Dec. 26, 2006

LAS VEGAS - Second team All-Mountain West Conference defensive back Eric Wright has become the first UNLV football player in history to leave the program early to make himself available for the NFL Draft in April.

Wright spent two years at UNLV after transferring from Southern California. The native of San Francisco practiced with the Rebels but sat out the 2005 season per NCAA transfer rules and then started at cornerback and kickoff return man this past fall.

"I want to thank UNLV and the Las Vegas community, especially (UNLV head coach) Mike Sanford and (athletics director) Mike Hamrick for giving me a chance to play for the Rebels, but I just feel like it's time to go to the next level," Wright said. "I am a Rebel for life and I'm proud that I was part of a great foundation that the coaching staff has built. I know UNLV will win."

Despite missing three of 12 games because of a knee injury, Wright totaled 29 tackles and one forced fumble and one interception, which he returned 32 yards. He finished the regular season tied for third in the MWC and 40th nationally in passes defended with 1.0 per game. He also ranked second in the conference and stands 32nd in the nation in kickoff returns with a 23.9-yard average. The speedy two-way threat also lined up on offense in a few games, rushing twice for a total of 36 yards.

"Although we would love to have Eric back to be a part of our football program for his senior season, he has made up his mind to go out early," Sanford said. "He is a very talented player and we expect him to go on to do great things. Despite the fact that he was at UNLV only two years and played only one, I think he'll always consider himself to be a Rebel."