UNLV’s Tony Sanchez adds 9 junior college players
As Tony Sanchez prepares for his second season as UNLV's football coach, he knows he needs help for the long-term health of the program.
But he also wants to win now.
UNLV announced what is believed to be a school-record nine early junior college signings on Wednesday. All nine will be able to enroll in January and go through spring practices, which are March 7-April 9.
"It may not always be like this, but right now there were some immediate needs," Sanchez said in a statement. "We were close in so many games, which showed that we're not that far away, so these guys will come in and give us immediate help in getting over the hump. We are excited about this group and they are excited about UNLV."
The Rebels come off a 3-9 season, but they had opportunities to win a handful of other games.
UNLV's headline signing was quarterback Johnny Stanton (6 feet 2 inches, 235 pounds) of Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Calif. He spent his first two seasons at Nebraska. UNLV offensive coordinator Barney Cotton and offensive line coach John Garrison were on the Cornhuskers' staff at that time.
Stanton passed for 3,471 yards and 27 touchdowns, with 10 interceptions, this season at Saddleback. He also rushed for 747 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Also signing with the Rebels were defensive back Michael Adams (6-2, 210) of Laney College in Oakland, Calif.; offensive lineman Michael Chevalier (6-3, 300) of San Diego Mesa College; wide receiver Malik Dumetz (6-3, 215) of American River College in Sacramento, Calif.; linebacker Anthony Gutierrez (6-2, 230) of Santa Monica (Calif.) College; tight end Tim Holt (6-2, 230) of Fullerton (Calif.) College; defensive back Robert Jackson (6-2, 200) of College of the Sequoias in Visalia, Calif.; tight end Trevor Kanteman (6-4, 240) of Pierce College in Los Angeles; and linebacker Brian Keyes (6-1, 245) of Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College.
Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65
