Mason jars opponents as receiver, returner

Steve Guiremand

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2000 | 10:26 a.m.

In a perfect world, Troy Mason would be starting at tailback instead of wide receiver when UNLV hosts in-state rival Nevada-Reno on Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium.

"I like running with the ball," the 5-10, 175-pound sophomore from Bastrop, La., said. "If I was a little heavier, I'd try to be a tailback. I just like running in the open field with the ball."

So far in 2000, Mason seems to be doing more than his fair share of running with the ball anyway.

He caught four passes for 122 yards in the first half alone in last week's 34-13 upset of Air Force. And he has emerged as the other go-to receiver opposite senior Nate Turner in the Rebel passing game.

Mason ranks sixth in the Mountain West Conference in receiving yards per game with a 65.8 average. That puts him right behind Utah's Steve Smith, who was the conference's preseason offensive player of the year. Mason is averaging an MWC-best 23.9 yards per reception.

Mason also is third in the conference and 20th nationally in punt returns, averaging 16.3 yards on his 11 returns.

"He's done a phenomenal job for us," UNLV coach John Robinson said. "He's not very big but he's very strong and fast."

Mason's punt return stats would be even glossier if he didn't have a 90-yard return erased by a penalty against North Texas. In that same game, he also had a 32-yard return with only the punter to beat, but he stumbled and fell untouched.

"Tripped over the yard line," Mason smiled.

Mason could get another chance to break one this week. UNR has already allowed two punt returns for touchdowns this year as well as a kickoff return. "Hopefully I can take one to the house against them," Mason said.

Mason didn't practice on Tuesday night as he recovers from a slight ankle sprain suffered in the Air Force game, but he is expected to play on Saturday night.

"It's feeling better," Greer said. "I'm hoping to be back out there (tonight) or Thursday."

"We haven't even tried to evaluate him yet," Robinson said. "(Today) he'll go out and try and do some stuff and we'll know then (if Greer will play Saturday night)."

If Greer, UNLV's top offensive lineman, can't play against UNR, he'll be replaced by junior Shane Wagers.

But Neill also was very complimentary about the Rebels and Robinson in an interview with the Reno Gazette-Journal.

"They (the Rebels) are a good football team," Neill said. "Give Coach Robinson credit. He's turned their program around. It's not going to be a walk in the park. That's for sure."

A year ago after four games, the Rebels had just one sack. This year five players have already doubled that figure -- James Sunia, Anton Palepoi, Ahmad Briggs, Scott Parkhurst and freshman Ryan Claridge.

That figure could go up Saturday if UNLV gets an early lead. Nevada quarterback David Neill has already been sacked 26 times in four games, including 12 in one half alone against TCU.