CONTACT: Mark Wallington (702) 528-6291 Feb. 3, 2016
SANCHEZ INTRODUCES RECORD-SETTING
RECRUITING CLASS
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) –
UNLV head coach Tony Sanchez announced one of
the top-ranked classes in school history during Wednesday’s initial day of the national signing
period.
Sanchez’s second class of Rebels, which is made up of 23 players, set a program record
with 10 star recruits according to Rivals.com. That total trailed only Boise State’s 12
three-stars in the Mountain West Conference. The previous high-mark for UNLV was eight set in 2009.
“We are so excited,” Sanchez said. “Last year we were limited in the time we had to recruit
after being hired in December. This year we had a full calendar to go through the process. Last
year was a good class but today we feel like we are adding a really special group of players that is
going to immediately add a lot of talent, especially with seven guys already enrolled.”
The Scarlet & Gray list is made up of 15 high school players and eight junior-college
transfers, including seven midyear JC signees who enrolled at UNLV last month and will compete
in spring practice (March 7 through April 9).
“I’m really proud of the staff – both the on-field and off-field staff – for how hard they
worked and how well they all did recruiting. We spent as many days as possible out on the road,
got into a lot of high schools, developed a lot of relationships – and it paid off. We didn’t settle for
anybody. There is no one here by default, which is exciting.
“The bottom line is that we are selling our university, our city, our opportunities, and I think
our guys did an outstanding job on showing all of the benefits of coming to UNLV, being a Rebel
and living in Las Vegas.”
The class is tilted toward offense this time around with 14 players on that side of the ball.
The full breakdown is as follows: 5 OL, 3 WR, 3 TE, 3 DB, 3 DL, 2 QB, 2 LB, 1 RB and 1 P/K.
“We needed an infusion of a lot of players at a few position groups,” Sanchez said. “But
the numbers are starting to balance out now at all of the areas.”
While dominated by signees from the Golden State, the group consists of student-athletes
whose hometowns are spread among six states: 16 are from California, three are out of Nevada,
one each hail from Arizona, Georgia and Texas and one player is from Florida but played at a
California JC.
“We have to recruit to be champions and feel like we are doing that,” Sanchez said. “We
feel good about the battles that we won and think that before they leave UNLV, these kids will be
able to hang a Mountain West championship banner. It’s not going to be easy, but that’s the goal.”
UNLV 2016 FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS
(23 Total)
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES (15)
NAME
POS HT
WT
CL-EXP HOMETOWN
PREVIOUS SCHOOL
Matt Brayton
OL
6-3
300
FR-HS
Monrovia, CA
Bishop Amat HS
Jaron Caldwell
OL
6-4
315
FR-HS
Las Vegas, NV
Bishop Gorman HS
Andre Collins Jr.
WR
6-4
200
FR-HS
Hacienda Heights, CA Mater Dei HSTykenzie Daniels
DB
5-10 185
FR-HS
Richmond, TX
Foster HS
Giovanni Fauolo
TE
6-2
250
FR-HS
Oakley, CA
Freedom HS
Julio Garcia II
OL
6-3
325
FR-HS
Las Vegas, NV
Bishop Gorman HS
Toa Iafeta
DL
6-4
270
FR-HS
San Jose, CA
Milipitas HS
Rodney Jones
DL
6-4
240
FR-HS
Stockton, CA
Lincoln HS
Donovan Outlaw
OL
6-3
290
FR-HS
Henderson, NV
Coronado HS
Armani Rogers
QB
6-5
210
FR-HS
Los Angeles, CA
Hamilton HS
Mekhi Stevenson WR
6-0
180
FR-HS
Lemon Grove, CA
Helix HS
David Tate Jr.
LB
6-2
220
FR-HS
Fresno, CA
Edison HS
Leevel Tatum III
DL
6-0
270
FR-HS
Fresno, CA
Edison HS
Elijah Trosclair
WR
6-2
185
FR-HS
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento HS
Charles Williams
RB
5-10 175
FR-HS
Fresno, CA
Bullard HS
JUNIOR COLLEGE SIGNEE (1)
NAME
POS HT
WT
CL-EXP HOMETOWN
PREVIOUS SCHOOL
Evan Pantels
P/PK 5-10 180
SO-TR
Suwanee, GA
Georgia Military College
JUNIOR COLLEGE MIDYEAR ADDITIONS (7)
NAME
POS HT
WT
CL-EXP HOMETOWN
PREVIOUS SCHOOL
Michael Adams*
DB
6-2
210
JR-TR
Bay Point, CA
Laney College
Michael Chevalier* OL
6-3
300
JR-TR
San Diego, CA
San Diego Mesa College
Tim Holt*
TE
6-2
230
JR-TR
Yorba Linda, CA
Fullerton College
Robert Jackson*
DB
6-2
200
JR-TR
Fort Myers, FL
College of the Sequoias
Trevor Kanteman* TE
6-4
240
JR-TR
Woodland Hills, CA LA Pierce College
Brian Keyes*
LB
6-1
245
JR-TR
Surprise, AZ
Scottsdale CC
Johnny Stanton*
QB
6-2
235
JR-TR
R.S. Margarita, CA Saddleback College
*Already Enrolled at UNLVUNLV 2015 FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS
BY POSITION
(23 Total)
