UNLV defensive back headed to NFL Draft

12/27/2006 12:01 AM

LAS VEGAS (AP) -UNLV junior defensive back Eric Wright has decided to enter the NFL draft.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Wright said in a statement released by the school on Tuesday that he feels it's time to move to the next level.

Wright started his collegiate career at Southern California and sat out last season after transferring to UNLV. He missed three games with a knee injury but finished with 29 tackles and an interception. He also ranked second in the Mountain West Conference with a 23.9-yard average on kickoff returns.

The school said Wright is the first football player to leave UNLV early for the draft.

``Although we would love to have Eric back to be a part of our football program for his senior season, he has made up his mind to go out early,'' Rebels coach Mike Sanford said. ``He is a very talented player and we expect him to go on to do great things.''