Robinson lands commitment from LA-area juco prospect

Steve Guiremand

Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1999 | 10:13 a.m.

UNLV football coach John Robinson landed a verbal commitment from one of the nation's top junior college cornerback prospects over the holidays when Los Angeles Harbor JC defensive back Demetrius Williams announced he would join the Rebels next fall.

The 5-9, 185-pound Williams was a JC Gridwire All-American this past season after making 72 tackles and intercepting three passes, two of which he returned for touchdowns for the Seahawks. He also had three kickoff returns for touchdowns and should see action on UNLV special teams as a kick returner.

"I really liked the academics there and I see some things with John Robinson and the community support of the program that I really like," Williams said.

Williams, who is expected to battle for the vacant starting cornerback job in the fall, also took recruiting trips to Nebraska and Colorado and received strong interest from Michigan as well.

The former all-city performer at Carson (Calif.) High School played just one year of junior college ball and will have three years of eligibility remaining when he enrolls at UNLV.

Robinson also helped to fill a pressing need for a speedy outside linebacker with the signing of Lamar Owens (6-3, 220) of Fresno City College. Owens and University of Washington running back transfer Jabari Johnson (6-0, 220) will enroll in January and take part in spring practice.

"He's got some speed," Robinson said of Owens. "When I saw him on film, he kind of reminded of Brian Williams (who starred for Robinson at USC and now plays for the Green Bay Packers). I'm not saying he's as good as Brian was, but he reminds you of him. With Lamar, (redshirt sophomore safety) Sam Brandon and Randy Black, we now have three guys on the edge who can run."

Improving speed on defense, especially on the perimeter, is one of the big recruiting goals for Robinson & Co. this winter.

The national letter of intent signing date for high school prospects is Feb. 2.