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Converted UNLV cornerback Williams makes big play, gives up big play

Jonavaughn Williams signed with UNLV in 2012 as a wide receiver, and he showed in Saturday's scrimmage at Nellis Air Force Base what he can do with the football in his hands.

The 6-foot, 190-pound junior cornerback intercepted a Kurt Palandech pass and bolted down the left sideline for a 51-yard touchdown.

"They've been running that out a lot, so I read it and saw it and trusted myself," Williams said.

He faced off against star sophomore wide receiver Devonte Boyd during much of the scrimmage.

On one play, Boyd juked Williams to turn a short pass into a 55-yard touchdown. It's a feeling many defensive backs are familiar with in facing Boyd.

"I go from making a good play to giving up a touchdown to a good receiver," Williams said. "I've got to think in my head, 'Next play.' I moved to corner recently, so it's good to go up against someone as good as him."

NOTABLE

Freshman Xzaviar Campbell led all running backs with 44 yards on eight carries. Senior Jamal Overton was next with 39 yards on six rushes. Freshman Lexington Thomas did not carry the ball. "We need him for the fall," coach Tony Sanchez said. "He's getting plenty of carries, and we figured, 'Hey, let's give these other guys some (repetitions). He's already proven what he can do, and we need him healthy." ... The preseason is not only a learning experience for the players but also the officials. One official mistakenly hit junior running back David Greene with a personal foul. Then another official alerted his colleague the penalty should have been on Campbell. "It's one of those deals, you're not in high school anymore, you can't talk," Sanchez said, referring to Campbell. "It's a lesson. Thank goodness it wasn't a game. That's the whole thing about coming out and doing these live game situations." ... Senior safety Kenny Keys did not practice because of an injured right shoulder, which was in a sling. "If we played today, he would've played," Sanchez said. "There's no point throwing him in there."

POSITION SPOTLIGHT

Wide receiver

UNLV will put one of the top receiving groups in the Mountain West on the field this season. Boyd, in particular, is trying to build on his first season in which he set UNLV freshman records with 65 catches for 980 yards.

Wide receiver (outside)

Devonte Boyd So. 6-1 175

Darren Woods Jr. Fr. 6-1 220

Wide receiver (slot)

Anthony Williams Sr. 5-11 195

Aaron Criswell Sr. 5-10 180

Wide receiver (outside)

Kendal Keys So. 6-4 200

Brandon Presley Fr. 6-0 175

SITTING OUT

Player Pos. Injury

Kyle Anderson TE Ankle

Najee Johnson LB Toe

Kenny Keys S Shoulder

Marc Philippi FB Foot

Jeremiah Valoaga DE Foot

— Mark Anderson/Las Vegas Review-Journal

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