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NEVADA
Talented and versatile defensive back returns for his senior season and is expected to contend for All-Western Athletic Conference honors … Started at safety most of his career but also has experience starting at cornerback … Is expected to be a leader on the defensive side of the ball … Named third-team Preseason All-WAC by Phil Steele’s College Football Preview
2008: Had another superb season in the secondary for Nevada … Tied for the team lead in tackles with 68 … Led the team in interceptions with four as he recorded picks against Texas Tech, Hawaii, Fresno State and against Maryland in the Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl … Had 2.5 tackles for loss … Also returned three punts for 59 yards.
2007: One of the Pack's best defensive players, went down with a knee injury during the first month of the season … Came back in a limited role the final four games of the season … Played in eight games with three starts and recorded 40 tackles on the year … Best performance of his career came at Nebraska when he had 12 tackles and picked off a pass that he returned 80 yards for the team's only touchdown … Had two tackles for a loss.
2006: Played in 11 games and started seven as a walk-on true freshman safety … Tied for seventh on the team in tackles with 42 … Recorded first career sack at Hawaii and also forced a fumble against the Warriors … Picked off first career pass against New Mexico State and returned it 15 yards … Had a 10-tackle performance against Boise State … Recorded 4.5 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss against Miami in the MPC Computers Bowl … Earned one of the team's two Fireman's Awards for stepping up in a time of need.
HIGH SCHOOL
A graduate of Diamond Bar (Calif.) High School … Four-year starter as a wide receiver, defensive back and linebacker … Named team defensive MVP as a junior with 75 solo tackles and 63 assists, which led the Sierra League … Earned team MVP honor as a senior with 68 solos and 36 assists … As a receiver, had 32 catches for 679 yards and eight touchdowns … Also averaged 28.1 yards on kickoff returns … Was four-year starter on the baseball team.
PERSONAL
Born Jonathon Daniel Amaya on Nov. 25, 1988 … Son of Danielle Amaya and Peter Martinez … Has three younger sisters and one younger brother … Majoring in speech communications with a minor in healthy ecology.
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Courtesy: Nevada
