McGruder transfers to UNLV

Steve Guiremand

Friday, Aug. 24, 2001 | 10:56 a.m.

Former Cheyenne High School star Lynn McGruder, a first team Las Vegas Sun Super 11 pick in 2000, has decided to transfer to UNLV.

The 6-3, 295-pound defensive tackle, who was dismissed by the University of Tennessee football team on June 11 after he was charged by the Knoxville, Tenn., Sheriff's Department on felony drug charges, will walk-on for the fall semester and could earn a scholarship in January.

"He's got some issues," UNLV coach John Robinson said following practice on Thursday night. "He's going to come to school as a walk-on. If all his issues are cleared up, then we'll have him on the team. But he's got to get that cleared up first."

As per NCAA transfer rules, McGruder would not be eligible to play until the 2002 season.

McGruder, who picked Tennessee over UNLV, Oklahoma and Texas, was arrested in his dormitory room on June 8 after a dorm official smelled what he thought was marijuana after going to McGruder's room on a fire call. The dorm official alerted university personnel who searched the room and found seven bags of marijuana, a postal scale, a small box of plastic bags and a shoe box that contained a bag of seeds.

McGruder was charged with the manufacture, delivery and sale of drugs.

A spokesman for the Knox County (Tenn.) district attorney's office said McGruder's case will be presented to a grand jury, which will determine if the player will stand trial.

McGruder's cousin, former UNLV star and current Western High football assistant Hunkie Cooper, said McGruder has been trying to make restitution.

"He spent all summer doing community service and working in a law office with his uncle," Cooper said. "People in Tennessee thought that Lynn was a good kid who just made a bad mistake. As long he stays in good standing the next three years the charge won't appear on his record."

Cooper, a no-nonsense Arena Football League legend whom McGruder lived with while attending Cheyenne High School, said he didn't condone what his cousin did.

"There was no reason to do that," Cooper said. "It was something he didn't need to do. He was getting money from his family. He was getting money from me. He was getting money (grants) from the school. He just thought he was slick. Well, he dug himself a hole with a shovel and now he's going to have to dig his way out with a spoon."

Cooper said he intended to make sure McGruder doesn't slip up again.

"He's going to be back here in Vegas living with me," he said. "I'm someone who doesn't bend the rules. He will be at class every day. He will be working out every day. I'll be making sure of that."

If McGruder does make the most of his second chance, the Rebels could have a future NFL-caliber defensive tackle on their roster.

"He was challenging for a starting spot next to Big John Henderson," Cooper said of the 2000 Outland Trophy winner. "He played at Tennessee as a freshman and did well. He's 6-3, 295 pounds and runs a 4.56 forty. I think he can be a great asset at UNLV before he's done."

Running back Larry Croom, a transfer from Arizona who must sit out this year, has practiced the last two nights and been impressive with his quickness and breakaway speed. ... Defensive end Ahmad Briggs underwent an MRI on his sore shoulder on Thursday. Results are expected today. "I'll probably be out there (tonight at practice)," Briggs said. "They just want to be sure there's nothing major wrong. But it's more sore now after they stuck that big needle in there."