LAS VEGAS  - Another perfect Las Vegas morning greeted UNLV football on day three of #CampRebel. The first half pads session of the fall kicked up the intensity a notch with one-on-one segments and work in the trenches. 

While the practice was highlighted by a pair of perfect long strikes by quarterback Armani Rogers to wide receivers Darren Woods Jr. and Drew Tejchman, the defense won its fair share of battles. Those battles got particularly feisty on the edges, where senior Jocquez Kalili and junior Jericho Flowers will live this season. 

Kalili, a Las Vegas native who started his career as a running back at Arizona before spending two seasons at junior college, joined the Rebels prior to 2017 as a walk-on and worked his way up the depth chart, eventually earning a scholarship at the end of spring as he took over the No. 1 spot at right cornerback. He played in seven games last fall, including four straight starts, before an injury cut his year short. Heading into his senior season, Kalili is focused on one thing: giving this team everything he has.

"I'm trying to be the best teammate I can be," said Kalili. "I'm taking it snap by snap and working on all the little things to help the team win."

Flowers has had a unique path in his career after being forced into emergency wide receiver duty as a freshman after a rash of injuries to that group in 2016. In 2017, Flowers switched back to his natural position and got stronger each and every week, playing in all 12 games with 10 starts while collecting 60 tackles and three pass break ups. With a full year under his belt, Flowers is sure he can take his game to the next level.

"Having the experience now, I feel like I'm coming into this year with more energy and I'm able to play faster," said Flowers. "For both me and Jocquez, we are shooting to be the best corner duo in the conference and I think we have a chance to be great out there."

For Kalili and Flowers, it all comes down to confidence and this year that has started with new defensive coordinator Tim Skipper.

"He's brought this defense confidence and a new energy," said Flowers. "He wants us to come out here and play with a lot of enthusiasm and play for each other. It's all about playing together and giving that extra little bit every time we take the field."

UNLV opens its season September 1 at USC. The home opener is September 8 vs. UTEP. 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.