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (5)
NAME
POS HT
WT
CL-EXP HOMETOWN
PREVIOUS SCHOOL
Matt Brayton
OL
6-3
300
FR-HS
Monrovia, CA
Bishop Amat HS
Michael Chevalier* OL
6-3
300
JR-TR
San Diego, CA
San Diego Mesa College
Jaron Caldwell
OL
6-4
315
FR-HS
Las Vegas, NV
Bishop Gorman HS
Julio Garcia II
OL
6-3
325
FR-HS
Las Vegas, NV
Bishop Gorman HS
Donovan Outlaw
OL
6-3
290
FR-HS
Henderson, NV
Coronado HS
WIDE RECEIVERS (3)
AJ Collins
WR
6-4
200
FR-HS
Hacienda Heights, CAMater Dei HS
Mekhi Stevenson WR
6-0
180
FR-HS
Lemon Grove, CA
Helix HS
Elijah Trosclair
WR
6-2
185
FR-HS
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento HS
TIGHT ENDS (3)
Giovanni Fauolo
TE
6-2
250
FR-HS
Oakley, CA
Freedom HS
Tim Holt*
TE
6-2
230
JR-TR
Yorba Linda, CA
Fullerton College
Trevor Kanteman* TE
6-4
240
JR-TR
Woodland Hills, CA LA Pierce College
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (3)
Rodney Jones
DL
6-4
240
FR-HS
Stockton, CA
Lincoln HS
Toa Iafeta
DL
6-4
270
FR-HS
San Jose, CA
Milipitas HS
Leevel Tatum III
DL
6-0
270
FR-HS
Fresno, CA
Edison HS
DEFENSIVE BACKS (3)
Michael Adams*
DB
6-2
210
JR-TR
Bay Point, CA
Laney College
Tykenzie Daniels
DB
5-10 185
FR-HS
Richmond, TX
Foster HS
Robert Jackson*
DB
6-2
200
JR-TR
Fort Myers, FL
College of the Sequoias
LINEBACKER (2)
Brian Keyes*
LB
6-1
245
JR-TR
Surprise, AZ
Scottsdale CC
David Tate Jr.
LB
6-2
220
FR-HS
Fresno, CA
Edison HS
QUARTERBACKS (2)
Armani Rogers
QB
6-5
210
FR-HS
Los Angeles, CA
Hamilton HS
Johnny Stanton*
QB
6-2
235
JR-TR
R.S. Margarita, CA Saddleback College
RUNNING BACK (1)
Charles Williams
RB
5-10 175
FR-HS
Fresno, CA
Bullard HS
PUNTER/KICKER (1)
Evan Pantels
P/PK 5-10 180
SO-TR Gainesville, GA
Georgia Military College
*Already Enrolled at UNLVUNLV 2015 FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS
BY HOME STATE
(23 Total)
CALIFORNIA (16)
NAME
POS HT
WT
CL-EXP HOMETOWN
PREVIOUS SCHOOL
Michael Adams*
DB
6-2
210
JR-TR
Bay Point, CA
Laney College
Matt Brayton
OL
6-3
300
FR-HS
Monrovia, CA
Bishop Amat HS
Michael Chevalier* OL
6-3
300
JR-TR
San Diego, CA
San Diego Mesa College
AJ Collins
WR
6-4
200
FR-HS
Hacienda Heights, CAMater Dei HS
Giovanni Fauolo
TE
6-2
250
FR-HS
Oakley, CA
Freedom HS
Tim Holt*
TE
6-2
230
JR-TR
Yorba Linda, CA
Fullerton College
Rodney Jones
DL
6-4
240
FR-HS
Stockton, CA
Lincoln HS
Trevor Kanteman* TE
6-4
240
JR-TR
Woodland Hills, CA LA Pierce College
Toa Iafeta
DL
6-4
270
FR-HS
San Jose, CA
Milipitas HS
Armani Rogers
QB
6-5
210
FR-HS
Los Angeles, CA
Hamilton HS
Johnny Stanton*
QB
6-2
235
JR-TR
R.S. Margarita, CA Saddleback College
Mekhi Stevenson WR
6-0
180
FR-HS
Lemon Grove, CA
Helix HS
David Tate Jr.
TE
6-2
220
FR-HS
Fresno, CA
Edison HS
Leevel Tatum III
DL
6-0
270
FR-HS
Fresno, CA
Edison HS
Elijah Trosclair
WR
6-2
185
FR-HS
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento HS
Charles Williams
RB
5-10 175
FR-HS
Fresno, CA
Bullard HS
NEVADA (3)
Jaron Caldwell
OL
6-4
315
FR-HS
Las Vegas, NV
Bishop Gorman HS
Julio Garcia II
OL
6-3
325
FR-HS
Las Vegas, NV
Bishop Gorman HS
Donovan Outlaw
OL
6-3
290
FR-HS
Henderson, NV
Coronado HS
FLORIDA (1)
Robert Jackson*
DB
6-2
200
JR-TR
Fort Myers, FL
College of the Sequoias
ARIZONA (1)
Brian Keyes*
LB
6-1
245
JR-TR Surprise, AZ
Scottsdale CC
GEORGIA (1)
Evan Pantels
P/PK 5-10 180
SO-TR Gainesville, GA
Georgia Military College
TEXAS (1)
Tykenzie Daniels
DB
5-10 185
FR-HS
Richmond, TX
Foster HS
*Already Enrolled at UNLVHIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES
MATT BRAYTON
OL 6-3 300 FR-HS Monrovia, CA Bishop Amat HS A big blocker with great potential who hails from a top California program … Will look to help bolster UNLV’s offensive front as one of five OL signees this year. HIGH SCHOOL: A member of the Bishop Amat HS football team under coach Steve Hagerty … Helped lead the Lancers to a 10-3 record and a national ranking of 29 … Named the Mission League’s Co-Lineman of the Year by the Los Angeles Times as a senior … Also earned first team all-area honors, first team all-league honors and was named to FOX Sports West/Prime Ticket’s 2015 All CIF-SS team … Helped pave the way for an offense that piled up more than 5,000 yards and averaged 43 points per game … Earned first team all-league honors as a junior … Helped the team to a 9-4 overall record, a Mission League championship and a semifinals appearance in the Southern Section playoffs one year after finishing last in the league. PERSONAL: Matthew Robert Brayton was born April 30, 1998, in Arcadia, CA … The son of Janeen and Matt Brayton … Has two younger sisters, Emma and Ella.
