UNLV Rebels Camp Report, Aug. 21

ELY – Speaking to strong safety Peni Vea three days ago, coach Bobby Hauck told him, "I can’t believe you broke my heart two years ago."

Vea seriously considered committing to play for UNLV under Hauck before signing with Utah State. But Vea wasn’t able to get into school there, so he gave the Rebels a second chance and joined the team last August.

"That’s a great deal to have him here," Hauck said. "He was one of my favorite guys in that recruiting class, and I really thought he was going to sign with us. I was a shocked that he didn’t."

Vea, a redshirt freshman, is second to senior Dre Crawford at his position and is expected to play a lot. He could have been on the other sideline this year. The Rebels play at Utah State on Sept. 29.

But he’s happy where he landed.

"I’m proud to be a Rebel," Vea said.

Hauck is happy Vea eventually made his way to Las Vegas.

"His inexperience shows at times, but he’s shown that he’s a real physical player," Hauck said. "The hitting’s good out of him. He’s a good tackler as well. He’s a bright kid. He’s got it figured out.

"He’s going to make some mistakes, but we’re pretty high on him, me in particular. I like the way he plays."

NOTABLE

Hauck said he expects senior guard Doug Zismann, who has been out for about a week with a head injury, to return this week. But sophomore Brian Roth and junior Brad Overand have done enough to make Zismann earn back the job. "He’s in a big battle," Hauck said. "It will be interesting to see where that goes through the week." … Sophomore wide receiver Marcus Sullivan spent the final 30 minutes of Monday’s afternoon practice in the trainers’ room receiving treatment. He has been out since Friday with an undisclosed injury. "Time is getting short, and we’ve got to get him back out here," Hauck said. … Redshirt freshman cornerback Fred Wilson practiced with the starting unit, but is second on the depth chart to junior Sidney Hodge. "(Wilson) is a backup, and he’s only one play away from playing," Hauck said. "We’re getting him as many (repetitions) as we can. Hodge has had a lot, so some of those young guys need more than Sidney does right now."

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SAFETY: Defensive coordinator and secondary coach J.D. Williams said he wants his safeties to be more physical, and believes he has those kinds of players. Kenny Keys and David Greene are competing at No. 2 free safety. Young players dominate both safety spots.

DEPTH CHART

Player Ht. Wt. Yr.

FREE SAFETY

Tajh Hasson 6-1 195 So.

Kenny Keys 6-4 185 Fr.

David Greene 6-0 195 Fr.

STRONG SAFETY

Dre Crawford 6-0 185 Sr.

Peni Vea 6-1 200 Fr.

SITTING OUT

Player Pos. Status

Alvin Amilcar DL Limited

David Green DL Out

Nick Gstrein TE Out

Sonny Sanitoa DE Out

Ron Scoggins OL Out

Marcus Sullivan WR Out

Doug Zismann OG Out