Nevada defensive end Brock Hekking is one of the leading returning sack men in the nation, but it's his hair -- a glorious blond mullet -- that gets most of the attention.
Indeed, Hekking said recently at Mountain West Conference Media Days that he was offered a deal by the WWE after last season. Former Oregon State All-American wrestler Clayton Jack went to high school with Hekking in Vacaville, Calif., and will debut with the WWE in a few weeks as "The Mythical Beast."
"He said, 'You could come do this if you want to,' " Hekking told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "I said, 'I'm going to play my senior season.' He said, 'OK. This is Plan B.'
"It's fun and you can make decent money doing it, so that's my Plan B."
Hekking's mullet -- which he has named "The Brock" -- was inspired by former Oklahoma linebacker Brian Bosworth, and it now flows past Hekking's shoulders. He only lets one person cut it.
"I met this one girl there (at a Great Clips in Reno) and she gave me her number, so anytime I need a haircut, I ask if she's working, and if she is, I go in," Hekking said.
Hekking (6-foot-4, 255 pounds) definitely has the look of a WWE wrestler. But he also could end up as a third-day draft pick. He is a high-intensity, work-hard player who runs relatively well, though he is not a high-level athlete. He also needs technique work.
Hekking will be a three-year starter for the Wolf Pack, a team expected to challenge for the Mountain West's West Division title under second-year coach Brian Polian, Bill's son. Hekking -- a psychology major, which could lead to some interesting WWE storylines -- had 17 sacks, 23.5 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles in the past two seasons. Nevada returns 16 starters, including eight on defense from a team that underachieved and went 4-8 in 2013; the Wolf Pack's eight-season bowl streak was snapped last season, but seems likely to start again this season.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.