UNLV Football

It’s unrealistic to expect the likes of local high school football standouts Xavier Grimble, Alex Turner and others to reject scholarship offers from top college programs to stay home and play at UNLV.

Getting the rare opportunity to compete at an elite level — Grimble is committed to Southern California and Turner to Stanford — is something so special you’d be foolish to pass on.

But playing for UNLV is still an attractive option.

That is the message Rebels coach Mike Sanford and local recruiting coordinator Kris Cinkovich have preached since Sanford became coach in December 2004.

It’s a message that is finally starting to stick.

Sanford’s roster for the season opener on Sept. 5 against Sacramento State included 13 who went to Southern Nevada high schools. Another half-dozen locals, athletes who graduated last spring, are preferred walk-ons and red-shirting this year.

Sanford does a tremendous job of identifying locals he believes can develop into a productive player. Most of these athletes don’t have the measurables, publicity or perceived talent to be recruited by major conferences.

While the top-tier recruit will probably always pass on UNLV, it is the athlete who flies under the radar that the Rebels should continue targeting.

That was the case during the Sacramento State game. The staff invited a handful of local players — the athletes sat in the same section and wore name tags identifying them as recruits — to watch the Rebels 38-3 victory.

Palo Verde linebacker Daniel Godkin and safety Tyrone Blake and Cimarron-Memorial running back Stephen Nixon were part of the group. Godkin and Nixon have each been offered a scholarship — by UNLV and other comparable schools.

So, why pick UNLV?

The chance to do something special at your hometown university, and do it in front of family and friends, is a major selling point.

Sure, a recruit could find success at Navy or UNR, two of the schools competing with UNLV for Godkin’s services. But being a contributor in UNLV’s turnaround could turn a local high school legend into one of the city’s all-time notable players.

Also, being a quick drive from a home-cooked meal at your parents’ house or a good night sleep in a familiar bed is appealing.

There are also several reasons to pass on UNLV.

Part of the college experience is leaving home and finding your niche in a different city. College is a time to make new friends and experience new things.

Moving into a dorm room at UNLV, a common practice for all locals on scholarship, doesn’t exactly scream a new experience.

You also have to consider UNLV lacks football tradition, its stadium is located off campus and the program often takes a back seat to the Rebels’ basketball team.

Ultimately, each recruit will make his decision on personal preference — some want to leave the nest and experience new things, while others cherish the opportunity to shine locally.

Just don’t blame UNLV’s coaches for not recruiting the area. They have done a good job of selling the program and proving staying at home to get the college football experience is a viable option. Source of news