UNLV still waiting on its big recruit

Steve Guiremand

Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001 | 11:44 a.m.

The letters of intent of 20 football recruits began finding their way into the offices at the UNLV Lied Athletic Complex shortly after 7 a.m. this morning.

First in was Concord De La Salle linebacker Joe Micklos.

But as of the Sun's deadline late this morning, there were still a lot of nervous Rebels coaches waiting by the fax machine.

That's because the team's top recruit, defensive tackle Junior Siavii (6-6, 330) of Butte Community College in Oroville, Calif., still hadn't sent in his letter of intent as expected.

Siavii, a close friend of Rebel all-Mountain West Conference defensive end Anton Palepoi, would be the marquee name of UNLV's 2001 recruiting class if he decides to sign with the Rebels.

Siavii was expected to pick between UNLV and Oregon, where he had also given a verbal commitment during the recruiting process. Two of Savaii's Butte teammates, safety Chameion Sutton and offensive lineman Sheddrick Mitchell, were also expected to sign with the Rebels this morning.

UNLV coach John Robinson said he was very happy with his third recruiting class, especially because it seemed to address key needs at running back, wide receiver and defensive end.

Robinson was expected to talk about the recruiting class during a press conference later today.