Aaron Criswell boosts energy among UNLV’s vaunted receiving corps

Former junior college transfer is refreshed and motivated following redshirt season

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L.E. Baskow

UNLV wide receiver Aaron Criswell eyes a pass during a scrimmage at Nellis AFB on Saturday, August 15, 2015.

Fri, Aug 28, 2015 (2 a.m.)

UNLV Scrimmage at Nellis AFB

The UNLV football team holds a scrimmage at Nellis AFB on Saturday, August 15, 2015. Launch slideshow »

A menagerie of UNLV football players’ voices boomed over the blaring music and out of Rebel Park at practice Thursday morning.

The source of some of the yells espousing encouragement was undoubtedly Aaron Criswell, a senior receiver who doesn’t know how to compete any way other than loudly.

“I’ve always been one of the front-runners of the group, very energetic,” Criswell said with his internal volume knob still tuned high. “I bring that good vibe to the receiver corps and try to get them going. That’s kind of my little job I take on.”

The UNLV receivers are expected to create plenty of noise on the field this season beginning with the season-opener next Saturday at Northern Illinois. Basic graduate Devonte Boyd is the team’s most decorated player as the only representative on the preseason All Mountain West team.

Boyd broke out alongside fellow freshman Kendal Keys last season to help the Rebels return what their media guide touts as “one of the top sophomore wide receiver duos in the West.”

But the pair of seniors expected to occupy the unit’s next two spots could be just as vital to the team’s success. Criswell teams with Anthony Williams to provide a veteran presence.

“That group of receivers is a great core group, and one we really have to lean on,” UNLV coach Tony Sanchez said. “It’s the most talented group on offense, and (Criswell) is one of those cogs that can really make a difference.”

Sanchez praised the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Criswell’s speed and elusiveness as well as citing downfield blocking as one of the 23-year-old’s best attributes. Criswell could have a versatility that’s valuable to the Rebels.

He’s equally capable of lining up as slot receiver or running deeper routes out wide.

“My goals are to be a threat down the field, spread out everybody, bring a little attention away from ‘Vonte and make big plays,” Criswell said.

In reality, that’s a role Criswell hoped to fill a year ago. He transferred to UNLV from San Mateo junior college in 2013 and played in a limited capacity that included two starts and five catches for 33 yards.

Criswell geared himself toward the 2014 season, but former coach Bobby Hauck asked him to redshirt when it became apparent the Rebels had a surplus of receivers.

“I don’t think that was by choice,” Sanchez said. “He was in a situation that was unfortunate where he had to redshirt, and I think he’s got something to prove. I think he’s excited to get back out there and contribute. The thing I appreciate about him is every day he’s got a smile on his face and you can see the passion and appreciation for being on the field.”

Criswell carried that demeanor from the first day he decided to try football as a high school freshman who had previously only dedicated himself to basketball.

A close relationship with Boyd, Keys, Williams and receivers coach Cedric Cormier, who recruited Criswell out of San Mateo, makes him comfortable to stay as animated as ever heading into his most important season.

“For the most part, they accept it,” Criswell said with a grin. “They like who I am. I bring it up that extra little notch. Sometimes they might tell me to be quiet here and there, but for the most part, they love me.”

Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.

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