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Donovan Outlaw was supposed to be in Reno today attending a football camp at UNR.
But his flight was canceled when he arrived at McCarran International Airport, giving him one more sign to reaffirm where he wanted to play college football. A few hours later, he verbally committed to hometown UNLV, UNR’s main rival.
The Coronado High senior offensive lineman, who last week was offered a scholarship by UNLV, starting having second thoughts about UNR on his way to the airport. He drove by a billboard near McCarran promoting UNLV football and its catchphrase, “New Era.”
First-year Tony Sanchez has been active recruiting locals since taking over the Rebels’ program last December and his “New Era” slogan has become popular with recruits, players and supporters.
For the 6 foot 3, 280 pound Outlaw, the billboard was one more reminder of Sanchez and offensive line coach John Garrison’s message last week about how they are rebuilding the program starting with locals.
“I saw that billboard and it was the coolest thing,” Outlaw said. “Something told me to (commit) do it. UNLV is a great place. I am super excited.”
Outlaw said Garrison was ecstatic when he called to commit.
“They were stoked,” Outlaw said. “(Garrison) said he can’t wait to work with me. He wanted to get started today.”
Outlaw is the fourth commitment for UNLV’s 2016 recruiting class — all are offensive lineman, one of the program’s biggest areas of concerns with little player depth. Including Outlaw, three of the four commitments are from Southern Nevada.
Outlaw also has an offer from Weber State and heavy interest from other regional schools. He didn't have an offer from UNR, but likely would have received one at the camp. His commitment won’t be official until national signing day in February. Prospects can, and more times than not will, be recruited by other schools.
They’ll likely see Sanchez and his coaches on the recruiting trail.
Coronado coach Bill Froman last week praised the new UNLV staff for its efforts targeting locals. Some have a perception that past UNLV coaches, regardless of the coaching regime, under recruited the area.
“Sanchez and his guys have been on our campus more times this spring than I saw the previous staff in three years,” Froman said. “They said the first order of business is to change the perception they don’t recruit local.”
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
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