May 19, 2005

LAS VEGAS - Former four-year starting UNLV punter Gary Cook recently signed a free-agent contract with the Oakland Raiders, which brings to five the number of 2004 Rebels who have joined NFL teams.

Cook, who was one of only 10 semifinalists for the prestigious Ray Guy Award last season, left UNLV with a career average of 40.7 yards per attempt. The native of Truckee, Calif., punted more times (281) for more yards (11,430) than anyone in Mountain West Conference history. Also the Rebels' holder on kicks, Cook placed an impressive 28 percent of his career boots inside opponents' 20-yard line.

Two of Cook's former teammates, standout linebackers Adam Seward (Carolina Panthers) and Ryan Claridge (New England Patriots) were drafted in the fifth round of April's NFL Draft. Also, two-time All-American Jamaal Brimmer signed with the Seattle Seahawks while UNLV all-time receiving yards leader Earvin Johnson joined the Tennessee Titans.