Rebels’ record-setting CB Hough says ballet keeps him on his toes

a camp,” Hough said. “They didn’t have these free camps when I was younger.”

Lightly recruited out of Desert Pines, Hough emerged as one of the nation’s top freshman defensive backs last season, when he started the final nine games for the Rebels, finished 35th in the country in interceptions and broke up four passes.

He had two picks and returned a blocked field goal 54 yards in UNLV’s 80-8 win over Idaho State, and this year was named preseason second-team All-Mountain West by Lindy’s.

“To get recognized as one of the top freshman cornerbacks is a good deal, but I want to be the best,” Hough said. “Winning is all I want. If we win games and my name’s not on anything, I’ll be happy.”

Don’t let the ballet, gymnastics and generous heart fool you. Hough is a hard-nosed football player.

“He has got a toughness to him that’s dearly needed in this program,” Sanchez said. “He’s always going a million miles an hour. He always plays until the play’s over, and he never takes a play off.

“He also does some dynamic things on special teams. He adds fanatical effort.”

UNLV defensive coordinator Kent Baer expects big things from Hough.

“I think he’s going to be a great player,” he said. “The first thing that comes to my mind about Tim Hough is his enthusiasm for the game. He loves to practice. I wish everybody had that passion and desire to practice that he does.

“He’s still got a lot to learn, but the other thing he has, that you’ve got to have at that position, is confidence. You’re going to get beat, so you’ve got to have a short memory and be able to come back from that. He does that. He’s not afraid to challenge somebody.”

While Hough is confident that he and fellow starting cornerback Torry McTyer will lock down opposing wideouts this season, he expects his ballet buddy to dominate.

“Boyd can’t be stopped,” he said. “That’s an animal right there. If you’ve never seen an animal in person, come watch (number) 83.” Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal. com or 702-383-0354. Follow him on Twitter: @ tdewey33

JOSHUA DAHL/ LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL Tim Hough is seen during a youth football camp Friday at Rebel Park. The Rebels cornerback was one of about 20 UNLV players who joined Rebels coach Tony Sanchez and his staff in volunteering to work the free camp.