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A single photo speaks volumes about how different Tony Sanchez’s UNLV football program is from the previous Rebel coaching regimes. Running backs coach Jamie Christian’s Twitter image of coaches eating breakfast on a private plane while traveling for a recruiting visit highlights the heights the program has reached — at least off the field. Previously, the UNLV recruiting budget didn’t include such luxuries, which are common among powerhouse programs. And that’s not the only change Sanchez has made.
Early recruiting
UNLV has six recruits verbally committed for the 2016 signing class. Yet, national signing day — when verbal commitments become official — still is six months away. This is believed to be the earliest UNLV has secured a commitment in the recruiting process. And six players easily is a first. In the past, UNLV did most of the heavy lifting in December and January, just weeks before the early February signing day. “I believe in coach Sanchez,” said Marquis Wimberly, a junior college wide receiver from Chaffey College who committed this month to UNLV. “He’s a legendary high school coach who knows nothing other than winning.”
A strong presence on social media
Sanchez and his staff have been active on Twitter and Instagram, promoting the progress they have made in the offseason. They use #NewEra, the program’s marketing slogan. Previously, UNLV football had no social media presence. Coaches have learned fans were desperate for updates.
New equipment and focus
■ A sound system worth more than $100,000, given to the program by a private donor, blasts music during practices to make them more lively. Sanchez controls what’s played — everything from Elvis to hip-hop. The “Tempo by Coachcomm” system also includes countdown clocks, which are situated in multiple places at Rebel Park, to keep practice on schedule.
■ Three new sets of slickly designed uniforms have been ordered. Look good, play good, right?
■ The team’s grade-point average went from 2.2 during the semester before Sanchez was hired to 2.7 during the spring, Sanchez’s first semester on the job. “We aren’t going to tolerate people not taking advantage of your opportunity,” Sanchez said. “You are getting a free education. You are going to take advantage of it and graduate.”
Heavy recruiting of local talent
Sanchez saw how the previous UNLV staff failed to aggressively pursue players at Gorman, and arguably other Las Vegas schools, and stressed to his assistant coaches the importance of building a winning program with local players. Now as head of the university program, he has offered scholarships to more than 10 players from Southern Nevada, urging them to be the face of the new program. And for good reason. The more locals on the field, the more locals in the stands, he says. Season ticket sales have been slow but steady. The university has sold 97 percent of last year’s 4,000 or so season tickets, with a big push expected in late August. Tickets for the six-game 2015 home schedule cost $99 to $230. “Sanchez and his guys have been on our campus more times this spring than I saw the previous staff in three years,” Coronado High coach Bill Froman said. “They said the first order of business is to change the perception they don’t recruit local.”
More player support than in previous years
■ Most incoming freshmen arrived in June to take summer school classes and begin training for the season. Summer school, room and board aren’t covered by scholarships, meaning Sanchez had to raise funds to get his players on campus ahead of the fall semester. In past years, players arrived in August, just weeks before the season started, at a major disadvantage. For instance, first-year players at Fresno State, one of the best teams in the Mountain West, arrive in June.
■ When players finish a weight training session inside the Lied Athletic Complex or field work at Rebel Park, they have access to a table crammed with sports drinks, fruit, sandwiches and more. Last year, players received mostly only beverages. “Right off the bat that signaled to everyone what direction the program is going,” said Marc Philippi, a UNLV junior. The NCAA two years ago approved unlimited snacks for athletes.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
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