LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – Three former UNLV football players – all offensive linemen – are part of opening day rosters of CFL teams that kick off the season starting Friday.
 
Tiger Shanks (at UNLV 2020-24), who became the first-ever Rebel blocker named first team all-conference twice in a career last fall, was the highest drafted UNLV player in CFL history at pick number five in the first round by Montreal in April. Expected to start at right tackle, he and the Alouettes open things up Friday night vs. the Toronto Argonauts.
 
Former NFL player Brett Boyko (UNLV 2011-14), who came to Las Vegas out of Saskatoon, is starting his third season at right tackle for the Edmonton Elks. The veteran also spent time with two other teams north of the border and opens the 2025 on Saturday at one of his former squads, the BC Lions.
 
Another veteran of the CFL, Kyle Saxelid (UNLV 2014-17) begins his seventh year and second with Calgary. He and the Stampeders kick off Saturday by hosting the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.