Aug. 11, 2008

REBEL CAMP 2008 -- - Two sophomore linemen on opposite sides of the ball were honored with Monday's Black Jerseys as Week Two of UNLV football preseason camp got underway.

Returning starting left offensive tackle Matt Murphy (Lake Forest, CA/El Toro HS) and returning starting defensive tackle Malo Taumua (Honolulu/Aiea HS) were the second set of honorees.

"Matt Murphy pulled a hamstring right before camp so he has been playing hurt but has still been doing everything right," said head coach Mike Sanford about the 2007 Freshman All-America tackle. "He's just a blue-collar guy on the line who's just going to get better and better."

Taumua, who is no stranger to the Black Jersey after winning one during spring ball, continues to impress among the defense's top unit.

"Malo was just a guy who was everywhere at Sunday's practice," Sanford said. "He's relentless and gives maximum effort. He's also lost some weight so he is in the best shape since he's been here, which makes him even more effective."

The 6-0, 270-pound run stuffer said he is looking forward to seeing what this D-line can do in 2008 after enjoying a dominating spring effort.

"We are coming together into one as a line and are looking to bring our success in the spring into the season," said Taumua. "(New assistant) Coach (Andre) Patterson is showing us a lot of techniques he brought from the NFL and he's a great teacher."

BLACK JERSEY WINNERSAug. 10: DB Geoffery Howard & WR Ryan WolfeAug. 11: DL Malo Taumua & OL Matt Murphy