Sept. 6, 2004

LAS VEGAS - Former UNLV tailback Larry Croom went from an undrafted free agent to a full-fledged NFL player this week as he made the Arizona Cardinals' official 53-man roster. Showing impressive running, pass-catching and blocking skills throughout preseason camp, Croom overcame long odds and stuck with new Head Coach Dennis Green's Cards. Croom, who led UNLV in rushing with 932 yards last year despite suffering a hamstring injury early in the season, is listed on the NFL squad's depth chart behind all-time rushing leader Emmitt Smith, newly acquired runner Troy Hambrick and Josh Scobey. Croom, who originally played at the University of Arizona before transferring to join John Robinson's Rebels, is the first UNLV running back to appear on an NFL regular-season roster since James Wofford played a season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2002. Another 2003 Rebel senior, offensive lineman Dominic Furio, was also fighting for a roster spot late in camp after being a seventh-round draft choice by Philadelphia. The center was placed on injured reserve Sunday by the Eagles. Other Rebels appearing on final NFL rosters included a trio of veterans all still with teams that drafted them out of UNLV in 2002: Denver Bronco safety Sam Brandon, Buffalo Bill cornerback Kevin Thomas and Seattle Seahawk defensive lineman Anton Palepoi. The other Rebel on an active roster is journeyman defensive end Keith Washington, who is the starting right end for the New York Giants. The 10-year veteran has played for five pro teams since starring for the 1994 Big West Conference-champion Rebel squad. One name conspicuously absent from active rosters this fall is two-time Pro Bowl player Keenan McCardell. The only Rebel ever to score in a Super Bowl, McCardell ranks 16th in NFL history with 724 receptions but has been entangled in a contract dispute with his latest team Tampa Bay. His status remains in limbo as the Buccaneers placed him on the Reserve--Did Not Report List back on July 30.