LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV football's memorable 40-37 home victory over Vanderbilt on Saturday continues to produce recognition for the Rebels as two players were announced Tuesday as part of weekly honors from organizers of national collegiate awards.
Kicker Jose Pizano, who was previously announced as Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week, was one of three FBS booters named a Star of the Week by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award.
Pizano (piz-AH-no) tied the school record for kicking points in a game with 16, nailing four of his five field-goal attempts along with four successful PATs. His 36-yard field goal with five seconds remaining was the game-winner for the Rebels, who were hosting an SEC opponent during the regular season for the first time. A Super Senior transfer from Missouri State, he improved to 7-of-8 on the season in field goals and a perfect 9-for-9 on extra points. Pizano is currently tied for third in the nation with 2.33 field goals per game.
Wide receiver Jacob De Jesus was one of five players named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll this week. The Paul Hornung Award, presented by Texas Roadhouse, is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football. Fans can vote online for the award by visiting https://www.louisvillesports.org/paul-hornung/award-poll/.
A former transfer from Modesto JC, De Jesus touched the ball four different ways in the Rebels' win over the Commodores. He caught three passes for 62 yards, including a 48-yard scoring reception late in the fourth quarter that gave UNLV a 37-30 lead. He also had one rush for two yards, returned four kickoffs for 101 yards and returned a punt 22 yards. On the season, De Jesus leads the nation in kickoff return yards with 259 and ranks fourth in KOR average at 37.0, which is first among any player with more than five attempts. He also stands third in the country in all-purpose yards with 155.0 per game.
UNLV next travels to UTEP for the first time in 30 years this Saturday (6 p.m. PT on ESPN+) before returning to open conference play by hosting Hawai'i at Allegiant on September 30 starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are on sale now by calling (702) 739-FANS or visiting unlvtickets.com.
