Camp Rebel continued Thursday on a hotter-than-normal August morning with a shorter half pads session at Rebel Park. The Rebels will have one more half pads session Friday morning before their second scrimmage of the preseason, which is set for Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Sam Boyd Stadium. As a special treat, coach
Tony Sanchez has opened the scrimmage to the public. Sunday will be an off day.
One Rebel who is use to the Vegas heat during camp is fifth-year senior offensive lineman
Justin Polu, a local product out of Silverado High School who was part of Sanchez's first recruiting class at UNLV. He came to campus as a three-star prospect that was lightly recruited outside of Vegas and has developed into a honors candidate and NFL prospect heading into his final collegiate season. After redshirting in 2015, Polu has started all 36 games of his career at right tackle, helping the Rebels ranking in the top 20 in the nation in rushing yards per game each of the last three seasons. The soft-spoken lineman was named to the official preseason All-Mountain West Team and has a chance to become the first Rebel in 17 years to earn a First Team All-Mountain West selection.Â
Polu doesn't take this chance to leave his mark on the UNLV record books lightly.
"It really means a lot to be in this position," said Polu. "Coming out of high school, I wasn't really recruited a lot so it's great to be recognized, but I wouldn't be here without my other o-lineman and Coach [Garin] Justice."
What makes the opportunity even more special is being able to do it for his hometown school in front of family and friends.
"I really appreciate Coach Sanchez taking a chance on me," he said. "I never thought I'd be here, but just to be able to play for my city and play in front of my family and friends has meant everything to me."
RISE AND GRIND
Episode 16 - Equipment Staff
UNLV opens its season August 31 by hosting Southern Utah at 7 pm. Season tickets, which start as low as $99, are available now and as part of UNLV's Faithful Fan Pricing initiative, fans purchasing season tickets this year may purchase season tickets for the same per-game price in the new Las Vegas Stadium opening in 2020.
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Single-game and season ticket mini-plans for UNLV football recently went on sale. This year's mini-plan allows fans to purchase tickets for the games vs. Boise State, San Diego State and Hawai'i for one low price that includes a meal combo and the commemorative giveaway T-shirt each week. Prices for the mini-plan are $99 for end-zone locations and $150 for sideline seats. Mini-plans, as well as full season tickets are available now by calling (702) 739-3267 (FANS) or visiting unlvtickets.com.
