UNLV bolsters defense with 2 junior college tackles

UNLV Rebels defensive line coach Tony Samuel, right, and head coach Tony Sanchez coach from the sideline as defensive back Greg Francis (23) looks on during the first half of their game in Reno, Nevada, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Heidi Fang Las Vegas Review-Journal @HeidiFang

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Graney: Rebel greats of the past watch Spring Showcase — PHOTOS

Graney: UNLV’s Go-Go offense should be Oh-No for opponents

By Mark Anderson Las Vegas Review-Journal

January 21, 2018 - 1:28 pm

UNLV’s football team will have to replace the heart of its defense, tackles Mike Hughes Jr. and Jason Fao, and might have found those players Sunday.

Junior college players Tavis Malakius (6-feet-3-inches, 297 pounds) and Dominion Ezinwa (6-4, 320) tweeted their commitments to the Rebels. Each will have three seasons of eligibility.

Malakius played at Fort Scott (Kansas) Community College. He also was offered a scholarship by Alabama-Birmingham, according to 247Sports.

Ezinwa was at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He made 29 tackles, including 5.5 for loss and half a sack. Ezinwa also intercepted a pass.

More Rebels: Follow all of our UNLV coverage online at reviewjournal.com/Rebels and @RJRebels on Twitter.

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.

Review-Journal hires new reporter to cover UNLV, Aces

By Jim Barnes / RJ

May 4, 2024 - 1:48 pm

The Review-Journal’s award-winning sports staff has added a new reporter to cover UNLV and the two-time defending WNBA champion Aces.

UNLV football coach gets contract extension; buyout details revealed

By Jim Barnes / RJ

April 12, 2024 - 6:16 pm

Barry Odom led UNLV to a 9-5 record and a first-place regular-season finish in the Mountain West in his first season as coach. He was named the conference’s coach of the year.

Graney: Rebel greats of the past watch Spring Showcase — PHOTOS

By Ed Graney / RJ

April 6, 2024 - 7:51 pm

Members of the record-breaking 1984 UNLV football team were in attendance at the Spring Showcase, echoing the current team’s goal of a championship.

Graney: UNLV’s Go-Go offense should be Oh-No for opponents

By Ed Graney / RJ

April 5, 2024 - 7:15 am

Talent everywhere — from those returning and those arriving — could make the UNLV football offense of coordinator Brennan Marion even more potent in 2024.

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs for a touchdown against Florida during the first half o ...

Hill: What would it actually cost Raiders to trade into top 3?

By Adam Hill / RJ

March 9, 2024 - 4:55 pm

It’s popular to say the Raiders should trade into the top three of the NFL draft to ensure a chance to select a franchise quarterback. But it’s not that easy.

UNLV football head coach Barry Odom watches his team on the first day of practice Saturday, Mar ...

Hill: UNLV football already looking to exploit new NCAA rules

By Adam Hill / RJ

March 2, 2024 - 6:24 pm

New rules governing the use of technology and clock management have not even been approved by the NCAA yet, but UNLV coach Barry Odom is preparing for them.

Graney: UNLV football says historic season ‘wasn’t good enough’

By Ed Graney / RJ

March 2, 2024 - 5:22 pm

The Rebels, who opened spring practice Saturday, said they could have done more last season than win nine games and reach a bowl game.

UNLV football coach Barry Odom rides a live bull at a “Horns & Helmets” event at the South ...

Watch UNLV football coach Barry Odom ride a live bull — VIDEO

By Ed Graney / RJ

March 4, 2024 - 12:03 pm

UNLV’s Barry Odom found a unique way to celebrate his team opening spring practice Saturday. Odom rode a live bull at a “Horns Helmets” event at the South Point late that evening.

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UNLV football unveils tentative 2024 schedule

By Ben Gotz / RJ

February 29, 2024 - 1:41 pm

The Rebels will play six home games at Allegiant Stadium in 2024 as they look to build off the momentum of coach Barry Odom’s first season.

UNLV included in EA Sports’ college football video game

By Mick Akers / RJ

February 26, 2024 - 11:58 am

The long-awaited reboot of EA Sports’ college football video game series is expected to be released this summer, and UNLV will be among the schools included.