SilverandBlueSports has learned that Cincinnati transfer Malik “Fig” James, a cornerback who arrived at Nevada this summer after leaving the Bearcat program early in the 2009 season, will have to sit out the 2010 season after having his petition denied.

In what was a blow to the Pack secondary depth chart, James, who had his fall practice reps limited due to the possibility that his petition would be denied by the NCAA Clearinghouse, showed little rust while competing for a job over the past three weeks.  He has excellent feet, can run with any receiver and due to a strong upper body, tackles extremely well on the island.  If there’s some good news in the NCAA denial it is that James will have three seasons left to play at Nevada after this year.

Malik James makes another tackle during Nevada fall practice (Photo by Mark Rauh)

SilverandBlueSports interviewed James two weeks into fall ball in order to get his impressions on the differences between his fall practice experience at Cincinnati and now Nevada, plus his hopes to being cleared to play in 2010.  Although that won’t happen, there’s no question that the future of the Nevada secondary has an excellent piece to work with.

Video: Quick minute with James

As far as the projected depth chart, Nevada still has some experience back at the cornerback position.  The list includes projected starters Isaiah Frey and Doyle Miller, plus redshirt sophomore’s Thaddeus Brown and Khalid Wooten. Nevada also has a trio of freshmen that have played very well, including Elk Grove (Calif.) native Evan Favors, one of the final additions to the Pack’s 2010 recruiting class, who could break camp and play as a true freshman.  The other two newcomers, Charles Garrett and Aaron Brown, have played very well in fall practice.

lverandBlueSports has learned that Cincinnati transfer Malik “Fig” James, a cornerback who arrived at Nevada this su