SANCHEZ ON BRAYTON: “Matt Brayton comes from a traditionally big-winning high school program. He’s a big, strong kid. He’ll be more of a guard for us and we think he can come in and make an immediate presence physically.”
JARON CALDWELL
OL 6-4 315 FR-HS Las Vegas, NV Bishop Gorman HS A solid, athletic blocker who will look to earn time along the Rebels’ offensive line as a freshman … Rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals … Listed as the No. 8 overall player in the state of Nevada by ESPN … Joined prep teammate Julio Garcia II in becoming the earliest commits in program history when they pledged their services to UNLV in February 2015. HIGH SCHOOL: A two-year letterwinner at Bishop Gorman HS under coach Tony Sanchez and then Kenny Sanchez … Helped pave the way for a Gaels rushing attack that averaged 9.51 yards per carry as the team rushed for 4,307 yards in 2015 … Did not lose a game as a member of the varsity squad (30-0 in two seasons) and was part of back-to-back teams that were named national champions by USA TODAY … Earned first team all-state honors as a senior … Earned second team all-state honors as a junior … Was a member of the track team as a freshman and sophomore and competed in the discus and shot put. PERSONAL: Jaron Lee Andrew Caldwell was born Feb. 3, 1998, in Sacramento, CA … The son of ReGina Martino.
SANCHEZ ON CALDWELL: “Jaron is a special kid. He had a lot of other opportunities but chose to stay home. He comes from a two-time national championship winning program here in town. His size and his athleticism make him a candidate to come in and help us immediately at the tackle position.”
ANDRE COLLINS JR.
WR 6-4 200 FR-HS Hacienda Heights, CA Mater Dei HS An athletic wide receiver from a perennial prep powerhouse … Rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and Scout … Ranked the No. 173 WR in the nation by Scout. HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner at Mater Dei HS under coach Bruce Rollinson … Played in all 13 games for the Monarchs and helped the team finish with a 10-3 record in 2015 … Ranked second on the team with 704 yards on 36 receptions as a senior … Made a career-high seven receptions for 81 yards and three touchdowns in a win over La Mirada (Sept. 11) … Caught four passes for a career-high 117 yards and one score in a loss to St. John Bosco (Oct. 16) … Caught 15 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns as a junior
… Also ran track and was part of the 4x100 meter relay team. PERSONAL: Andre Justice Collins Jr.
was born April 22, 1997, in Hacienda Heights, CA … The son of Sandra and Andre Collins Sr. … Has one younger sister, Kayla … Uncle Jimmy LeJay was a safety in the NFL.
SANCHEZ ON COLLINS: “AJ is a big, long receiver with a tremendous upside. He comes out of the tradition-rich, powerhouse school in Mater Dei. Coach (Bruce) Rollinson does a tremendous job over there. We were introduced to him halfway through the recruiting process and are sure glad we did because we feel like in a couple years he’ll be a special player.”
TYKENZIE DANIELS
DB 5-10 185 FR-HS Richmond, TX Foster HS A ball hawk who is the only signee from the Lone Star State in this year’s class. HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner at Foster HS under coach Shaun McDowell … Anchored a defense that helped lead the team to a 10-3 record, including two playoff wins, as a senior … Led the Falcons with four interceptions in 2015 … Earned first team all-district honors and was an academic all-district selection as a senior … Helped the squad to a 9-2 record as a junior … Earned second team all-district honors …
Was part of a team that went 9-3 as a sophomore. PERSONAL: Tykenzie Tremon Daniels was born
Oct. 29, 1996, in Nacogdoches, TX … The son of Derrick and Christi Daniels … Has one older sister, Tykejah, two younger brothers, Kalus and Brenden, and two younger sisters, India and Chole … Cousin Jaquan White is a wide receiver at UTEP.
SANCHEZ ON DANIELS: “Tykenzie is an interesting guy. His high school was a win away from reaching the semifinals of Texas this year so he’s another winner from a great program that produces a lot of talent. Their head coach said the thing that stands out about Tykenzie is his physicality – he’ll come up and hit you in the mouth. He’s played corner and safety so he’s a dual-threat guy.”
