As we reach Part 3 of our four-part UNLV defensive backs preview, the focus shifts toward the foundation: redshirt freshmen, developing walk-ons, junior college transfers, and one seasoned Power Five veteran. While most names here haven’t seen extended action yet, this tier represents the bridge between the Rebels’ immediate depth and the program’s future.
Kela Moore – Freshman (RS), Ewa Beach, HI
2024 (UNLV): 9 snaps | 63.8 DEF | 60.0 RDEF | 62.9 COVMoore made a small on-field impression last season, logging 9 total snaps and 5 in coverage. His PFF coverage grade of 62.9 reflects solid awareness in limited work. At 6’0”, 195 pounds, Moore projects as a physical boundary defender with special teams upside as he develops.
Yasir Muhammad – Freshman, Germantown, TN
No Stats RecordedMuhammad is one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in the room. A true freshman at 6’2”, he brings size and speed to the table. His role in 2025 may be limited to developmental reps and special teams, but his ceiling suggests future rotational value.
Marcellus Linton – Junior, Lake Elsinore, CA
No Stats RecordedLinton enters his junior season without recorded D1 snaps, but his size (6’2”, 180) and JUCO background make him a name to track. He’ll need to carve out a role quickly to factor in, with special teams being his clearest path to the field.
Anthony Costanzo – Junior, Miami, FL
2024 (UNLV): 4 snaps | 60.9 DEF | 60.0 RDEF | 60.8 COVCostanzo, a rangy 6’3”, 205-pound defensive back, fits the mold of a hybrid safety-linebacker. He appeared in just four plays last year but showed baseline consistency in his defensive grades. His physicality and size give him niche-package upside in short-yardage or red zone sets.
Jaheem Joseph – Junior (RS), Miami, FL
Career Stats (Northwestern & West Virginia):
1,198 snaps | 62 tackles | 4 PBUs | 2 INT | 1 TD allowed
2024 (WVU): 733 snaps | 64.3 RDEF | 77.4 TACK | 73.5 PRSH | 59.0 COV | 58.4 DEF
2023 (Northwestern): 357 snaps | 65.2 RDEF | 73.7 TACK | 77.0 PRSH | 65.1 COV | 81.1 DEF
Coverage Stats: 20 receptions allowed on 32 targets (61.8%), 200 yards, 9.6 Y/REC, 2 INT, 4 PBUs
Joseph is one of the most experienced defenders on the team and arguably one of the most important additions to the entire roster. His 2023 PFF grade of 81.1 at Northwestern showed elite defensive impact. With strong tackling, versatile pressure traits, and high football IQ, Joseph projects as a likely Week 1 starter and tone-setter for the UNLV defense.
Darrien Stewart – Junior, Las Vegas, NV
No Stats RecordedA JUCO transfer from Salt Lake City, Stewart brings local pride and positional versatility. Though he hasn’t yet played at the FBS level, his physicality and confidence could earn him a look on special teams or in sub-packages as he adjusts to Division I speed.
Logan Christensen – Freshman, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
No Stats RecordedChristensen enters as one of several freshman safeties in the program’s long-term pipeline. At 6'0", 190 pounds, he’ll likely redshirt unless he becomes a standout on coverage units. His energy and enthusiasm were evident the moment he committed to the Rebels.
Brock DeFries – Freshman, Mission Viejo, CA
No Stats RecordedBuilt like a compact box safety at 5’10”, 190, DeFries brings a wrestling-style edge to his play. He’s another high-motor freshman with a shot at competing on special teams early, with developmental value long-term in the safety room.
Closing Thoughts: From Role Players to the Room’s Anchor
While most of these players are still fighting for reps, the value of this group goes beyond just defensive snaps. This is the layer that strengthens your special teams, brings competition to every position meeting, and ensures you’re not caught flat-footed when injuries strike.
And in Jaheem Joseph, the Rebels may have found a stabilizer for the entire secondary.
Up next: Part 4 of our Scarlet Shields series.