College recruiters had big plans when they saw Jamaal Brimmer and Earvin Johnson.

They envisioned a bigger Brimmer moving from safety to linebacker. They thought a bigger Johnson could switch from wide receiver to tight end.

Fortunately for UNLV, Johnson and Brimmer had other ideas. They are Vegas headline acts heading into next Sunday's season opener at Tennessee.

Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound wide receiver, is on the verge of becoming the school's all-time leader in pass receptions and receiving yardage.

Brimmer, a 6-1, 215-pound safety, is the first returning All-American at UNLV since quarterback Randall Cunningham. Not only has he become one of the best defensive backs in the country. He didn't even have to leave home.

Brimmer was a star quarterback and safety at Durango High School in Las Vegas. Most recruiters imagined him in a different role in college.

"A lot of teams wanted me to play linebacker in college," Brimmer said. "Oregon State asked me to play linebacker. So did Colorado State."

He stayed at home and at safety. Four years later, he's the most honored returning defensive player in the Mountain West Conference.

Last year, Brimmer had six interceptions, four fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles. In 2002, he had a conference-high 17 tackles for losses and led UNLV with 100 total tackles. He was named the conference's outstanding defensive player each year.

"He reminds me a lot of Ronnie Lott in terms of instincts and ability to attack," said UNLV coach John Robinson, who coached Lott at USC. "He will look forward to an excellent NFL career."

After back-to-back outstanding seasons, there was strong speculation Brimmer would begin his NFL career after his junior year. A knee problem worked to UNLV's advantage.

"The timing wasn't right (to enter the draft)," Brimmer said. "I had knee surgery in December, and I didn't have time to rehab (before the NFL Combine). I know I need to run a great 40 to be considered for the first round."

Johnson, who caught 123 passes in his first three seasons with the Rebels, is another NFL prospect. A native of Los Angeles, he was first interested in USC, but the Trojans recruited him as a tight end prospect. He later committed to Georgia Tech but changed his mind after then-offensive coordinator Ralph Friedgen took the head-coaching job at Maryland.

Johnson has increased his production each season at UNLV. In the midst of his 60-catch season in 2003, he began drawing more attention.

"Teams started double-covering me toward the end of the year," Johnson said. "This year could be a little different. We've got three young (receivers) who can all run."

New offensive coordinator Bruce Snyder also will help, according to Johnson.

"I feel a lot better with Coach Snyder calling plays," Johnson said of the former Arizona State head coach. "He's a balance guy. He wants to run and throw the ball downfield."

Johnson and Brimmer both think their team is improved over last season when it lost five of its final seven games to finish 6-6. But they realize they have a formidable challenge coming up in Neyland Stadium.

"I hope our team is up for it," Johnson said. "We know it will be a tough task."

Brimmer said he is familiar with the Vols from having seen them on TV.

"I like the speed of their game," he said. "It's really impressive to see their speed at all positions."

The oddsmakers don't think UNLV can keep up. It's a 21-point underdog.