LAS VEGAS - Defensive lineman Jameer Outsey's college football journey has taken a lot of twists and turns, but the New Jersey native has found stability at UNLV.

Outsey signed with Big Ten member Iowa out of high school after having played five different positions during his prep career - defensive end, defensive tackle, linebacker, tight end and wide receiver - but was recruited by the Hawkeyes as a linebacker. After redshirting the 2014 season, Iowa's coaching staff moved Outsey from linebacker to tight end, where he saw action in eight games that year and caught one pass for eight yards. At the conclusion of the 2015 season, Outsey headed west to Mesa Community College in Arizona, moving back to the other side of the ball as a defensive lineman, where he was a dominant force with 46 tackles, 6.5 sacks, two interceptions and one fumble recovery in one season with the Thunderbirds.

Head coach Tony Sanchez and his staff took notice of the 6-3, 240-pound Outsey and recruited him to come to Las Vegas prior to the 2017 season. Outsey was the final addition to Sanchez's class a year ago and didn't arrive on campus until late July after having to wait for his academics to be cleared by the university. While Outsey was able to jump into camp and compete right away, he still spent the early part of the 2017 campaign adjusting to the program and learning the defense. Now with a full collegiate year in the same position under his belt, Outsey feels more confident than ever.

"It's the first time in my life that I've had a full season and offseason playing and preparing for the same position," said Outsey. "I think it's been really beneficial for me, just being able to carry what I learned last season into the offseason and then all the work in the weight room and the technique things I've been able to work on in a full year with a D1 program, especially with someone like [Strength and Conditioning Sean Manuel] Coach Manny, who played in the NFL and knows what he's talking about."

Despite getting here late, Outsey made an impact in 2017 as he finished with 25 tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two sacks and a 53-yard fumble recovery and return - but he's not satisfied with his performance last season.

"I didn't really like the player I put on film last year, so I want to make sure that I put the player that I think I am on film this year. I'm focused on improving on all the little things that I messed up on - I want to be the best I can be, I'm not going to compare myself to anyone else. I just want to continue to improve and maximize my potential."

In a short time, Outsey has also emerged as one of the leaders on the defensive line and this summer had the opportunity to represent the defense at the 2018 Mountain West Football Media Summit in July at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. It was an experience Outsey says he will remember for the rest of his life.

"That was a really humbling experience, something I've never seen before," said Outsey. "Coming from where I come from, guys never get to see or do anything like that - staying in a hotel on the strip and all of the media exposure - it was truly a blessing just to be able to be a part of that. It's something I'll never forget and hopefully I'll get to tell my kids about that someday."

Camp Rebel continues with morning practices on Thursday and Friday, followed by an evening scrimmage Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium and an off day for the team on Sunday. Practices are closed to the public.

UNLV opens its season September 1 at USC. Season tickets are on sale now starting at only $99 for all six home games. Three-game and group ticket packages are also available with Eat All You Can Plans for as low as $79 per ticket. UNLV has also introduced the Better Seats Promise. Ticket plan holders are guaranteed better seats than single-game purchasers. Other season ticket packages include faculty & staff, alumni and groups.

To learn more or to purchase tickets, please visit UNLVtickets.com or call 702-739-FANS (3267). Parking is free at Sam Boyd Stadium for Rebel football games. Season ticket holders will receive priority access for seating at Rebel games inside Las Vegas Stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2020.