Dec. 18, 2014
By Brady Johnson
Assistant Director, Athletic Communications
Photo Gallery Video: Nevada's trip to the Children's Hospital of New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS - The University of Nevada football team had a busy day Thursday, performing what head coach Brian Polian called the most important practice of the week before the team's official media day in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
With just one practice left - which will be a light walkthrough Friday - before the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, the Wolf Pack needed to get a lot out of Wednesday's practice. The Wolf Pack believes it accomplished exactly that before turning its sights on media day and a visit to the Children's Hospital of New Orleans.
Coach Polian, seniors Cody Fajardo, Brock Hekking, Jonathan McNeal and Brock Hekking and juniors Don Jackson and Ian Seau met with nearly 50 members of Reno, local and national media. With the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl trophy and MVP trophy present, the Wolf Pack answered questions for about an hour.
"It's been fantastic," said Coach Polian of the bowl experience and his team's preparations. "I think our kids have done a very nice job of managing the bowl experience while still preparing for a game, so I applaud them."
Wolf Pack in The Big Easy
Following Nevada's practice and media day, 10 members of the team traveled to the Children's Hospital of New Orleans to visit with children and pass out gifts.
Fajardo, senior Kyle Roberts, senior Kendall Brock, junior Lenny Jones, junior Jordan Dobrich, sophomore Jarred Gipson, redshirt-freshman Austin Corbett, freshman James Butler, freshman Kendall Johnson and freshman Wyatt Demps made the trip to the hospital.
The players meet with numerous children in multiple wings of the hospital and passed out Alphie bobbleheads, Nevada t-shirts, Nevada flags and R+L Carriers mini-footballs.
"When we have football players that the kids see on TV every weekend and look up to come into their room, spend some time and cheer them on, it really does benefit them psychologically and physically," said Chris Price, Communications Manager at the hospital. "We love having them and seeing the kids interact with the players."
The Wolf Pack players split into two groups of five and spent around an hour and a half at the hospital. It was a humbling and gratifying experience for the players.
"Things that we football players deal with like a sprained ankle is nothing compared to what these kids are dealing with," said Fajardo. "It's very humbling to come here with our bobbleheads, shirts and flags and see the kids smile. Hopefully, we can bring them a blessing and help them get through this tough time."
Kendall's Homecoming
Nevada has one Louisiana native on its roster - true freshman defensive back Kendall Johnson. The six-foot tall DB is from the Cajun's hometown - Lafayette. While freshmen are typically unavailable to media, Johnson spoke to reporters following Wednesday's practice due to an outpour of requests.
The Saint Thomas More High School graduate went unrecruited by Louisiana, and committed to Nevada after his official visit.
"I'm glad to be at Nevada and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," said Johnson, who returned an interception 45 yards in the Pack's victory over Washington State. "It's been the greatest three months of my life and the first semester has been great. I couldn't ask for anything else."
Johnson handled many questions about being unrecruited by Louisiana and playing with a chip on his shoulder. The 18-year-old handled the questions like a savvy veteran, saying it's more about the team and winning a bowl than any grudges from recruiting.
After speaking with media on Wednesday, Johnson also had a busy day in Thursday with the team's practice and visit to the children's hospital.
"One of the little kids, we gave her a bobblehead and as soon as we walked away she was ripping into the box and smiling," said Johnson. "It was a special experience."
Nevada also has two coaches on staff with connections to the Ragin' Cajuns. Offensive line coach Ron Hudson spent six seasons at Louisiana and graduate assistant John Decoster was a four-year starter for the Cajuns from 2006-10.
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl - Countdown - 2
The Wolf Pack had treatment available from trainers throughout most of the afternoon in the team hotel. Nevada will close the day with a team dinner and trip to the movie theater. Friday's practice, which will be the last practice for 16 seniors, will begin at 10 a.m. (PT)
Additional Coverage
RGJ - Position-by-position breakdown of Wolf Pack vs. Louisiana
NOLA - Louisiana QB overcomes adversity to lead team to bowl
NOLA - Nevada's Brock Hekking channels Brian Bosworth's style
