RECRUITING: Palo Verde’s Hughes opts for UNLV
Palo Verde senior two-way lineman Michael Hughes Jr. made an oral commitment to UNLV on Wednesday.
Hughes’ commitment is nonbinding, and the first day he can sign a letter of intent is Feb. 5. UNLV’s coaches cannot comment until that time.
Hughes was a second-team all-state selection at defensive line and chose the Rebels over scholarship offers from Colorado State, Northern Arizona, Southern Utah and Texas-El Paso. He recorded 61 tackles and had five sacks, helping Palo Verde go 10-2 and advance to the Sunset Region final.
Hughes also was a first-team All-Northwest League pick as an offensive lineman.
He is the third local player to orally commit to the Rebels for the 2014 recruiting class, joining Desert Pines wide receiver Tim Hough and Green Valley place-kicker Conor Perkins.