Aug. 14, 2006

MONDAY'S CAMP STAR:

Jacob Hales, 6-5, 280, Soph., Las Vegas, Las Vegas High School

He may be young athletically but soon-to-be 24-year-old UNLV defensive lineman Jacob Hales is one of the oldest player on the team as well as being one of its keys to success in the trenches this fall.

Hales attended Southern Utah University for one season out of Las Vegas High and then served his church mission starting in fall 2002. Last season, his first playing for UNLV, Hales appeared in all 11 games and recorded his first career quarterback sack.

Now only a sophomore, he projects to be a starter somewhere along the line when his team kicks off vs. Idaho State on Sept. 2. Lining up at both end and tackle, Hales has turned in a stellar first week of camp and is our second Camp Star for his efforts.

"I have great respect for Jacob Hales because he is a perfect example of exactly what we are trying to do with this program," UNLV head coach Mike Sanford said. "He has a tremendous work ethic and is one of the top athletes on the team, which has carried over into this camp."

Hales, who was named his program's Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2005 and is currently a member of the Rebel Leadership Committee, says the off-campus preseason has been good for him and the team.

"The weather's great for practicing and there are no distractions," he said. "It's something new for us and a good opportunity for us to be together as a team."