GIOVANNI FAUOLO
TE 6-2 250 FR-HS Oakley, CA Freedom HS An athletic tight end from the Bay Area … Rated a three star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports … Ranked the No. 72 TE prospect in the nation by 247Sports … Last name is pronounced “fow-OH-low.” HIGH SCHOOL: A two-year letterwinner at Freedom HS under coach Kevin Hartwig … Earned first team all-league honors and was named to the San Francisco Chronicle’s All-Metro Second Team as a senior … Posted 46 receptions for 768 yards and seven touchdowns … Also played on the defensive line and at linebacker and registered 42 tackles, including five sacks, and collected an interception … Helped lead the Falcons to a 7-5 record as both a junior and senior … Earned second team all-league
honors as junior … Also a two-year letterwinner on the basketball team. PERSONAL: Giovanni
Anthony Fauolo was born June 9, 1998, in Oakley, CA … The son of Taisia and Lucy Fauolo … Has three older brothers: Bryan Wortham, Buddha Fauolo and Taisia Fauolo; and one younger brother: Armani Fauolo … Cousin Ina Liaina was a running back at San Jose State (2008-12) and then a member of the Green Bay Packers.
SANCHEZ ON FAUOLO: “Gio is the only high school tight end we’re bringing in this year. Watching him play basketball shows he has good hands and is really athletic. He has a big personality and a bright future here.”
JULIO GARCIA II
OL 6-3 325 FR-HS Las Vegas, NV Bishop Gorman HS A highly touted, athletic local offensive lineman … Rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports … Ranked the No. 5 overall player in the state of Nevada by ESPN and the No. 104 OG in the nation by 247Sports … Joined prep teammate Jaron Caldwell in becoming the earliest commits in
program history when they pledged their services to UNLV in February 2015. HIGH SCHOOL: A
member of the prep powerhouse Bishop Gorman HS under coach Tony Sanchez and then Kenny Sanchez … Helped pave the way for a Gaels rushing attack that averaged 9.51 yards per carry as the team rushed for 4,307 yards in 2015 … Did not lose a game as a member of the varsity squad (30-0 in two seasons) and was part of back-to-back teams that were named national champions by USA TODAY … Earned first team all-state honors as a senior … Recently represented the United States and was a starter on the O-line in the 2016 International Bowl in Arlington, Texas (Feb. 1) … Helped the USA defeat Canada 33-0 at AT&T Stadium. PERSONAL: Julio Garcia II is the son of Monica and Julio Garcia Sr.
SANCHEZ ON GARCIA: “Julio Garcia is a winner. He’s played for a two-time national championship team and just competed for the Team USA vs. Canada. He’s an accomplished guy who comes in with a physical presence and knows how to work. He’ll be a guard for us.”
TOA IAFETA
DL 6-4 270 FR-HS San Jose, CA Milpitas HS The final addition to UNLV 2016 recruiting class is a tough-nosed lineman who will add depth to the
defensive front … Named is pronounced “TOW-ah EYE-ah-FET-ah.” HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year
letterwinner at Milpitas HS under coach Kelly King … Named to the All-Mercury News Second Team as a senior … Helped the Trojans to a 10-4 overall record and a league championship as a senior … Recorded 98 total tackles, including nine sacks … Earned first team all-league honors as a junior and senior … Led the team to a 12-1 record and a league championship as a junior … Part of a team that went 8-3 during sophomore campaign … Named the league’s sophomore of the year in 2013 … Lined up at tight end, defensive end, defensive tackle and on the offensive line and was a team captain as a senior … Also was a two-year letterwinner on the basketball team. PERSONAL: Toa Junior Iafeta was born Aug. 17, 1998, in Pomona, CA … The son of Theresa Iafeta … Goes by the nickname “T.J.” … Has one older brother, Jeremy, two older sisters, Tierra and Terrina, one younger sister, Victoria, and one younger brother, P.J.
SANCHEZ ON IAFETA: “Toa is a versatile lineman who played both inside and outside in high school and has an explosive first step. We see him playing as a defensive tackle for us.”
RODNEY JONES
DL 6-4 240 FR-HS Stockton, CA Lincoln HS An athletic defensive lineman who looks to add depth to the Rebel front. HIGH SCHOOL: A two-year letterwinner at Lincoln HS under coach Brian Gray … Senior season was cut short due to injury but the Trojans finished with a 6-5 record and made the playoffs … Also earned one letter playing basketball. PERSONAL: Rodney Isaiah Jones was born Nov. 14, 1997, in Stockton, CA … The son of Desiree and Rodney Jones Sr. … Has two older brothers, Anthony Carrino and Desmond Carrino, and one older sister Keyarea Jones … Father was a professional boxer who finished with a career record of 37-4 with 22 knockouts and was a Welterweight title holder.
SANCHEZ ON JONES: “Rodney Jones is a diamond in the rough with great potential. Watching film you can see his athleticism and his ability to rush the passer. He’s got really long arms. His dad, Rodney Jones Sr., was a light middleweight champion who fought here in town during his boxing career.”
DONOVAN OUTLAW
OL 6-3 290 FR-HS Henderson, NV Coronado HS A local product with a great upside … One of five offensive linemen signed by the Rebels in this year’s class … Also lined up on the defensive line and at fullback as a prepster. HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner at Coronado HS under coach Bill Froman … Helped the Cougars finish 7-4 with a league
record of 3-1 during junior campaign under coach Brad Talich. PERSONAL: Donovan Sean Outlaw
was born May 5, 1998, in Fort Hood, TX … The son of Jennifer Duncan … Has one older sister, Renee, one younger sister, Chloe, and one younger brother, Bryce.
