Cornerback rises to the challenge against Payne’s end zone dominance

ELY —  It is possible to break up passes in the end zone to UNLV sophomore wide receiver Phillip Payne.

Junior cornerback Mike Grant proved that this morning, breaking up two passes intended for Payne, who is almost unstoppable on fade patterns. OK, one of the breakups appeared to be pass interference, but Grant’s coverage was airtight.

He also had an interception.

"You always want to get an interception every practice, at least one or two, a couple of breakups," Grant said. "It’ll make your game elevated … and step your confidence up a whole other level. You don’t want to look for an interception, but you kind of want to make sure you’re doing the right thing so you’re in the right spot."

WEARING BLACK

Senior wide receiver Jerriman Robinson on offense and junior end Malo Taumua on defense were awarded the black practice jerseys for being the standouts on their respective sides of the football Tuesday. The other nominees were sophomore quarterback Mike Clausen and sophomore wide receiver Michael Johnson on offense and junior end Preston Brooks and freshman cornerback Courtney Bridget on defense.

COMING BACK

Sophomore tailback C.J. Cox (hamstring) returned for drills as planned, participating in probably more than half of practice. He probably will go through about 75 percent of drills on Friday.

"He looked rusty," coach Mike Sanford said. "He’s got a ways to go to get back into going full speed."

ODDS AND ENDS

Junior quarterback Omar Clayton threw a nice deep pass to senior wide receiver Ryan Wolfe in stride. … Senior safety Marquel Martin made an interception. … Junior kicker Ben Jaekle (back) handled some kickoffs today for the first time. … Sanford said coaches would begin working on the game plan Sunday and Monday for the Sept. 5 season opener against Sacramento State at Sam Boyd Stadium. … The Rebels were scheduled to have a lighter practice this afternoon, and will head back to Las Vegas on Thursday morning.