Safety Forte, two others off UNLV football team

Starting safety Daryl Forte and two other UNLV football players have been dismissed from the team.

Defensive back Lafayette Fletcher and defensive tackle Perry Eppenger, a Cheyenne High School product, also were let go. All three would’ve been seniors next season.

Rebels coach Mike Sanford provided no reason for the dismissals. During the past few years he has spoken with greater frequency about ridding the program of players who are not fully committed.

Forte made 21 starts in the past two seasons, and his 73 tackles last season ranked third on the team. He also broke up five passes. Forte is said to be considering a transfer.

Also, UNLV cornerback Quinton Pointer will miss spring practice, having undergone right shoulder surgery Dec. 15. Drills will begin March 9.

Quarterback Omar Clayton’s spring activity will be limited, Sanford said. Clayton, who will be a junior, missed the final three games last season because of a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

“(His level of participation) is to be determined,” Sanford said. “My guess is (his knee) is 90 percent right now, but there’s no point in reinjuring it. What we want is timing and continuing his development as a quarterback.”

Linebacker Starr Fuimaono will be held out of contact drills. The senior-to-be missed almost the entire season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

Others who could be limited are defensive end Preston Brooks (effects from a car accident), safety Travis Dixon (right shoulder) and tight end Alex Young (mononucleosis).

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.