UNLV Football Signing Day 2020 - Marcus Arroyo's First Rebel Recruiting Class

UNLV Football Signing Day 2020

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The new decade started with a new era in UNLV Football history.

 

The 2020 National Signing Day Show live with FOX 5’s Vince Sapienza, longtime UNLV radio announcer Tony Cordasco, and former UNLV Football Quarterback Caleb Herring did not disappoint. This is the first recruiting class for Head Coach Marcus Arroyo and he rolled out with some of the best talent in UNLV history.

Coach Arroyo’s class was ranked second in the Mountain West Conference per 24/7Sports, and highlighted by the signing of the top high school player ever signed to UNLV, linebacker Brennon Scott.

Scott is proclaimed by many to be the highlight of the entire Mountain West Conference recruiting class as well. Scott comes to UNLV from one of the best high schools in the state of Texas, Bishop Dunne.

I spoke to 24/7 Sports and Franchise Sports Media’s Joe Arrigo, who is considered one of UNLV Football’s recruiting experts. Joe wasn’t surprised by Arroyo landing Scott. “When Scott re-opened his recruiting and UNLV offered that on Saturday night, I got word from a source that Scott was not only going to take a trip to UNLV, but planned to commit ahead of time.” Arrigo continued, “Coach Arroyo developed a relationship with Scott, and through that and his vision for this UNLV program, he was able to land the highest-rated high school player ever to commit to UNLV.” 

Coach Arroyo and company even signed a punter from the land-down-under in Australia, Charlton Butt, who kicks the ball unlike any other punter. Butt has a lot of height to his punt and is looking to #BeARebel this upcoming season.

While many inside the conference claim that UNLV had a surprisingly good class, Coach Arroyo said that he, “has a Power Five staff,” and they will not shy away from anyone.

Arrigo said that when he talked to Coach Arroyo he came away thinking UNLV would be going after players that a lot of people wouldn’t expect them to land. “‘No flinch’. Coach Arroyo has coined that term and it has become a mantra for his staff,” Joe said. “This coaching staff won’t be afraid to shoot their shot with big-time recruits. They feel they have the resources and ability to land any player that they target, and we saw that with this class.”

UNLV also landed three-star OLB Leshaun Bell, who was widely recruited and ultimately chose UNLV after visiting Washington State. However, UNLV did lose four-star corner Edric Whitley to Arizona after he de-committed on the eve of signing day, calling it a “family decision.”

One player Coach Arroyo and his staff did not shy away from was top transfer quarterback, Justin Rogers. Coach Arroyo and his staff quickly prioritized him, and he promptly enrolled in classes at UNLV in January.

Rogers was a top recruit coming out of high school. He went to TCU as a top-50 player overall according to ESPN, and was the highest-rated player to commit to the Horned Frogs’ class when he arrived. However, after coming to UNLV, Coach Arroyo said everything checked out medically. He looks good and is ready to go.

“What people don’t realize is Rogers did his homework in choosing UNLV.” Arrigo explained, “Rogers had a previous relationship with Coach Arroyo. When he got the job here, Rogers became extremely interested in becoming a Rebel. He was familiar with the offense, the coach, and knew he would have an opportunity to come in and compete to be the starting quarterback from day one.”

“I think he and UNLV feel he has a good shot at being ruled eligible to play this season. If that is the case, then UNLV could be a real threat to compete earlier than most people originally thought or hoped.” Arrigo said, “For Coach Arroyo to land him, it shouts to the Mountain West that he isn’t waiting to win. He is guiding UNLV in a direction they haven’t ever been and possibly in a direction the rest of the Mountain West hasn’t seen. It is the dawn of a new age for UNLV.”  

Another former TCU player, Adam Plant Jr., a defensive end who went to Bishop Gorman High School, previously transferred to UNLV.

Coach Arroyo gave out the majority of his scholarships available and also highlighted how the Fertitta Football Complex and Allegiant Stadium are helping to draw more talent to the valley.

“There is no question the Fertitta Football Complex played a huge role in recruiting. Every recruit I spoke to has said it was beyond impressive and that they can’t wait to spend their time there.”

Arrigo added, “Allegiant Stadium is also playing a role. The kids are excited to play in one of the best stadiums in the world.”

Coach Arroyo and his staff kept three previous commits, quarterback Doug Brumfield, as well as offensive linemen Alani Makihele and Jeminai Leuta-Ulu.

“These are some ballers. Doug, Alani, and Jeminai were well thought of by the previous staff. It was good to see that the new staff felt the same way about them.” Arrigo said that Brumfield remained locked in throughout the process. “Talking to Doug as much as I did, he was locked in and shut down Washington St. throughout the process because he felt UNLV was the right place for him. He was also one hell of a recruiter and hype man for the program.”

Overall, this class featured 24 signees, including two transfers. Coach Arroyo made sure to point out in his press conference that he prefers to target high school players due to his desire to build a foundation that will last. But he did say he will not prioritize one position group over another.

Offseason training has begun, the staff is in place, and Head Coach Marcus Arroyo, Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Fyle, Defensive Coordinator Peter Hansen, and the rest of the staff is fired up to be Rebels.

The new staff is also excited to win for the amazing community of Las Vegas. They believe the city of Las Vegas is ready to get fired up, yet again, for Rebel football. The program has produced hype and hope in spite of only playing in four Bowl games in its 50+ year history. The staff, the team, and the city are betting on 2020 as the year that everything shifts.

 

“The foundation has been laid and the time is now for UNLV football to take the next step as a program,” Arrigo said. “If Coach Arroyo can get the support from the University, alumni, and fan base, the Rebels could start a new tradition very different from the last 50+ years.”

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Meet the new Rebels in the slide show below.