April 25, 2004

LAS VEGAS - Center Dominic Furio became the first offensive lineman drafted from UNLV in a decade when he was selected in the seventh round by the Philadelphia Eagles as part of the second day of the NFL Draft on Sunday.

Furio, who was the emotional leader of the Rebel line as a senior, was the 243rd pick overall, the first UNLV player taken since 2002 and the first blocker since tackle Jerry Reynolds was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1994's sixth round. Reynolds went on to forge a productive pro career with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants.

Furio is the third Rebel ever drafted by Philadelphia but the first since 1985. The Eagles took quarterback Randall Cunningham (2nd round) and defensive lineman Tom Polley (eighth round) from the Rebels that year.

Furio, one of two permanent team captains in 2003, is a 6-3, 300-pound native of San Pedro, Calif. He started the last two seasons at center and closed his career by earning second team All-Mountain West Conference honors.

At last year's home opener vs. Toledo, Furio was honored as the recipient of the Tom Wiesner Award Jersey, which is annually worn by one senior player that best exemplifies the late Mr. Wiesner's courage, enthusiasm, dedication and toughness.

At the team's postseason banquet, Furio took home the Bill "Wildcat" Morris Most Inspirational Award, which is voted on by Rebel players, and the John Robinson Man of the Year Award, which is given to the student-athlete who possesses the highest integrity while aspiring for excellence.