Cameron Diaz electrifies in Nevada secondary

Nevada Tigers senior cornerback Cameron Diaz returns a punt Sept. 23 against the (Springfield) Central Bulldogs at Logan Field. Nevada defeated Springfield 54-6. (Photo by Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail)

Like his movie star namesake, Nevada's Cameron Diaz is a very talented individual.

Diaz, a senior cornerback for the Nevada Tigers, leads the team in interceptions with three through six games. Two of Diaz's interceptions went for touchdowns of 55 and 40 yards.

Diaz's first highlight reel play came in the season-opener at home against Seneca when he picked off quarterback Gavin Clouse late in the third quarter. Diaz backpedaled as he leaped into the air for the interception.

He then broke several tackles before reversing field, sprinting to the right sideline, and outrunning a bevy of Seneca defenders en route to Logan Field's east end zone.

"My thought process on the field is, 'I need to make something happen,'" said the dynamic playmaker, who also returns punts for Nevada. "I always have to be ready to make a big play."

Prior to his senior season, Diaz was also in the mix at running back. Diaz said his time spent at running back has enhanced his creativity and elusiveness in the open field.

Nevada's Cameron Diaz displays a Culver-Stockton College football uniform during his recent visit to the school. (Submitted photo)

"When I saw the (Clouse) pass coming towards me, my eyes lit up," Diaz said. "After coming down with the ball, I felt like I was a running back again. I made something happen, but I had key blocks from Payton Bright, Jacob Hammontree, Branden Harder and Zach Gardner."

Diaz's second interception helped Nevada secure its first victory of the season. Trailing 24-13 to Kansas City O'Hara late in the third quarter, Diaz intercepted quarterback Matthew Johnson in the end zone, thwarting an O'Hara drive that would have put Nevada in a 17-point hole.

Diaz's interception shifted momentum back in Nevada's favor, as they outscored O'Hara 15-0 in the fourth quarter.

"I actually messed up my assignment on that play," Diaz said with a slight chuckle. "I was trying to make up for it (with the pick).

The second half effort against O'Hara was probably the best defense Diaz has played all year.

"We were all flying around, making plays and having fun," he said.

Diaz said he has aspirations of one day playing in the NFL, but first must decide where he will play college ball.

Diaz recently took an unofficial visit to Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo., and has scheduled an upcoming visit to MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kan.

"We take pride in what we do," Diaz said. "It's a privilege to play football, it really is."

Nevada head coach Erik Yoakam said that through hard work Diaz continues to improve at his position.

"Cameron is a good kid who has stuck with it," the fourth-year coach said. "Week-in and week-out Cameron brings his best game to the field. He continues to grow as a player, learn his coverages, and do his homework."

Robert Miner, who coaches multiple sports at Nevada, said he is impressed with Diaz on and off the field.

"He always comes to class with a positive and great attitude," Miner said. "He works hard every day to keep his grades up. I know that he is in at least three honors classes, and he strives to make the best grades that he can."