Northwestern running back to transfer to UNLV

Running back Adonis Smith, a former top football recruit, will transfer to UNLV from Northwestern.

He said Friday he chose the Rebels over several Pac-12 Conference and Western Athletic Conference schools, including UCLA and Utah.

Smith (5 feet 11 inches, 200 pounds) was rated by SuperPrep as the No. 1 back out of Northern California when he signed in 2010 with Northwestern out of San Mateo's Junipero Serra High School.

He will have to sit out next season under NCAA transfer rules, and then will have two years of eligibility.

"I definitely see the program on the rise," Smith said of UNLV. "Coach (Bobby) Hauck is doing a good job, and I want to be part of it and help it succeed."

Smith, who last season rushed for 266 yards and three touchdowns, said he also liked that the Rebels emphasize the run. UNLV's young running game averaged 164.1 yards last season.

"That's a plus," Smith said. "It fits my running style."

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.