Oct. 4, 2001

LAS VEGAS - Two standouts on the UNLV football team are among five Mountain West Conference players that have already earned an invitation to the fourth annual Rotary Gridiron Classic presented by Tyco.

Senior cornerback Kevin Thomas and senior defensive tackle Ahmad Miller both will have the opportunity to play in the Florida all-star game, which will take place at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002.

Thomas, a three-time first-team all-conference selection, is the UNLV all-time leader in pass breakups with 49. If he accepts the invitation, Thomas would play for Team USA. Miller, who is from Bradenton, Fla., is tied for the team lead with two quarterback sacks and would suit up for Team Florida.

UNLV had its first-ever participant in last year's game when tailback Jeremi Rudolph helped Team Florida win 10-0 under the guidance of former Green Bay Packer and Indianapolis Colt head coach Lindy Infante.

The other MWC players extended an invitation were Colorado State wide receiver Pete Rebstock and safety Aaron Sprague and New Mexico running back Jarrod Baxter.