Akeem Davis, Avery Helm and Quandarius Keyes Talk UNLV DBs, Finishing and Welch’s Return

Akeem Davis, Avery Helm and Quandarius Keyes spoke with the media after UNLV practice as the Rebels continue fall camp. Davis discussed how the cornerback room is coming together, why experience matters in year two of the defense and why “finish” has become a major emphasis for the Rebels. He also talked about cutting down explosive plays, the chip UNLV is carrying after reaching the championship game, the competition created by Dan Mullen’s offense, the growth of the receivers and tight ends, and the leadership inside the defensive back room. Helm discussed his path back to Mullen after starting for him at Florida, transferring to TCU and eventually reaching out through Instagram after entering the portal. He also talked about coming back from multiple injuries, finally feeling healthy, getting his “flame” back, his relationship with his mom, his speed background, his leadership style and why he feels ready to play now. Keyes discussed the cornerback room, feeling more comfortable in Paul Guenther’s defense, why the secondary feels more prepared in year two, the group’s preparation for Memphis, the receivers he faces every day, the value of practicing against Mullen’s offense and what Laterrance Welch adds after returning to the secondary. Tap in for the full UNLV defensive backs media availability. 00:00 - Akeem Davis on UNLV’s Cornerbacks 00:35 - Experience in Year Two 01:05 - Finishing as the Main Emphasis 01:45 - Cutting Down Explosive Plays 02:10 - UNLV’s Championship Chip 02:40 - Competing Against Dan Mullen’s Offense 03:20 - Receivers and Tight Ends Challenging the DBs 04:00 - Returning Corners and Established Expectations 04:45 - Leadership in the Defensive Back Room 05:25 - Avery Helm’s Skill Set 06:10 - Mumu Bin-Wahad and Denver Harris Getting Healthy 06:55 - Two Weeks From Kickoff 07:20 - Finish, Finish, Finish 08:00 - Avery Helm’s Journey to UNLV 08:35 - Helm Reaching Out to Mullen 09:20 - Coming Back From Injury 10:05 - Helm Getting His Flame Back 10:45 - Helm on His Skill Set and Speed 11:25 - Helm on His Mom 12:05 - Helm’s Leadership Style 12:41 - Quandarius Keyes on Cornerback Competition 13:10 - Cutting Down Explosive Plays 13:35 - Comfort in Guenther’s Defense 14:00 - Why the Defense Feels More Prepared 14:45 - Ready for the Season 15:15 - Preparing for Memphis 15:45 - Vocal Leaders in the Secondary 16:10 - UNLV Wide Receivers 16:45 - Practicing Against Mullen’s Offense 17:15 - Competition for Playing Time 17:50 - Laterrance Welch’s Return Follow The Scarlet Standard: Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTPBxVqczV4vLqAlivI3FPw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GJCuyv8rTRu5arNdcjH4v Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-scarlet-standard/id1885404705 X/Twitter: https://x.com/SS_MediaLV Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Scarlet-Standard-LV-61577609316045/ #UNLVFootball #UNLVFB #MountainWest