Greene's Take: In the second half of 2009, more and more was put on the shoulders of junior college transfer Alex De Giacomo in the UNLV secondary. The unit struggled, but he played well once given a starting gig, and his toughness has caught the attention of Bobby Hauck, who will unleash him often in run support as a senior.

UNLV: A big-hitting defensive back with a nose for the ball ... Listed No. 1 at strong safety heading into fall ... Received preseason Honorable Mention All-MWC from Phil Steele's ... Last name is pronounced "d-JOCK-ah-mo."

2009: Earned his first letter as a Rebel by playing in 11 games, including starting six at safety ... Finished fifth on the team with 60 total tackles ... Picked up his first UNLV interception in the season-ending win over San Diego State ... A three-star recruit who was a midyear signee ... Also made an official visit to Kansas State ... Enrolled in January and took part in spring practice with the Rebels.

EL CAMINO: Led the California JC in total tackles with 57 in 2008 ... Added one interception and three pass breakups for coach John Featherstone's program ... Helped Warriors to a 10-2 overall record.

GOLDEN WEST: Played one season at the JC located in Huntington Beach, CA ... Made 27 tackles, deflected four passes and recorded one interception in 2007. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Westminster HS ... A three-year letterwinner for the Lions under coach Ted McMillan ... Earned first team all-league honors as a senior with 37 tackles, five pass deflections and two interceptions, including one that he returned for a score ... Had 32 tackles and two picks during his junior season ... Also a four-year letterwinner in basketball.

PERSONAL: Alexander Warren De Giacomo was born on Oct. 4, 1985, in Fountain Valley, CA ... The son of Beth and Mike De Giacomo ... Has two brothers, Michael and Tyler, and three sisters, Angela, Jazmine and Briana ... Majoring in physical education.

--Courtesy of UNLVRebels.com