Black making his mark at UNLV

Steve Guiremand

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2000 | 10:16 a.m.

Who: UNLV vs. New Mexico

When: Saturday, noon

Where: Sam Boyd Stadium

TV: KFBT, Ch. 6

Radio: KBAD 920-AM

When he was recruited by UNLV out of Clark High School back in 1996, Randy Black never envisioned himself leaving the Rebels one day with the school's career record in tackles.

"I didn't want to do that much tackling," the 6-foot, 200-pound senior said with a smile. "I wanted the interception record, the pass break-up record."

But with six tackles on Saturday against New Mexico, Black would break Darnell Pickens' school mark for career tackles set between 1984 and 1987.

Pickens had 289. Black currently has 284, including 10 in last week's 38-16 loss at Utah.

To say it has taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears would be an understatement.

Twice this season Black has had to undergo surgery to have small metal plates and screws inserted into each hand to help stabilize fractures. He played with a padded right hand at Utah just two weeks after breaking two bones in the hand while making a tackle against Wyoming.

Although there is no risk of further injury to the hand by playing, it still is very painful to make even a fist, much less grab an opposing player and throw him to the ground.

"I took a direct hit on it during the Utah game," Black said. "I wanted to cry right there on the field for the first time in my life. That was the worst feeling I had felt in a long time. But it's something that I have to deal with.

"Right now I would trade anybody for their two hands, but I wouldn't trade them this opportunity ... the opportunity to play ball here, the opportunity to break the record, the opportunity to play for Coach Robinson, having fun with the chance to still go to a bowl game. I'll take those opportunities even with my messed up hands."

Says Robinson of Black: "He's a real test of courage."

As for breaking Pickens' record, Black said he thought he'd never do it as recently as two weeks ago.

"I thought my season was over when I broke my hand," he said. "I didn't think I'd get the chance. I thought I was done.

"(The record) will only stay for a year and then Suie (injured linebacker James Sunia, who has 260 career tackles) will come back and break it again. But it's a piece of history. I like that. It'll be good for years down the road when someone sees it and goes, 'Randy Black, who was he?' "

Black said he will be trying his hardest not to think about the record during UNLV's crucial Mountain West game against New Mexico on Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium.

"I can't let the thought of breaking the record interfere with playing my game," Black said. "I just have to remain focused on my job and make the plays. The rest will take care of itself."

"It feels a little sore," Thomas said. "On a scale of one to 10, I'd say it's around a six. But I can play (Saturday against New Mexico). I can drop back. I did that (Tuesday night). I'll keep getting treatments and be ready to go again (today).

Three Rebels who didn't practice on Tuesday were wide receiver Nate Turner (ankle), linebacker Ryan Claridge (knee) and defensive tackle Dietrich Canterberry (knee). However, all are expected to play Saturday.

The event will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Rebel Park practice field. Food and drinks will be provided. Call 895-3454 for more information.