Las Vegas Sun

March 19, 2024

UNLV Quick Hits:

Several Rebels join NFL teams as free agents after going undrafted

UNLV vs. UNR 2013

Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun

UNLV wide receivers Devante Davis, left, and Maika Mataele celebrate Davis’ touchdown against UNR during their game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013 at Mackay Stadium in Reno.

The Rebel Room

Roster Makeover

It's been a month since the last Rebel Room and a lot has changed for UNLV. Las Vegas Sun sports reporters Ray Brewer and Taylor Bern get into Stephen Zimmerman's commitment, Christian Wood's departure and more, including Tony Sanchez's efforts to make the Rebels relevant in football recruiting.

Multiple former Rebels have signed free agent deals with NFL teams after no UNLV player was drafted for the fifth straight year.

Wide receiver Devante Davis and offensive lineman Brett Boyko both signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, defensive lineman Josh Shirley signed with the Oakland Raiders and defensive back Kenneth Penny signed with the Cleveland Browns. Davis was the only one projected to have a shot at getting drafted, but one of the best receivers in program history never heard his name called.

Davis finished second all-time in receiving yards behind only Ryan Wolfe, and during his breakout junior season Davis caught a school-record 14 touchdowns. However, a wrist injury limited his senior-year production, and Davis’ overall speed was one of his weaknesses after the combine and workouts.

Boyko, who played quarterback in high school in Canada, was UNLV’s starting left tackle before moving to guard midway through the 2014 season to try to help the offensive line overall. Boyko was limited in some of his pre-draft training by an arm injury he suffered in the season finale when UNR’s Rykeem Yates attempted to break his arm, according to Boyko.

“Cheapest play I’ve ever seen,” Boyko said after the game. “Be a man. Punch in the face if you want to mess around.”

Penny started every game of his senior season at cornerback and finished his career with 32 pass breakups and one interception. Shirley played one season at UNLV, recording 4.5 tackles for loss, including two sacks.

The last UNLV player drafted was offensive lineman Joe Hawley, who went in the fourth round to the Atlanta Falcons. Hawley is still with the Falcons.

No player from the Bobby Hauck era was ever drafted, and none who signed as a free agent played during the 2014 season.

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.

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