Thomas anchoring defense for the Rebels

During his senior year at Foothill High School in Sacramento, Kevin Thomas found out what one or two inches can mean in the recruiting game.

Thomas was his team's MVP after garnering five interceptions and was also a second team all-Metro pick. But only UNLV, Oregon State and Utah State showed much interest in the cornerback.

"Everybody told me I was too small," the 5-11, 175-pound sophomore said. "Schools like Oregon and some other Pac-10 schools told me I was their second choice."

Those schools must be kicking themselves now.

Thomas, who started all 11 games at right corner as a redshirt freshman a year ago, has arguably been the most impressive Rebel defender in fall camp. He blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown in one scrimmage and intercepted a pass in another. He also is the team's best cover man day in and day out.

"I like him a lot," UNLV coach John Robinson said. "I think he can play corner for any team in the United States."

And he's grown just an inch since high school. Obviously, a few schools may have blown it when recruiting Thomas, who had seven pass breakups last year, 18th best in the WAC.

"I think he's a big-time corner," Robinson said. "If he matures physically over the next couple of years, I think he'll be able to play in the NFL. He's still learning, but he's got those kinds of skills down the road."

Thomas figures to have his hands full when UNLV opens its 1999 season next Thursday at North Texas. He'll be matched up most of the time against Mean Green senior Broderick McGrew, who besides having a four-inch height advantage, is very talented. The all-Big West wide receiver caught 26 passes for 393 yards and one touchdown a year ago and led the nation in kickoff returns with a 32.6 average.

"He's a big-time player and I'm looking forward to competing against him," Thomas said. "He's the guy I'll have to key on and find his flaws and strengths. I know they like to go deep to him a lot."

* SUIT 'EM UP: Cheyenne High School defensive lineman Lynn McGruder (6-1, 285), rated the top prep prospect in Nevada this year by national recruiting expert Tom Lemming of Schaumberg, Ill., attended Monday night's practice with his cousin, former UNLV star Hunkie Cooper.

McGruder, who had 20 sacks last year after moving in from Palestine, Texas, has been offered scholarships by Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor as well as UNLV.

"Hey, McGruder, get your helmet on and get out there with the second team," Robinson joked during a break in the practice.

McGruder wasn't the only big name in attendance. Former baseball star Rollie Fingers also attended as well as about 1,500 players from the Nevada Youth Football League who had earlier took part in a football clinic conducted by UNLV coaches.

* REBEL NOTES: Today is the last day of two-a-days. The Rebels will practice just once in the evening starting on Wednesday. ... Robinson was unsure whether he will hold another scrimmage on Thursday as previously planned. ... Star linebacker James Sunia sat out both practices on Monday after stubbing his toe on some stairs at his apartment. He said he'll return to practice today.

archive