Rebels snare early honors

Steve Guiremand

Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2000 | 11:07 a.m.

UNLV was well represented on the preseason football All-Mountain West team released today at the conference's annual media day held at the Four Seasons hotel.

Junior cornerback Kevin Thomas was named the preseason defensive player of the year while sophomore quarterback Jason Thomas, a transfer from Southern Cal who is expected to start for the Rebels, was picked newcomer of the year.

Two other Rebels earned first-team all-conference honors -- senior running back Jeremi Rudolph and senior punter Ray Cheetany.

Utah wide receiver/punt returner Steve Smith was picked as the conference's player of the year, while Wyoming quarterback Jay Stoner was the offensive player of the year.

UNLV was picked to finish sixth in the media poll and seventh in the coaches' poll. Utah was selected to win the league in both polls.

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