Iowa State’s passing game wasn’t in top form against Ohio and this week against UNLV things won’t get any easier. The Rebel defense features preseason All-Mountain-West Conference first timer Kevin Thomas. Last season Thomas had five interceptions along with 52 tackles, and he hopes to start this season off with a bang against the Cyclones. Thomas knows he will have to deal with speedsters J.J. Moses and Chris Anthony, but said he and the defense are up to the challenge. “Our mentality is just to have fun,” Thomas said. One reason for the new-found confidence at UNLV is the addition of Coach John Robinson last season. Thomas said that Robinson adds good “self-esteem” to the team and makes the players want to have fun. Robinson, who won a national championship with USC in 1978, knows a good player when he sees one. “Kevin Thomas is simply one of the best players in the United States at his position. He was last year and he will be again this year. He is just one of those people who can cover one on one,” Robinson said. Among his many preseason recognitions, the 5’11” junior has been named a second team All-American by Athlon Magazine and preseason MWC player of the year and was rated by the Sporting News as the most underrated player in the league. Thomas is the Rebels career leader in pass breakups with a career total of 31.