Good day to be a Rebel

The UNLV Rebel football team capped off its 2016 recruiting efforts on National Signing Day with a 25 man class that may end up being one of the best in school history.

UNLV picked up commitments from nine 3-star recruits in the haul. That's the most at one time since, at least, when John Robinson was on the sideline for the Rebels.

There is no easy fix on the football field. When trying to build a successful program, one player doesn't make a roster. It takes a complete commitment by the coaching staff to add quality people and athletes at all positions.

It appears that UNLV is on its way to doing that.

With a young defensive backfield and running backs already in place, the Rebels went after some key positions this off-season with quarterback and offensive and defensive lines being a priority.

The pair of Johnny Stanton, a former Nebraska commit, and Armani Rogers will immediately come in and compete with incumbent starter, Kurt Palandech. Stanton put up huge numbers at Saddleback Community College this past year, while UNLV beat out five Pac-12 schools for Rogers.

Both are exactly what head coach Tony Sanchez wants to run his offense - dual-threat with accurate arms and enough running ability to keep defenses honest.

Adding depth to the wide receiver position also was an area that UNLV did well. The Rebels signed four 2-star receivers that have lots of potential - Andre Collins, C.J. Harris, Mekhi Stevenson and Elijah Trosclair.

Using his pipeline to Bishop Gorman, Sanchez got a pair of offensive linemen that will push for action. Julio Garcia and Jaron Caldwell are both 3-star players with lots of upside.