Local has global roots

Editor's note:
This is the latest installment of a weekly feature in which the Las Vegas Review-Journal asks 20 questions of a member of the UNLV football team.

Today's Q&A is with junior linebacker Ronnie Paulo, a Western High School graduate who was born in Africa. He and the Rebels play rival UNR at 1 p.m. Saturday in Reno.

1. Being from Las Vegas, is it extra special playing in Reno?

It always is because being from here, you always have that sense that they're the enemy. You're not supposed to like them. I grew up liking and watching UNLV football.

2. Have you been to Reno?

I have. My sister (Mona) actually went to Reno (and) graduated. I still hold it against her. Reno's a place in itself. I'm going to leave it at that.

3. Do you have a special bond with other local players on the Rebels?

I really do. It's not really a separate clique on the team, but we're aware we're all from Vegas. We hold a certain foundation to Las Vegas players playing at UNLV.

4. Do you serve as sort of a recruiter for local players?

I'm certainly one of them. Phillip (Payne) might be the other half. ... I like to encourage guys to come here because there's a reason we're on the rise.

5. Do you ever think what it might have been like if you had signed with Nebraska, which also recruited you?

I don't really think back too much on it because I eventually made the decision I made. I just felt pressure (from Nebraska). It didn't really sound genuine like the UNLV (scholarship offer).

6. Did you feel like it was sort of a half-offer?

Not necessarily. It was just, "We'll take you, but we have someone else."

7. After Nebraska pressured you to commit early, what did the experience show you about the recruiting process?

It definitely opened my eyes to how crucial recruiting can be, how stressful it can be. But I've learned from it, and I'm glad I am where I am.

8. You were born in Africa. Do you have any memories of living there?

No, I was a toddler when I was there and moved here.

9. Did your family move to Las Vegas or somewhere else first?

We came straight here. There was a war in Africa (Namibian War of Independence) at the time, and it wasn't really safe there. ... I don't know why we chose Vegas. We have a lot of family here, but I don't know the real reason.

10. Does your family talk a lot about their time in Africa?

My mom (Rosa) does. My sisters tell me what they can about their experiences there. They miss their friends. They have a lot of memories.

11. Do you wish you had memories of it?

I wish I did. I speak a little bit of the language, which is Portuguese. I can understand what (people) are saying, but as far as responding, it's a no-go.

12. Have you been back?

No. I'm planning on going one of these summers, but there hasn't been time with school and football.

13. How did you get into football?

It was the summer of sixth grade. One of my friends introduced me to a coach. We hit it off from there. I started off playing linebacker and wore No. 56 the whole time, so I've been No. 56 my whole football career.

14. When did you realize you were pretty good?

Early in the second year of playing Pop Warner football. I actually had a knack for knocking guys off their feet.

15. How valuable was it to get playing time as a UNLV freshman?

Definitely instrumental, especially with Beau Bell being there. He was a major role model for me at the time because I didn't know the ins and outs of the game yet.

16. What did being voted by your teammates on the leadership committee show you?

It gives a sense of comfort, I guess. I respect that the guys respect me like that.

17. What's it like being on a jury of your teammates?

It's not an odd feeling at all. The team voted us on there, so they wanted us to take responsibility to make those decisions.

18. I understand you play the trombone?

I did in high school. I haven't touched it since.

19. Were you in the band?

I was in the symphonic band, and I was in the jazz band as well.

20. What's your favorite type of music?

Miles Davis is definitely a guy I idolize.

• NOTES -- Rebels coach Mike Sanford said he is limiting media access this week, allowing interviews only with himself, wide receiver Ryan Wolfe and linebacker Starr Fuimaono. This interview with Paulo was conducted before the policy was enacted. ...

Quarterback Omar Clayton (throwing shoulder, knee) is expected to play at UNR, but Sanford said, "I think he's going to be sore." ...

Safety Marquel Martin (concussion) has been cleared. Wide receiver Rodelin Anthony, coming off his second concussion of the season, is "day to day." Defensive end Daniel Mareko (broken arm) is out until late October.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Read the latest UNLV football updates at lvrj.com/blogs/unlv_sports.