SANCHEZ ON OUTLAW: “Donovan is another local kid from Coronado. He’s an athletic, big kid who met him in our camp here last summer and really impressed us. He committed early and was steadfast all the way through. We are excited to work with him.”
ARMANI ROGERS
QB 6-5 210 FR-HS Los Angeles, CA Hamilton HS One of the most highly coveted signees in school history … Rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN and a three-star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports and Scout … Ranked as the nation’s No. 11 dual-threat quarterback according to ESPN and No. 15 by 247Sports … Listed as the No. 55 overall player in the West Region by ESPN and No. 70 overall QB in the country by Scout … Reunited with high school
teammate Jericho Flowers, who signed with UNLV last year and redshirted the 2015 season. HIGH
SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner at Hamilton HS under coach Ernest King … Earned 2015 offensive MVP honors from the Los Angeles Times … Also named to the 2015 CIF All-City Second Team as a punter … Threw for 1,433 yards and 18 touchdowns against one interception with a completion percentage of 64.5 percent … Rushed for 431 yards on 71 carries and six touchdowns as a senior … Named the Western League Player of the Year as a junior … Accumulated 35 touchdowns in 2014, 28 through the air and seven on the ground, and only threw three interceptions … Led team to an 11-3
record and a division championship as a junior. PERSONAL: Armani Lee Rogers was born Dec. 4,
1997, in Buffalo, NY … The son of Leslie and Sam Rogers … Has three older brothers: Sam Jr., Tremaine and Aaron, one older sister, Ariel, and one younger brother Zane … Father was a linebacker and played for the Colorado Buffaloes and then went on to the NFL and played for the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers and Atlanta Falcons … His brother Aaron is currently playing at Humboldt State. SANCHEZ ON ROGERS: “We won a really hard-fought recruiting battle to get Armani Rogers and he has a special career ahead of him. He’s a big-armed, strong kid who is a dual-threat guy. He is a thrower first but if you fall asleep on him, he can go ahead and explode down the field. This guy is a pure passer with a strong arm and we are excited to develop his talent. His ability, size and arm strength point to a tremendous future.”
MEKHI STEVENSON
WR 6-0 180 FR-HS Lemon Grove, CA Helix HS A speedy wide receiver from Southern California who prepped at the same high school as current Rebels Kenny and Kendal Keys … A three-star prospect according to 247Sports. HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner at Helix HS under coach Tory Starr … Helped lead the Highlanders to an 11-2 record, a league championship and a division title as a senior … Grabbed 36 receptions for 775 yards and 10 touchdowns … Earned first team all-league honors and was a second team all-section selection … Also competes on the track team, running the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays and the 100 meter dash. PERSONAL: Mekhi Monche Stevenson was born July 17, 1998, in San Diego, CA … The son of Kayshaun and Monche Stevenson … Cousin Jimmy Pruitt recently finished his collegiate career as a DB at San Jose State.
SANCHEZ ON STEVENSON: “Mekhi is probably the most explosive of the receivers we brought in this year. He has the ability to return punts and kicks so he’ll help us on offense and special teams. He committed toward the end after a hard-fought battle with some other Mountain West teams. We think he is a difference maker who will make plays for us starting this fall.”
DAVID TATE JR.
LB 6-2 220 FR-HS Fresno, CA Edison HS A supremely athletic linebacker who lined up at multiple positions as a prepster … Ranked as a
three-star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports and Scout. HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner at Edison HS
under coach Matt Johnson … Named to the Fresno Bee’s Fab 50 Football All-Stars … Recorded 61 tackles and intercepted one pass during 2015 season … Led the Tigers to a section championship as a junior and a 12-2 overall record … Also played basketball for one season at EHS. PERSONAL: David Tavion Tate Jr. was born Aug. 4, 1998, in Fresno, CA … The son of Genise and David Tate Sr. … Has one older brother: James, and three older sisters: Kelon, Leah and Ahjanae … Uncle Jerry Harteman ran track at USC.
SANCHEZ ON TATE: “David Tate is another standout we got out of Fresno. He is a physical kid, athletic, very long. He will probably be a will linebacker here. His ability to rush off the edge is dynamic. He brings a big frame and adds some physicality to the position.”
LEEVEL TATUM III
DL 6-0 270 FR-HS Fresno, CA Edison HS A defensive lineman who brings a great football pedigree … Is one of three 2016 UNLV signees who hail from Fresno, Calif. … Ranked as a three-star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports and Scout … First name is pronounced “LEE-vell.” HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner at Edison HS under Matt Johnson … Finished with 104 tackles, including 13 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and blocked three punts and two field goals as a senior … Also lined up at running back and rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown … Led the Tigers to a section championship as a junior and a 12-2 overall record … Named to the Fresno Bee’s Fab 50 Football All-Stars as a junior and a senior … Also competed on the
track team. PERSONAL: Leevel Desean Tatum III was born March 2, 1998, in Fresno, CA … The son
of Lisa and Leevel Tatum II … Has two older sisters: Brianna and Brittney … Father was a standout running back at Fresno State (1983-84) and was a standout track athlete in high school … Has three uncles who played professional sports: Jack Tatum was an All-Pro for the Oakland Raiders and played in the NFL from 1971-1980, Jarvis Tatum played for the California Angels from 1968-70 and Vestee Jackson played in the NFL from 1986-1993 with the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins.
