University of Nevada Athletics

Defensive end Sam Hammond has been named the Wolf Pack Student-Athlete of the Month for October. The Yerington, Nev., native is a finance major and plans on pursuing his M.B.A in the spring.
 
Hammond boasts a 3.595 GPA in his final semester and was awarded Mountain West Scholar Athlete in 2019. He is also a three-time Academic All-MW honoree. In addition to academic excellence, Hammond pushes himself on the football field. A nominee for the 2020 Campbell Trophy and team captain, Hammond’s presence has helped the Wolf Pack to a 2-0 start to the 2020 season.
 
In Nevada’s season-opening 37-34 win over Wyoming, Hammond recorded seven tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss. He also registered one pass breakup. Hammond helped the Wolf Pack re-claim the Fremont Cannon on Saturday after a 37-19 victory against rival UNLV. Hammond tallied one sack in the fourth quarter, his first of the 2020 season.
 
Hammond, originally a walk-on, has proven to be a major contributor to the Pack’s defense. As a redshirt freshman, he saw action in all 12 games, primarily on special teams. Hammond burst onto the scene as a sophomore after recording 17 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. He compiled a strong junior campaign, tallying 35 total tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and two quarterback hurries.
 
The Wolf Pack currently sits at the top of the Mountain West standings with a 2-0 record. Hammond and Nevada host Utah State at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday at Mackay Stadium.