April 7, 2014
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV football head coach Bobby Hauck announced Monday the addition of two more players to the school's 2014 recruiting class, which now stands at 18.
Recently signing national letters of intent to play for the Rebels were junior-college place-kicker Jonathan Leiva and two-way high school standout J.T. Nettleton.
Leiva (6-0, 175) is the second kicker to sign with the Rebels this year as local product Conor Perkins out of Green Valley High School will take a church mission before enrolling at UNLV. Leiva spent the last two years at Palomar College in San Marcos, Calif. He led the Comets in scoring as a sophomore with 43 points, making 7-of-9 field-goal attempts and hitting all 22 extra-point tries. A graduate of Cathedral High School in Los Angeles, Leiva joins a former Palomar teammate, senior offensive lineman Doug Saeks, at UNLV.
"We were kind of put in a position where we needed to find a kicker for this fall and were fortunate that Jonathan Leiva was still available," Hauck said. "He is highly regarded by some kicking experts out there so we are excited to have him come in and compete for the job immediately."
Nettleton (6-3, 195) is completing his senior year at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Ariz. Lettering at both defensive back and wide receiver for the Sabercats, he is currently listed as an Athlete for the Rebels. Last fall, he helped his team to a 13-1 record and another Division III state title by catching 61 passes for 1,550 yards and 23 TDs on offense and making 102 total tackles and four interceptions on defense.
"J.T. is a solid guy with a big frame that can do a lot of things on the field," Hauck said. "He's a good football player from a successful high school program and will have some different position options when he gets here."
Even with the late additions, the 2014 class ranks as one of the smallest on record for the school. The list is made up of 11 high school players and seven junior-college players. The class is tilted toward defense with 10 defensive players, five on offense, two kickers and one labeled as an Athlete.
UNLV will hold its annual Spring Showcase on Friday at a new location, the campus' soccer stadium -- Peter Johann Memorial Field. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the free scrimmage set to begin at 5:30. The first 500 fans will receive an exclusive UNLV "Reb Blooded" T-shirt available only at this event courtesy of Findlay Toyota. Free roster posters will also be handed out and fans will be invited to meet the players and get autographs immediately following the scrimmage. A Rebel Kids Club Zone at the soccer stadium will include bounce houses, face-painting and carnival-style games -- all free of charge. Concession stands will also be open, offering food and drink for purchase.
Fans who cannot make it to the event can listen live on AM 1400 KSHP thanks to sponsor Findlay Toyota Scion in the Valley Automall. You can also watch all the action streamed live at UNLVRebels.com via the Mountain West Network.
Rebel Football season tickets for the 2014 season, starting at only $90 for all six home games, will be available for sale at the Spring Showcase and are currently on sale by calling (702) 739-FANS. Log on to www.unlvtickets.com for more information.
