Hauck, UNLV lure late commitments on signing day

If this winter feels more like early spring, the 48 hours leading up to Wednesday's signing day seemed like summer to UNLV coach Bobby Hauck.

He couldn't have asked for a much better finish to the recruiting season, landing two Bishop Gorman High School players who had committed to New Mexico and another top recruit who once appeared to be headed to Colorado.

"Over the years, we've lost guys at the end, and over the years, we've gained some guys at the end," Hauck said Wednesday in announcing his third Rebels class. "It was kind of fun this year to be the recipient 3-0."

UNLV signed 20 players, including 18 from high schools. The other two, quarterback James Boyd (6 feet 5 inches, 250 pounds) and defensive lineman Parker Holloway (6-3, 235), were junior college players who signed early and will compete in spring practices. Boyd began his college career at Southern California.

Hauck said he already felt good about this class entering Christmas break, having accepted an unusually high number of early commitments. He told his assistants to put the brakes on accepting more because Hauck likes to reserve spots for quality players caught up in a numbers game at bigger-name schools.

That probably was the case with wide receiver/defensive back Jonavaughn Williams (6-2, 200) of JSerra Catholic High in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. He picked up several Pac-12 Conference scholarship offers, and visited Colorado and San Diego State.

But Williams was still there for the Rebels, and he committed Monday.

"We really thought early in the process he was going to Colorado," Hauck said. "He came in last weekend, and is really a gifted kid. ... His film will light you up. We are excited to have pulled him in on the last weekend."

Williams' commitment was just the beginning. On Tuesday afternoon, Gorman safety/linebacker Marc Philippi (5-11, 210) and offensive lineman Ron Scoggins (6-2, 325) were headed to New Mexico. That night, they switched to UNLV. The Rebels also signed Basic High offensive lineman J'Ondray Sanders (6-5, 270), who committed early last month.

"I think part of the reason why they have had trouble recruiting local kids is not many of the local kids want to stay in town, but with me and Ron and the Basic kid going there, it will change the culture and make more local kids want to stay in town and play for Coach Hauck," Philippi said.

"I think I'm going to bring a great work ethic and the ability to win. I think that's what me and Ron bring, being around three state championships."

Hauck needs the help after back-to-back two-win seasons, but he said this class -- nine players received three stars from at least one major recruiting service -- is a sign times are changing.

"Part of getting guys to jump ship and come with us the last couple of days was look at this class," Hauck said. "You want to be part of this class. It's a good-looking group. This group's going to win games."

Sports reporter Tristan Aird contributed to this report. Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.