SANCHEZ ON TATUM: “Leveel Tatum is a guy who just has a high motor. He can be a D-end or a D-tackle. He has the flexibility to play on all three downs.”
ELIJAH TROSCLAIR
WR 6-2 185 FR-HS Sacramento, CA Sacramento HS An athletic wide receiver with tremendous upside from Northern California. HIGH SCHOOL: A member of the Sacramento HS football team under coach Justin Reber … Named to the Sacramento Bee’s 2015 All-Metro Second Team as a hybrid back … Helped lead the Dragons to an 8-4 overall record and a league championship in 2015 … Posted 42 receptions for 1,021 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior … Also earned a letter as a sophomore on the boys’ basketball team. PERSONAL: Elijah Trosclair is the son of Yvette Trosclair.
SANCHEZ ON TROSCLAIR: “Elijah is on a team that did not previously have a lot of success but he was a big reason his high school went deep into the playoffs last year. His play-making abilities, spreads the field, runs deep routes. With his big frame, with a year of training, he could end up being a really good player for UNLV.”
CHARLES WILLIAMS
RB 5-10 175 FR-HS Fresno, CA Bullard HS A highly honored, speedy back with great vision who is one of three prepsters from the California Central Valley to sign with UNLV this year … Ranked as a three-star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports and Scout. HIGH SCHOOL: A two-year letterwinner at Bullard HS under coach Don Arax … Named Fresno Bee’s Co-Offensive Player of the Year as a senior … Two-time County/Metro Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year … Rushed for 2,142 yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior, which both rank as the second-most in the school’s single-season history … Amassed 3,580 total rushing yards in two years on varsity, which is the second-most rushing yards all-time … Scored 48 career touchdowns, which tied a school record … Also is a standout on the track team and was the Valley champion in the 200 meter sprint as a junior. PERSONAL: Charles Billy Dee Williams Jr. was born Aug. 28, 1998, in Fresno, CA … The son of Emma and Charles Williams Sr. … Has one younger sister, Caris … Cousin Tyrone Smith is a wide receiver at Utah.
SANCHEZ ON WILLIAMS: “It’s great to go into Fresno and get a kid like Charles Williams. He’s a steal after having a phenomenal career at Bullard High School. He set touchdown records, ran for over 2,000 yards as a senior and was named co-offensive MVP of the section. Expect to see him carrying the ball this fall.”
JUNIOR COLLEGE SIGNEE
EVAN PANTELS
P/PK 5-10 180 SO-TR Suwanee, GA Peachtree Ridge HS/Georgia State/GMC A versatile booter who will vie to replace graduated three-year letterwinner Logan Yunker as UNLV’s punter this fall … Can also serve as place-kicker and kickoff man … Last name is pronounced “pan-TELLS.” JUNIOR COLLEGE: Started at both kicker and punter in 2015 for Georgia Military College located in Milledgeville, GA … Finished with a punting average of 39.3 with a long of 69 … Dropped 13 attempts inside opponents’ 20-yard line … Also made half of his 12 field-goal attempts (long of 43) and 44 of 47 extra-point attempts for the Bulldogs under coach Bert Williams. GEORGIA STATE: Joined the FBS program in 2014 out of high school and took a redshirt season with the Panthers ... Named to
the Athletic Director's Honor Roll for the fall 2014 semester. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2014 graduate of
Peachtree Ridge HS … Punter and PK for the Class AAAAAA Lions under coach Mark Fleetwood ... Named second team all-county punter by the Gwinnett Daily Post ... Made 10 of 14 field goals as a senior ... Booted a school-record 53-yard field goal vs. Walton in the Corky Kell Classic at the Georgia Dome ... 40-yard average on punts. PERSONAL: Evan Alexander Pantels was born May 21, 1995 ... Son of Maris and Rita Pantels.
SANCHEZ ON PANTELS: “Evan is a kid who has three years to play. He did all three things in the kicking game at Georgia Military but with us losing Logan, obviously we expect him to focus on punting. But he has ability to compete to kick off and kick field goals and extra points.”
JUNIOR COLLEGE MIDYEAR ADDITIONS
MICHAEL ADAMS
DB 6-2 210 JR-TR Bay Point, CA Oakland Tech/Laney College A hard-hitting defensive back who looks to compete for immediate time in the UNLV secondary … A midyear signee in December, he enrolled in UNLV in January and will take part in spring practice. JUNIOR COLLEGE: Played in 18 games and finished with 86 total tackles, nine pass breakups, four tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks in two years at Laney College where he was once a teammate of UNLV quarterback Kurt Palandech … As a sophomore, recorded 35 tackles, including five pass breakups, three tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and one interception … Recorded a season-high 10 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and a pass breakup at Sierra (Sept. 19) … As a freshman, ranked third on the team with 51 tackles, four pass breakups, two blocked kicks, one TFL and one forced fumble … Turned in a career-high 11 tackles, force one fumble and blocked a kick against San Francisco (Sept. 12). HIGH SCHOOL: A 2014 graduate of Oakland Tech … A three-year letterwinner under coach Delton Edwards … Led the Bulldogs to an OAL Championship … Recorded 64 tackles and had four interceptions as a senior … Earned first team all-league honors and was named to the OAL All-Metro Third Team … Also was a two-year letterwinner on the basketball team. PERSONAL: Mike Darrel Adams was born Dec. 8, 1994, in North Oakland, CA … The son of Tracy and Herron Adams Sr. … Brother of the late Herron and Trammell Adams … Has one older brother, Tervon, one older sister, Sandra, and one younger sister Freddie … Cousin of current NFL players Marshawn Lynch and Josh Johnson.
