UNLV pursues commitments from Northern Nevada line prospects

UNLV knows at least one of the nine recruits visiting this weekend will play football for the Rebels, and more commitments could be on the way Sunday.

But those in town aren't the only ones strongly considering UNLV.

At least three players who previously visited could wind up signing with UNLV on Feb. 2. Two of them -- Bishop Manogue High School offensive lineman Alex Eekhoff (6 feet 7 inches, 240 pounds) and Carson High defensive end Jonathan Parker (6-4, 230) -- live in UNR's territory.

Eekhoff is visiting Montana State this weekend and might make a decision soon. He is considering a visit to UNR.

"I had a good visit (to UNLV)," Eekhoff said. "I really enjoyed it. I'm not too sure what I'm going to do."

Parker has stayed in-state so far, visiting UNR last month before taking the trip to UNLV. Next weekend he will visit Abilene Christian, a Football Championship Subdivision school, largely because his father is from Abilene, Texas.

"It's even with all three schools, and I want to check out Abilene," said Parker, who had 80 tackles and five sacks last season. "A lot of people ask why I want to check it out because it's a (FCS) school, but they send a lot of people to the (scouting) combine and to the NFL, so I'm taking this seriously."

Peni Vea (6-1, 180) of Kealakehe High in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, is also uncertain about his decision. He is visiting Idaho this weekend, a school he previously committed to before withdrawing the pledge. Vea, who made 79 tackles and three interceptions last season, is planning to visit Utah State next weekend and has been to Montana.

"I want to take all the trips first and compare them all and see what would be the best place," Vea said. "I really don't have a favorite, but I really like that UNLV wants to bring me in as a safety. Safety is my favorite position."

The Rebels appear to be building momentum after picking up three mid-week commitments, giving them six in this class. UNLV had five at this point last year in what turned out to be a promising first class for coach Bobby Hauck.

A strong weekend could push the total into double figures, and UNLV is expected to bring in another large group of visitors next week. One player, safety Brandon Baker (6-2, 180) of Lancaster (Texas) High, committed before he arrived Friday.

UNLV is behind most schools in number of commitments, but much of that could be attributed to Hauck's belief in quality over quantity. The Rebels hope to snag players close to signing day who are caught up in numbers situations with more prestigious programs.

UNLV has 21 available scholarships because four additions last year count against this class -- three grayshirts and one player, linebacker Tani Maka, who received a scholarship after walking on before the season.

Running back Dionza Bradford, offensive lineman Alex Novosel and defensive lineman Desmond Tautofi of Calvary Chapel High are the grayshirts expected to enroll next week. Though all three could make an impact next season, Bradford's addition will create an interesting position battle in spring practice, when he goes against sophomore-to-be Tim Cornett.

Another player to watch is defensive back Corbin Brown, a Spring Valley High product who sat out last season after transferring from Air Force.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.