Q&A with Rebels’ Alex De Giacomo

Although it's been another forgettable football season for UNLV fans, Rebels senior safety Alex De Giacomo wants to savor every moment.

Only five games remain in his college career, including Saturday's 11 a.m. PDT game at Brigham Young (3-5, 2-2 Mountain West).

De Giacomo, who transferred to UNLV (1-7, 1-3) two years ago from El Camino College in Torrance, Calif., recently answered 10 questions from the Review-Journal.

1. You're halfway through your senior season. Are you starting to see the end?

I'm trying to focus on each week, but I can definitely see an end. If anything, I'm trying to make the most of every game, every practice.

I'm trying to finish strong because it's kind of on bad terms right now. We've got weeks left. It can be done. We might as well do it.

2. This team seems like it's playing hard. Why has it been able to do that?

The new coaches have instilled that in our minds to play hard. If we're down a lot in games, we might as well play hard and go out fighting.

3. You've never played at BYU. What do you think about going up there?

I've heard they have a lot of fans, so I'm actually excited. I don't mind playing on the road. I kind of get to see a different atmosphere. It's always good to have the crowd talking trash to you.

4. What do you think about BYU's decision to go independent next year?

I was kind of hoping they would stay in the Mountain West, but they'll do what they've got to do. That's their business.

5. How much of a challenge has it been to play for two coaches in two years?

The coaches are almost the opposite. I've always liked coaches like Coach (Bobby) Hauck -- really tough, disciplined because football is a tough and disciplined sport.

6. Do you believe what he's doing will pay off later?

I can definitely see him in the future making this program what it needs to be.

7. Do you think playing for two coaches and the difficulty trying to win will make you a better person?

I've had to adapt to different philosophies in coaching, just different styles of coaching. Learning to adapt in the world is a big thing.

8. You're a physical education major. What do you want to DO with that degree?

Coach football and teach P.E. at the high school level for a little bit. High school and then go to a university.

9. What kind of coach would you be?

I always wanted to be cool and nice, but it's not going to work like that. I'm definitely going to be a players' coach, (but) I'm going to be stern in certain areas.

10. You visited Kansas State in recruiting. What prompted you to choose UNLV over the Wildcats?

They just got a new coach, and they weren't sure of offering me (a scholarship) right away. Also, it was far from home, and I wasn't sure if I could see myself there. Visiting with UNLV, it was a little closer, and I liked the program. Talking to the coaches, I felt real comfortable here.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.