Scarlet Shields: UNLV’s Defensive Backs Breakdown – Part 2

In Part 1, we broke down the likely starters and rotational leaders in UNLV’s 2025 secondary. Now, we shift focus to the back half of the defensive back room—a mix of developmental redshirts, Power Five transfers, and local talent hoping to earn snaps in Year 1 under Paul Guenther. This is the tier where depth is forged, special teams impact is felt, and future starters are built.

2024 (UNLV): 3 snaps | 61.5 DEF | 60.8 COVA redshirt corner from Gilbert, Eason was limited to just 3 snaps last year but showed solid positioning in minimal action. His high school tape suggests solid ball skills, and he’ll likely compete for special teams work while developing behind older corners.

2023 (South Alabama): 3 snaps | 60.0 DEFBuchanan brings length and physicality at 6’1”, and though he only logged 3 snaps last fall, his prior reputation at South Alabama included physical press-man capabilities. He’ll need a strong camp to break into the rotation, but he’s a name to watch if injuries hit the depth chart.

2024 (UNLV): 96 snaps | 64.1 DEF | 65.5 COV2023 (Oregon): 6 snaps | 61.3 DEFOne of the most exciting young players in the room, DeCambra returned home to Vegas and quickly carved out a rotational role. His 2024 PFF grades are encouraging across the board, including a standout 73.7 tackling grade and 65.5 in coverage. He’s trending toward becoming a key hybrid safety/nickel weapon.

No Stats RecordedAllen is part of the Rebels’ youth movement in the secondary. A rangy local prospect out of Las Vegas, he didn’t see the field last season but has the physical tools to compete as a gunner or depth DB with continued development.

No Stats RecordedAnother redshirt who hasn’t yet logged a stat, Hartsuck offers compact strength at 5’10”, 190 pounds and brings a wrestling-style balance and leverage to his game. He’ll need to find his role on special teams first, but the foundation is there.

2024 (UNLV): 3 snaps | 61.5 DEF | 60.8 COVGreen is a senior with limited action to this point, logging just a few reps in 2024. At 6’0” with some versatility, he adds experienced depth and may factor into packages or coverage units if injuries stack up.

While the top of the depth chart is shaped by veteran transfers like Amaris Brown and Mumu Bin-Wahad, this second group of defensive backs will be vital to sustaining performance throughout the season. Kodi DeCambra has the tools to rise fast. Eason, Allen, and Hartsuck all offer upside. Buchanan and Green bring experience.

Whether or not these players see the field on defense, they’ll play a crucial role on kickoff, punt, and in the overall locker room development pipeline. In a Mountain West race that could come down to attrition and depth, don’t be surprised if one of these names makes a key play come November.

Up next: Part 3 of our UNLV Defensive Backs series. Stay tuned as we continue to break down every angle of the 2025 secondary.