Aug. 18, 2008
REBEL CAMP 2008 - Expecting to reign down like thunder on opposing offense this fall is defensive lineman Thor Pili (Orem, UT/Snow College), who has been nearly impossible to block during fall camp. And after a couple honorable mentions, Pili was wearing the Black Jersey to open up Monday's two-a-day session.
The camp he is having is an extension of a strong spring session and the work he put in during the summer, and he is part of a defensive line that has been a strength of the Rebels in camp.
"It feels great to earn the Black Jersey and be recognized by the coaches," Pili said. "Camp has gone great and the defense is playing really well. We are a lot closer this year as a unit and I am just trying to do whatever the coaches ask."
Last fall Pili showed flashes of his talents as a junior, recording 12 tackles in 10 games, but was slowed by a broken hand that happened before the first game of the season. Now, following a full year in the Rebel defensive system, Pili looks primed for a strong senior season.
"Thor is really doing well and has been playing and working hard during camp," UNLV head coach Mike Sanford said. "He really made a commitment last spring and summer, and I expect big things from him this year."
Sophomore quarterback Omar Clayton (Normal, IL/Normal Community HS) earned the Black Jersey for a second time in fall camp, following a strong Sunday practice.
"Omar did a tremendous job of practicing and leading the team yesterday," Sanford said. "He did a great job with game management."
Honorable mentions included Starr Fuimaono (Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS) and Martin Tevaseu (Boonville, CA/Santa Rosa JC) on defense and Johan Asiata (Kalihi, HI/Yuba College) and Jerriman Robinson (Rialto, CA/Texas Southern) on offense.
BLACK JERSEY WINNERS
Aug. 10: DB Geoffery Howard & WR Ryan WolfeAug. 11: DL Malo Taumua & OL Matt MurphyAug. 12: DL Malo Taumua & RB Frank SummersAug. 13: DL Jacob Hales & WR Ryan WolfeAug. 14: LB Starr Fuimaono & QB Omar ClaytonAug. 15: LB Jason Beauchamp & WR Casey FlairAug. 17: LB Jason Beauchamp & OL Matt MurphyAug. 18: DL Thor Pili & QB Omar Clayton
