Junior college transfers getting noticed at Rebels camp

Safety Dre Crawford was all set to go to Minnesota, having signed with the Golden Gophers as a mid-year junior college transfer.

One of his credits from Arizona Western College in Yuma didn't transfer, however, and Minnesota released him.

And now UNLV's football team is the beneficiary. Crawford (6 feet, 185 pounds) walked on to the Rebels, and he has made a big impact this week to move into the second team.

"He's opened some eyes," coach Bobby Hauck said. "One of the best things I like about him is he really shows up when the pads go on. A lot of guys look good initially with no pads."

Crawford, who played high school ball in Miami, said he first became interested in the Rebels when he and his Arizona Western teammates stopped in Las Vegas in 2009 en route to a game at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah.

"I had seen the campus and I already knew it was a good place, so there was really no need for a visit," Crawford said. "Once (Hauck) told me they wanted me out here, I was happy. I was ready to go."

He was rated by Rivals.com as a three-star recruit and by Scout.com as a two-star prospect. Last season, Crawford made 66 tackles and intercepted four passes, returning one for a touchdown.

Hauck said UNLV is still trying to get an NCAA waiver for Crawford, but the Rebels probably wouldn't allow him to practice if there was a genuine concern Crawford wouldn't be eligible.

"Everything is going to get done," Crawford said. "It should be a smooth process."

ANOTHER ADDITION

Linebacker John Lotulelei (6-0, 230), another junior college transfer who walked on, also has used this week to put himself in position for serious playing time.

Lotulelei has made his way to the second team, competing with sophomore Tani Maka and redshirt freshman William Vea.

"He's pushing," Hauck said. "That's pretty good competition right now."

Lotulelei made 84 tackles, including 12 for loss and five sacks, last season at Merced (Calif.) College.

GOING LOCO

Former UNLV standout linebacker Beau Bell signed with the UFL's Las Vegas Locomotives. He was the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2007.