October 28, 1998

LAS VEGAS - UNLV senior defensive end Talance Sawyer has been invited to play in this season's Hooters Hula Bowl All-Star Football Classic, Head Coach Jeff Horton announced Wednesday following practice.

Sawyer, a first-team All-WAC player a year ago, currently leads the conference in tackles for loss with 17. The Bastop, La., native also has a team-leading four quarterback sacks and one interception.

"It's an honor to be chosen," Sawyer said. "I'm glad I'll have a chance to showcase my talents in front of the NFL scouts. It will be more like a business trip for me. I'm looking forward to it."

Sawyer is the first player to be chosen for a postseason all-star game since Rebel offensive lineman Dennis Whitmore played in the Hula Bowl following the 1996 season. This marks the sixth time a UNLV player will compete in the annual Hawaii showcase - more than any postseason game.

This year's Hula Bowl will be played at War Memorial Stadium in Maui on Sunday, Jan. 24.