Las Vegas Sun

April 19, 2024

UNLV

23 Matt Lea

  • Defensive back
  • Grade: Sophomore
  • Height: 5′10″
  • Weight: 210 lbs

Player Bio: UNLV: A hard-hitting returning starter who is listed No. 1 at the strongside linebacker spot heading into fall … Last name is pronounced “Lee.”

2014: Earned his first letter as a Rebel by playing in all 13 games and starting six … Made his first collegiate start at San Diego State on Sept. 27 … Finished sixth on the team with 52 total tackles, including three for loss … Also recovered one fumble.

2013: Redshirted season.

2012: Grayshirted season after signing with the program in February … One of 10 recruits from California to sign with UNLV in 2012 … Played both defensive back and outside linebacker in high school.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2012 graduate of Central HS under coach Casey Quinn … A three-year letterwinner, he helped the Grizzlies to an 8-3 record his senior year and 7-3 as both a sophomore and junior … Earned All-Tri-River Athletic Conference honors all three seasons on the field … Named Second Team All-Bee from the Fresno Bee as a senior.