CAMP PRACTICE NUMBER: 5

DAYS UNTIL KICKOFF: 24

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Obviously bittersweet to have her go -- but not surprised. The SEC is getting a great one."
-UNLV Head Coach Marcus Arroyo about the departure of Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois to Missouri



FAREWELL APPEARANCE
Outgoing UNLV Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois dropped by practice at Rebel Park Monday morning to say good-bye to the football team as she transitions to leading the University of Missouri.

Following the session, head coach Marcus Arroyo was asked by the media about Reed-Francois' impact.

"I'm thankful for her vision -- for what she's laid the groundwork for here. We chose to come here based on that vision, collectively, both with her and the community and the city and the people."

Asked about her making sure to address the players and staff one day after the change was announced, Arroyo said he was not surprised.

"I would expect nothing less than for her to come out here and see us face-to-face and communicate. She's been first-class since the first time we spoke. That's the way she's wired, the way I'm wired. It's the right way to go about your business. (Coming out here in person) is just a perfect example of that."


BACK TO REBEL PARK
A day after working out at the Las Vegas Raiders indoor facility in Henderson, the team was back at Rebel Park for its fifth practice of camp.

Arroyo said Sunday's experience offered a lesson in how valuable relationships are in life.

"I couldn't be more thankful to Coach Gruden, Dan Ventrelle and the Raiders and that partnership. It was a big coaching point for our team in regards to a bigger picture, where there's a lot of things you're trying to teach these guys and I think one of the things is relationships. For me to be able to pick the phone up and directly call coach Gruden and ask a favor says a lot about him, about us, about our relationship, about the city about the community, about the partnership, about the movement. That's a narrative that needs to be talked about. That's how you build a big time city of sports. Being able to bring things together from all angles and communicate well, you build partnerships that are organic. And I think our guys cherished the opportunity to go over there."