RECRUITING: Liberty RB Niko Kapeli picks Rebels

Bobby Hauck has stressed building his program with a foundation of local recruits since he was hired as UNLV’s football coach in December 2009.

The Rebels landed a big piece of that plan Wednesday, when they received an oral commitment from Liberty junior running back Niko Kapeli, a first-team all-state selection in 2011.

Kapeli accepted the first scholarship he was offered, in part so he can eventually join brother Jordan Kapeli, a graduating Liberty fullback who plans to join the Rebels as a walk-on in the fall.

“That’s a very neat thing,” Niko Kapeli said. “It’s kind of like a dream come true.”

Niko Kapeli also received recruiting interest from UNR, Utah, San Diego State and Northern Arizona.

NCAA rules prohibit college coaches from commenting on unsigned recruits. The first day Kapeli can sign a national letter of intent is Feb. 6.

To say the 5-foot-10-inch, 195-pound running back is a bruising runner for his size could be an understatement. He rushed for 2,383 yards and 30 touchdowns as a junior, averaging 6.8 yards per carry.

More important, he played a key role as Liberty (11-2) won its second straight Sunrise Region title.

But the humble Kapeli seemed more interested in discussing improvements than his strengths.

“I want to work on my speed and strength, and hopefully get those up before I go to college,” he said.

Liberty coach Rich Muraco said the Rebels will gain a polished running back.

“He’s got great vision and great body awareness and control,” Muraco said. “He can cut and control his speed without having to slow down. He’s big enough and strong enough to run people over.”

Muraco was glad to see UNLV expand its local talent base.

“I think it’s super important if UNLV wants to turn the program around, the top local kids have to commit,” Muraco said. “It’s exciting that in my opinion, the best running back in the state’s going there.”