Sanchez, staff’s determination sold Myles on UNLV

When considering a place to live, to build a life, the thought of family nearby can be a big pull.

Jay'Onn Myles knew he would be surrounded by relatives in Las Vegas.

The easy story is the one that says family was the reason Myles chose UNLV over Baylor.

But it wouldn't be correct.

Myles saw an even deeper reason to go with the Rebels, a can't-miss determination from first-year coach Tony Sanchez and his staff to change a battered and beleaguered football program.

"What these coaches have got going on is something you really want to be a part of," Myles said. "They did an awesome job recruiting not only myself, but a lot of these players here. When you see people who are doing the right things and the energy they have here, the belief in how they want to get it done, I feel like we all have pretty much the same story.

"We all are pretty much starting fresh together."

UNLV opened training camp Friday morning at Rebel Park, the beginning of competition throughout the roster before the season starts Sept. 5 at Northern Illinois.

Myles will have a say in how the roster plays out at cornerback. He is being considered for both corner positions and nickelback.

The Rebels lost the starters at all three spots, so the opportunity is there for Myles. But his priority is to pick up the defense and catch up with teammates who went through spring practices.

"While the other guys are going forward, he's trying to learn the drills," cornerbacks coach J.D. Williams said. "But, athletically, he's there."

Myles didn't sound concerned about needing much time to learn the system, and he said the coaches have been patient with him.

"They don't give me any sweat about repeating themselves," Myles said. "They really want to make sure you understand everything because they know the transition may be a little different.

"(The playbook is) very new to me. I won't sit here and lie and say I will be back (at full speed) in three days. I don't want to give a timeline, but I know for sure I'll be ready before the season, I'll tell you that much."

Myles transferred from Pierce College in Los Angeles, and the Rebels love his ability to run the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. He returned two interceptions for touchdowns last season and was named the nation's No. 83 junior college prospect by 247Sports, including the eighth-best cornerback.

But at 5 feet 8 inches, 175 pounds, Myles didn't attract the kind of recruiting attention that might have come his way if he were bigger.

"He's got the chip on his shoulder because he's a little undersized," Williams said. "He wants to prove he's a big guy. I enjoy watching him play."

UNLV has signed this kind of player in past years. Former coach John Robinson brought in running back Dominique Dorsey, who was 5-7, 170, and overlooked by other schools despite rushing for 3,045 yards in 2000 at Tulare (Calif.) Union High School. UNLV took a chance on Dorsey, who is third on the school's career rushing list with 2,834 yards.

All Myles has to do is look across the field at one of his new teammates for inspiration. Wide receiver Devonte Boyd is 6-1, 175, and coming off a season in which he was named Mountain West Freshman of the Year.

That's not to say Myles didn't have suitors.

Arizona, Baylor and Hawaii wanted him, and his decision came down to the Bears and UNLV. Choosing Baylor would have been going with a national power and a favorite to make this season's four-team playoff field.

UNLV coaches made the case to Myles to stay close to his Southern California home and be near those relatives who live in Las Vegas. That was a consideration for Myles, but not the overwhelming one.

So now he's here. Ready to show what the fuss was all about.

"I think Jay'Onn's really going to push that group," Sanchez said. "He's got a great opportunity to play and to play right away."

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