Aug. 14, 2007

UNLV Football Preseason Practice Photo Gallery

UNLV PLAYER OF THE DAY:

Shane Horton, DB, 6-2, 205, Chatsworth, CA (Notre Dame HS)

The UNLV coaching staff knew it had a gem when versatile athlete Shane Horton signed with the Rebels in February over offers from hometown UCLA and the University of Washington.

General opinion inside the Lied Athletic Complex was that Horton would play on defense and compete for playing time right away. Now two weeks into camp, the youngster is quickly rolling past all expectations and fighting for one of the starting safety spots.

And that is why he is our third UNLV Player of the Day.

"He's a really good player, obviously," says head coach Mike Sanford. "He's already a starter on every special team. Shane's a natural tackler who is a very smart football player. While he's still learning his way back there, he is a true student of the game and no doubt will play a lot for us this season."

High praise for a newbie, but Horton says he is only concerned with helping his team win games.

"Camp has been a lot of fun and a great bonding experience for this team," he says. "I am here to do whatever it takes to help the team. Whether I start, redshirt or play on the scout team, I am doing what I love."

With desirable size, speed and smarts, it looks like Rebel fans will love watching Shane Horton line up in the defensive backfield for the next four seasons.