98 Jesse Backerman

UNLV: An aggressive pass-rushing defensive end who enrolled full-time at UNLV in January and took part in his first spring practice with the Rebels ... One of 10 current UNLV players from Arizona ... A member of UNLV's Spring 2009 Football Academic Top 10 and earned a spot on the Dean's Honor List.

2008: Grayshirted after signing with the Rebels in February.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2008 graduate of Marana HS ... Lettered three years for coach Willie Dudley ... Named a first team All-4A Sonoran Region player and second team All-Southern Arizona selection ... Paced his team with eight sacks to go with 13 pass deflections and 45 total tackles as a senior ... Helped the Tigers to a 7-4 overall record and a second straight trip to the Class 4A-I state playoffs in 2007 ... Also played baseball, lettering one year as a first baseman.

PERSONAL: Jesse Backerman was born on Nov. 29, 1990, in Glendale, AZ ... The son of Steven and Susan Backerman ... Has two brothers, Jacob and Jordan, and a sister, Emily ... Picked UNLV over Colorado State ... Has not declared a major.

-- Courtesy of UNLVrebels.com