LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - While UNLV prepares for a Sunday evening practice heading into an off day on Monday, #CampRebel Report checks in with the former Rebels trying to play in the NFL this season.

As of August 20, there are seven UNLV alumni in camps.

The old man of the group again is big Joe Hawley (2006-09), who recently signed a two-year contract extension to remain the starting center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You can catch Joe on the current season of HBO's "Hard Knocks." Hawley, who has started 52 of his 87 career games in the NFL, is going down as one of the most successful professional players to ever come out of UNLV, joining the elite group of names such as Randall Cunningham, Keenan McCardell, Mike Thomas and Charles Dimry.

Linebacker John Lotulelei (2011-12) is currently listed No. 2 at weakside linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys after having played for the Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders.

Big Brett Boyko (2011-14), the former quarterback from Canada who became a four-year starter at offensive line for the Rebels, is trying to make the San Diego Chargers after spending last fall on their practice squad.

Speaking of O-linemen, one of Boyko's former teammates, Cameron Jefferson (2011-13) is now a member of the Buffalo Bills after previously spending time with the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos. Jefferson, who spent his final year at Arkansas after graduating early from UNLV, has a Super Bowl ring from the Broncos.

Three players in camp are from last year's Rebel squad. Former tight end Andrew Price (2013-16) recently signed a contract with the Detroit Lions and joined former defensive end Jeremiah Valoaga (2012-13 & 2015-16) in Motown. The third member of that trio is defensive back Torry McTyer (2013-16) who is trying to catch on with the Miami Dolphins.

HELMETS ON!

In celebration of the 50th Year of Rebel Football, UNLV Athletics has created a special collection of pocket-sized helmets as a unique gift for season-ticket holders.

The six-helmet set, produced by Riddell, features three different helmet designs from head coach Tony Sanchez's first two seasons along with three "throwback" helmets from previous decades.

The helmets are only available to UNLV football season-ticket buyers (one per account) as a show of appreciation for their support as we approach the 50th season-opening kickoff in school history September 2 vs. Howard University at 6 p.m.

Season tickets to the program's six home dates, which include BYU, Hawai'i and San Diego State, are on sale now and start as low as $99 (plus fees). Log on to UNLVtickets.com or call (702) 739-FANS to purchase or for more information.

Current or new account holders can collect their helmet set at a Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Event scheduled around the team's practice on campus Sunday, August 27. Invitations to the special event were emailed Friday. The helmet sets will also be available for pickup for existing and new accounts at the Rebel Block Party before the season-opening game September 2 and starting this week at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office during regular business hours.

UP NEXT

While the players will have Monday off from practice, head coach Tony Sanchez will be busier than ever. Sanchez will be picked up by a helicopter courtesy of Papillon Grand Canyon Tours at 5:15 a.m. and flown around the city in order to become the first person in history to appear live on all four local network morning television shows.

Look for Coach on Channel 3 around 6:10 a.m. PT, Channel 8 around 6:45 a.m., Channel 5 around 7:30 a.m. and Channel 13 around 9:00 a.m.