Dorsey granted waiver by MWC

Steve Guiremand

Friday, Aug. 23, 2002 | 9:39 a.m.

UNLV sophomore tailback Dominique Dorsey had a big smile on his face. And it wasn't because he had a plate of chicken wings at dinner following Thursday night's practice at Rebel Park.

A few hours earlier, the 2001 Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year had received the word he had been waiting for: He has been granted a medical waiver by the MWC and will be allowed to play this season.

"Everything looks a lot better now," Dorsey said. "I'm so happy this issue is finally over and I can look forward to the season."

Dorsey, who set a school record with a 34.6 yard average on kickoff returns last season and averaged 6.6 yards on 57 carries, needed to obtain the waiver because he withdrew from school in the spring semester for "personal reasons." He made up the classes during summer school.

Although UNLV coach John Robinson was confident his dynamic running back would get the waiver, Dorsey said he was still worried up until Thursday.

"I thought about it every night, knowing that it could have been a key loss for the team," Dorsey said. "I'm just happy that I'm able to be back again. I'm ready."

Dorsey has shown no effects from two ankle injuries which plagued him the second half of last season. He also has added 12 pounds of muscle to his 5-foot-6 frame.

"And I'm definitely a lot smarter about the college game and what it takes than I was last year at this time," he said. "I feel fine. Everything is looking pretty good now. We definitely have a lot more weapons on offense this year and less injuries so far. I think this team can win this year."