QB recruit Sherry visits UNLV after Buffaloes bail out on offer

Quarterback Nick Sherry thought he could play his senior year of high school football in peace while other prospects weighed their college options.

He had pledged to play at Colorado, but when the Buffaloes fired coach Dan Hawkins, the new staff didn't honor the commitment.

So now Sherry is looking around, and he is among six recruits visiting UNLV this weekend. He is also considering Idaho, and other schools have made contact as well.

Sherry (6 feet 5 inches, 210 pounds) is rated by Rivals.com as a three-star prospect. Scout.com lists him as a two-star recruit and the nation's No. 102 quarterback. He passed for 2,623 yards and 25 touchdowns, with six interceptions, last season at Casa Grande High School in Petaluma, Calif.

Sherry isn't the only player whom the Rebels are competing against Idaho to sign. Safety Peni Vea (6-1, 180) of Kealakehe High in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, has orally committed to the Vandals. Scout rates Vea, who made 79 tackles and three interceptions, as a two-star prospect and the nation's No. 107 safety.

UNLV is also making another strong push within the state, welcoming one local player and two from archrival UNR's backyard.

Linebacker Don Pearson (6-2, 205) of Faith Lutheran is rated by Rivals as a three-star recruit and by Scout as a two-star prospect. San Diego State has also offered him a scholarship, and he is expected to visit the Aztecs.

The Northern Nevada players are offensive lineman Alex Eekhoff (6-7, 240) of Reno's Bishop Manogue and defensive end Jonathan Parker (6-4, 230) of Carson High.

One junior college player is visiting: punter Tyler Bennett (5-11, 205) of Phoenix College. He averaged 43.7 yards per punt, second in the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.