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UNLV gets running back, center

New UNLV football coach Tony Sanchez kept wide receivers coach Cedric Cormier from the previous staff.

The receivers were consistently the Rebels’ strongest unit, and Cormier had a good track record of signing quality players from the Houston area.

Now the Rebels hope they have another one in running back Xzaviar Campbell, who committed to UNLV over Texas State. Campbell (5 feet 11 inches, 215 pounds) rushed for 777 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, averaging 6.4 yards per carry at Bellaire High School. He had 1,038 yards and 12 TDs in 2013, averaging 7.1 yards per carry.

“Just the whole coaching staff, I felt at home, and I was very interested in them,” Campbell said Wednesday of his reason for choosing the Rebels.

He singled out Sanchez and Cormier as being instrumental in his decision. Cormier also was the lead recruiter in signing wide receiver Devante Davis and running back Tim Cornett in prior classes, two players largely overlooked by other schools who became stars at UNLV.

“He’s a very funny guy, a great dude I get along with,” Campbell said of Cormier. “He kept everything honest and real with me.”

The Rebels also signed center Will Kreitler (6-0, 290) of Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College. Getting him early will allow Kreitler to go through spring practices.

He had committed to Southern Mississippi, but switched to UNLV, posting photos on his Twitter account of signing with the Rebels and wearing a UNLV cap.

Kreitler was named a second-team All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association.

NOTE — UNLV will not return to Ely for training camp this August. The Rebels have spent the past nine preseasons there. They instead will practice at Rebel Park.

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.

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