Clearing hurdles Pointer’s specialty

Editor's note: This is the final story in a series of features on players from the various units on the UNLV football team. Today is a look at the defensive backs and special teams players.

ELY -- He was an unwanted man.

A significant injury to Quinton Pointer's left knee in the spring of 2005 scared away schools. Eastern Michigan and Temple withdrew scholarship offers, and talks with Florida and Louisiana State quickly ended.

UNLV, alone among Division I-A football programs, stayed in touch.

Pointer played his senior season at Mariner High School in Cape Coral, Fla., despite the anterior cruciate ligament tear. He postponed surgery until after the season. The Rebels were willing to wait.

The patience paid off for both sides. Pointer, an incoming freshman, is close to reaching his dream of playing major college football, and UNLV has a cornerback it believes can be a difference maker. Pointer has been working with the first team, though cornerbacks coach Mike Bradeson said nothing is decided.

"It would mean a lot to me (to be a starter) because people gave up on me," Pointer said.

Saturday's scrimmage could go a long way toward determining whether the 5-foot-9-inch, 180-pound Pointer continues to line up with the first team when the Rebels start their season Aug. 30 at Utah State.

"He's a quick learner and has got a real good change of direction," Bradeson said. "Seems to be wise and savvy beyond his years."

And, obviously, determined.

Pointer was a high school hurdler. While preparing for a race, he landed improperly and tried to run before his coach realized the severity of the injury. An MRI exam revealed the ACL tear.

"It was real hard at first because (the doctor) told me I wouldn't be able to play," Pointer said. "It was my last year in high school, so from there, I didn't know if I was going to ... get offers because of my knee."

So Pointer decided if he never stepped on a college football field, he at least would put on the helmet and pads for one last season at Mariner -- ACL injury or not.

UNLV quarterback Rocky Hinds and kicker Sergio Aguayo played with ACL tears following early season injuries last year. They got through the season by running straight ahead and not cutting. It was more difficult for Pointer, a running back and safety. To simulate cutting, he had to move forward and then run to the side.

Pointer rushed for 836 yards and seven touchdowns, and he made 68 tackles, including two sacks, and intercepted a pass.

But the looming operation following the 2005 season overshadowed his play on the field. Only Noah Brindise, UNLV's former offensive coordinator who is from Florida, stayed with Pointer.

UNLV signed him in February 2006 knowing he would grayshirt -- not enroll until January 2007 -- to give his knee time to heal.

Finally, he could return to the field, going through spring practices earlier this year. More than that, Pointer pulled even with senior Mil'Von James on the depth chart.

If training camp is any indication, Pointer is ahead of James.

"I'm really excited to run with the first team and to get a chance to play," Pointer said. "I always look to be the best at my position."