SANCHEZ ON ADAMS: “Michael Adams is a big-hitting guy who will be great on special teams and will fight for time at both free and strong safety spots. He adds a lot of physicality back there for us.”
MICHAEL CHEVALIER
OL 6-3 300 JR-TR San Diego, CA Mt. Carmel HS/San Diego Mesa College A big offensive lineman who will immediately compete for time on the UNLV front … A midyear signee in December, he enrolled in UNLV in January and will take part in spring practice … Last name is pronounced “chev-VAHL-yay.” JUNIOR COLLEGE: Spent two seasons at San Diego Mesa College … Helped the Olympians rush for 1,423 yards on the ground in 10 games as a sophomore … Paved the way as a freshman, helping San Diego Mesa College rush for 1,009 yards … A team captain as a
sophomore and earned first team all-conference honors. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2014 graduate of Mt.
Carmel HS … Led the Sun Devils to a 7-5 record as a senior and a co-league championship … Earned First Team All-Valley League honors as a junior and a senior … Also earned lettered in lacrosse, wrestling and track. PERSONAL: Michael Charles Chevalier was born Sept. 11, 1995 … The son of Donovan Brown and Oiaha Chevalier … Has one sister, Elizabeth Chevalier … Stepfather, Donavan Brown, played football at Northern Colorado, where he was honorable mention All-America.
SANCHEZ ON CHEVALIER: “Michael is an older, experienced, big-bodied player who can add some depth to the offensive line. Being a junior college guy, he'll be able to learn the offense in the spring and be an immediate contributor."
TIM HOLT
TE 6-2 230 JR-TR Yorba Linda, CA Yorba Linda HS/Fullerton College A sure-handed tight end who will compete for immediate playing time … Rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports … A midyear signee in December, he enrolled in UNLV in January and will take part in spring practice. JUNIOR COLLEGE: Played in 22 games and finished with 45 receptions, 580 yards and three touchdowns in his career at Fullerton College … Named 2015 First Team Region III All-California tight end by the JC Athletic Bureau … Ranked third on the team with 257 yards, fourth with 21 receptions and hauled in one touchdown as a sophomore … Made a season-high five receptions for 61 yards in a 36-30 win over Mt. San Antonio (Sept. 12) … Ranked third on the team with 323 yards and on 24 receptions, which ranked fourth on the team, in first season at Fullerton … Made four catches for a career-high 85 yards and a touchdown against Grossmont (Oct. 25) during freshman campaign. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2014 graduate of Yorba Linda HS … Earned two letters under coach Jeff Bailey … Led the Mustangs to a 10-0 record and a league championship in 2014 … Earned first team all-conference honors as a senior … Lined up at tight end and also saw time on the defensive line for the Mustangs … Also earned two letters in track. PERSONAL: Tim Bryce Holt was born Jan. 7, 1996 … The son of Carolyn and Gary Holt … Has one brother, Pat.
SANCHEZ ON HOLT: “Tim is kind of that interchangeable guy – probably more than anyone in the class. He can play tight end, or slot receiver or fullback, and he’ll play on special teams. He’s a good route runner who will allow us to make some mismatches.”
ROBERT JACKSON
DB 6-2 200 JR-TR Fort Myers, FL Lehigh Senior HS/College of the Sequoias A hard hitting defensive back who originally hailed from the Sunshine State but spent time in California before joining UNLV … Rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals … A midyear signee in December, he
enrolled in UNLV in January and will take part in spring practice. JUNIOR COLLEGE: Played in 17
games and finished with 71 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss during his career at College of Sequoias located in Visalia, CA … Finished with 57 tackles as a sophomore, which ranked as the third-most on the team, and 2.5 tackles for loss in 10 games … Recorded a season-high 11 tackles against Chabot (Nov. 7) … Turned in 14 tackles and appeared in seven games as a freshman. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2013 graduate of Lehigh Senior HS, which is located in Lehigh Acres, FL … Also lettered in track for the
Lightning. PERSONAL: Robert C. Jackson was born Dec. 8, 1993, in Fort Myers, FL … The son of
Sharon and Robert Jackson … Has one sister, Toccara.
SANCHEZ ON JACKSON: “Robert Jackson is going to play corner for us. He is that big, physical guy with experience who will have confidence to come in and play right away.”
TREVOR KANTEMAN
TE 6-4 240 JR-TR Woodland Hills, CA Royal HS/Illinois/LA Pierce College A big-bodied tight end with sure hands who will immediately compete for playing time … A midyear signee in December, he enrolled in UNLV in January and will take part in spring practice. JUNIOR COLLEGE: Spent one season at LA Pierce College and played in nine games … Ranked fourth on the team with 280 receiving yards on 23 receptions and caught two touchdowns … Caught three passes for a season-high 71 yards in a 23-20 loss against Southwestern (Sept. 19) … Made a season-high five
receptions twice. ILLINOIS: Redshirted the 2013 season at the Big Ten school. HIGH SCHOOL: A
2012 graduate of Royal HS … Caught 50 passes for 554 yards and two touchdowns as a senior, which both led the Marmonte League despite playing in only six games due to injury … Lined up at wide receiver, tight end, defensive end and was the team’s long-snapper … Earned first team all-league honors, was an All-Ventura County selection and was named one of the top five tight ends in southern California by the Los Angeles Times … Named the Highlanders’ MVP and was a scholar-athlete selection as a senior. PERSONAL: Trevor Alan Kanteman was born Oct. 13, 1994 … The son of Robin and Todd Kanteman … Has one younger brother, Tanner.
SANCHEZ ON KANTEMAN: “Trevor is a big, long tight end who is also a good route runner. He, along with our other new guys and the guys coming back are going to make up one darned good position group.”
BRIAN KEYES
LB 6-1 245 JR-TR Surprise, AZ Willow Canyon HS/Arizona/Scottsdale CC A big-bodied, hard-hitting defenseman who will immediately add depth to the linebacking corps … A midyear signee in December, he enrolled in UNLV in January and will take part in spring practice. JUNIOR COLLEGE: Played in 21 career games at Scottsdale CC, where he was once a teammate of current UNLV center Will Kreitler … Helped lead the Fighting Artichokes to a 7-4 record as a sophomore and an 8-3 record as a freshman … Finished with 164 total tackles, including 4.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss … Led the team as a sophomore with 95 tackles, including 2.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss, broke up three passes, forced and recovered a fumble and made an interception … Finished with a team-high 69 tackles as a freshman, including two sacks and 12 TFL, recovered two fumbles and
broke up a pass. ARIZONA: Redshirted the 2013 season at the Pac-12 school. HIGH SCHOOL: A
2013 graduate of Willow Canyon HS in Surprise, Ariz. … Led the Wildcats to a 7-3 record as a senior … Lined up at running back and tight end on the offensive side of the ball and at defensive end and linebacker on defense … Earned first team all-region honors as a senior … Named one of the top 100
Arizona players. PERSONAL: Brian Keyes was born June 29, 1995 … The son of Andrea and Vento
Keyes … Has one older brother, Brandon.
SANCHEZ ON KEYES: “Brian is a JC linebacker who will come in and play the Mike (MLB) and battle at that spot. He will offer us a physical presence at a position where we were a little small last year.”
JOHNNY STANTON
QB 6-2 235 JR-TR Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Santa Margarita HS/Nebraska/Saddleback A first team junior college All-America quarterback who will immediately compete for the starting job at UNLV … A midyear signee in December, he enrolled in UNLV in January and will take part in spring practice … Rated as a three-star prospect coming out of junior college by ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports … A former Nebraska QB, he was with the Cornhuskers in 2013-14 along with current UNLV staffers,
including offensive coordinator Barney Cotton. JUNIOR COLLEGE: Played in 13 games and led
Saddleback Community College to the California Community College Football Coaches Association State Championship game in his lone year with the Gauchos … Named 2015 CCCFCA First Team All-American and Offensive Player of the Year by the JC Athletic Bureau … Finished the season 293-of-465 (63.0 percent) for 3,471 yards and 27 touchdowns … Also led the team in rushing with 747 yards on 183 attempts and scored 12 touchdowns. … Was 37-of-48 for a career-high 468 yards and four touchdowns vs. El Camino (Sept. 19) … Eclipsed the 400-yard passing mark twice during the season and threw for more than 300 yards six times … Threw for multiple scores in nine games and tossed three or more touchdowns in four games … Did not throw in interception in final five games over 218 attempts … Rushed for a career-high 129 yards on 19 attempts and two touchdowns against Golden
West (Nov. 14). NEBRASKA: Spent two seasons with the Huskers and played in two games as a
redshirt freshman with the Big Ten school … Completed one pass for six yards. HIGH SCHOOL: A
2013 graduate of Santa Margarita HS … Generally regarded as one of the nation’s top dual-threat QB prospect coming out of high school, ranking among the top 15 overall dual-threat quarterbacks by both 247Sports and Rivals … Was a finalist at the prestigious Elite 11 Quarter Back Camp in 2012 in California … A game-changing signal-caller who earned three letters under coach Harry Welch … Senior season was cut short due to a knee injury in week five … Led the team to a consensus ranking in the nation’s top five prep teams prior to injury … Completed 59-of-88 passes for 949 yards and 12 touchdowns, while rushing for 386 yards and 10 scores on 47 carries in 2012 … Led the Eagles to a 13-2 record and the CIF Southern Section Division I state title as a junior in 2011 … Held a completion percentage better than 60 percent and threw for 2,439 yards and 13 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,428 and 21 touchdowns … Named the first-team quarterback on the Los Angeles Times All-Area team and was the MVP of the SouthernCaliforniaPreps.com All-Pac 5 team … Started at safety as a sophomore for Santa Margarita and also logged time at quarterback … Made 72 total tackles in 2010 and passed for 375 yards while rushing for 223 yards … Also was a two-year letterwinner on the basketball team at power forward. PERSONAL: Johnny Richard Stanton IV was born Sept. 7, 1994 … The son of Lori and John Stanton III … Has one younger sister Katie … Father, Johnny, and uncle, Pat Stanton, both swam competitively at Long Beach State.