UNLV-Arizona notebook: Davis the face of Rebels WR’s

THREE-STEP DROP

■ Senior Devante Davis is the face of UNLV’s wide receivers, but this is a deep group that goes into Friday’s 7:30 p.m. season opener at Arizona. The Rebels bring back receivers who combined for 249 receptions last season, the second most nationally. (Washington State’s returning receivers had an astounding 422 catches.) For the Rebels, though, it’s not just about who’s back. Freshmen Devonte Boyd (Basic High) and Kendal Keys also will be a big part of the offense, and both shined in training camp.

■ Senior guard Brian Roth is this season’s recipient of the Tom Wiesner Award, which goes to the player who best exhibits enthusiasm and toughness. Roth’s jersey will include an insignia of the award on the back. Roth is listed even with sophomore Eric Noone, a Silverado High product, for starting left guard.

■ The Rebels have two players who are familiar with the Wildcats. Senior defensive linemen Josh Shirley (Washington) and Brandon Willis (UCLA) transferred to UNLV before camp, and both could start. Shirley is listed even with senior Siuea Vaesau at end, and Willis or junior Tuli Fakauho could start at tackle. UNLV has made a habit of bringing over players from the Pac-12 Conference, with 22 players transferring since 1999.

FOR THE RECORD

■ UNLV has not won a season opener since defeating Sacramento State 38-3 in 2009. The Rebels’ last road victory to open a season occurred in 2007, a 23-16 win at Utah State.

■ Senior Marcus Sullivan, a Cheyenne High graduate, enters the season as the Rebels’ all-time leading kickoff returner, averaging 26.7 yards per runback.

■ UNLV and Arizona have experienced senior linemen. Rebels center Robert Waterman and Wildcats left tackle Mickey Baucus each have started 38 consecutive games, just one behind the national lead shared by five linemen.

MARK ANDERSON/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL