When it comes to producing UNLV football players, talent-rich next-door-neighbor California always leads the way, of course, followed closely by our own Nevada. Recently, Hawai'i was a big feeder state to the Rebels while Texas has been a gold mine for the program of late, especially when it comes to running backs. Of the 20 states home to at least one UNLV player this season, the one that is climbing quickly in numbers is Georgia, which has produced no less than six current Rebels.
 
The talent migration from the Peach State started when kicker/punter Evan Pantels (Suwanee, GA) came west to join a former coach of his at Georgia State – third-year defensive line coach Tony Samuel. Receiver Drew Tejchman (Acworth, GA) came straight from North Cobb High School, played as a true freshman and looks to be a big part of the offense as a sophomore this fall. Fellow receiver Darren Palmer (Lithia Springs, GA) is a Georgia native who did a stint in the military before walking on to the Rebels last year. Big Tavis Malakius (Macon, GA) just joined up to help the D-line after junior college; while talented tight end Shelton Zeon III signed out of Norcross High and impressive receiver/return man Tyleek Collins (Savannah, GA) is a dandy signee from Hapeville Charter.
 
Samuel says the Georgia bump is due to word-of-mouth and our own diverse, exciting city.
 
"Once you go into a new area, especially such a fertile ground like that, sometimes after one kid comes, you get more interest, they start to see UNLV and (recruits) pay more attention. With Las Vegas having so many people from so many different places living here, there is always some kind of tie-in with a relative or close friend -- so a lot of these guys have some people here already, which helps.
 
"We have good ties here at UNLV. I was at Georgia State and (first-year offensive line coach) Garin Justice recruited the area for FAU so he also knows Georgia. We're canvassing it more and identifying more kids and all of them who have come in have done a good for us."
 
The squad will take Tuesday off and be back at Rebel Park Wednesday morning. Practices are closed to the public.
 
UNLV opens its season September 1 at USC. The home opener is September 8 vs. UTEP. Season tickets are on sale now starting at only $99 for all six home games. Three-game and group ticket packages are also available with Eat All You Can Plans for as low as $79 per ticket. UNLV has also introduced the Better Seats Promise. Ticket plan holders are guaranteed better seats than single-game purchasers. Other season ticket packages include faculty & staff, alumni and groups.
 
To learn more or to purchase tickets, please visit UNLVtickets.com or call 702-739-FANS (3267). Parking is free at Sam Boyd Stadium for Rebel football games. Season ticket holders will receive priority access for seating at Rebel games inside Las Vegas Stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2020.