UNLV: A big, physical defender with a high-octane motor on the field ... A LB/DE hybrid who looks to make a bigger impact as a senior ... Listed No. 2 at an end spot heading into fall ... Name is pronounced "hey-VAH-ha MAH-fee."

2008: Earned his first letter as a Rebel by playing in all 12 games ... Finished 14th on squad with 23 total tackles ... Tied for team lead with two QB sacks and also forced a fumble ... The program's only midyear signee, he enrolled in January and competed in spring practice with the Rebels.

LANEY: Came to UNLV from the junior college in Oakland where he was a teammate of former Rebel running back Frank Summers in the fall of 2006 ... Helped the Eagles to two postseason bowl-game victories and a 10-1 record as a sophomore.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of San Lorenzo HS ... A three-year letterman for coach Jacob Wright ... Played LB and DL for the Rebels.

PERSONAL: Heivaha Mafi was born on May 11, 1988, in Oakland, CA ... Majoring in university studies.

--Courtesy of UNLVrebels.com