New receivers add to UNLV’s depth

Before winter conditioning began, senior wide receiver Devante Davis — UNLV’s star football player — went out to Rebel Park with two freshman newcomers and ran routes with them.

He also has led by example during spring practices, approaching each day’s drills as if it were game day.

Those newcomers, Devonte Boyd and Trent Riley, have noticed and already are benefiting.

“If every play he’s going hard, then everybody else has to go hard,” Boyd said. “Everybody else is trying to get on his level.”

Getting on to Davis’ level will not be easy, but the Rebels hope Boyd and Riley, both grayshirts, will at least add depth to an already talented receivers group.

“I think they’ll be in the mix to compete for playing time,” coach Bobby Hauck said. “I think they both are good players. I’m glad we got them. I think they’ve got bright futures.”

Hauck had hoped Kendal Keys, who originally committed to Boise State, would be at spring drills, too. The Rebels brought in Keys before last season, but he never was cleared by the NCAA, and his eligibility remains in question.

Senior Marcus Sullivan is being held out with a knee injury but could return today. Hauck said Sullivan definitely will be back after the team returns from spring break next week.

With Davis, Sullivan and junior Anthony Williams, the Rebels bring back a group of receivers who last season combined for 137 catches for 1,841 yards and 19 touchdowns. Davis accounted for most of that production, catching 77 passes for 1,194 yards and 14 TDs.

Between the newcomers, Boyd (6 feet 2 inches, 175 pounds) has the best chance of making a strong impact next season. He has been working with the first two units, while Riley (6-2, 195) is on the third team.

Boyd signed last year with UNLV out of Basic High School, where he was selected by ESPN as the state’s third-best recruit. He caught 66 passes for 1,081 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior at Basic, and the Rebels had hoped he would contribute last season.

But Boyd wasn’t academically eligible, so he didn’t enroll until January.

“It hurt me that I couldn’t be there last year,” Boyd said.

Riley signed out of Mount Si High in Snoqualmie, Wash. He caught 56 passes for 876 yards and was named King County 2A/3A Offensive Player of the Year. Combining receptions, interceptions and punt returns, Riley scored a school-record 25 touchdowns.

While sidelined last season, he followed UNLV’s progress on TV, then tried to emulate the routes on his own.

“It sucked sitting out, but it feels good to be back in pads and ready to go,” Riley said. “I’m definitely fired up and want to make a name for myself.”

Blood was splattered all over Riley’s jersey Wednesday after his chin strap hit his nose during practice.

Taking the step up from high school isn’t easy, but should these two receivers make the transition, a strong position for UNLV will be that much better.

“They both look the part,” Hauck said. “For two new guys, they haven’t backed down. It looks very promising for both.”

■ NOTES — UNLV’s spring game at 5:30 p.m. on April 11 will be at Peter Johann Memorial Field, also the home for Rebels soccer. ... The Rebels’ scrimmage at 9:45 a.m. today will last about 80 plays. ... UNLV signed safety/wide receiver J.T. Nettleton (6-3, 185) out of Saguaro High in Scottsdale, Ariz. He had visited California and South Dakota State and is expected to grayshirt at UNLV. ... Eric Hohn was named strength and conditioning coach, replacing Mike Gerber, who left after last season. Hohn had the same position at California from 1991 to 1997 and at Weber State from 1998 to 2012.

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