Presley Fr. 6-0 175

Jericho Flowers Fr. 5-10 165

Torry McTyer Jr. 6-0 180

SITTING OUT