Sanford big on parents’ first impressions

Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005 | 7:45 a.m.

When Mike Sanford hits the recruiting trail next month to reload for his second season as UNLV's head football coach, he'll be attempting to woo more than a student-athlete at each visit.

In many instances, Sanford's biggest task will be assuaging the parents' fears of sending a 17- or 18-year-old to live on his own in Las Vegas.

"I think the perception -- before (the parents) get to meet our staff and before they come on their visit -- is they're concerned," Sanford said. "A lot of the parents ... think in terms of 'it's the Strip.' "

That is why Sanford said he encourages the parents of all of the student-athletes he recruits to make the recruiting trip with their child. By NCAA rules, UNLV can't pay for the parents' transportation to and from Las Vegas but can pay for their lodging and meals once they're here.

"We really encourage (parents to make the trip) because we want to show them what we have to offer academically, and we want to show them our campus -- that it's not right in the middle of the Strip," Sanford said.

"Most of the people, when they come here, they're very pleasantly surprised with what we have to offer with our campus and they realize that there's more to Las Vegas than the Strip."

Sanford will be active in four crucial recruiting weekends in December and January in preparation for the Feb. 1 national letter of intent signing day.

Sanford, who will see the return of nine of 11 starters on offense and five of 11 on defense from this year's team, said his biggest needs on defense are at the defensive end, linebacker and safety positions.

On offense, Sanford will be looking to sign offensive linemen, receivers and a running back, "but only if the guy is special," he said.

QB Comparison

It was clear by looking at the final stats that UNLV's offensive options were severely limited when starting quarterback Shane Steichen was not in the lineup. Steichen, a junior, missed six games after undergoing surgery to repair a broken finger on his left (non-throwing) hand.

In the five games that Steichen started, the Rebels averaged 152 yards rushing and 24.2 points per game compared to 61.7 yards rushing and 14.3 points per game in Jarrod Jackson's six starts. Steichen gained 324 yards rushing in his starts, while Jackson rushed for minus 95 yards.

UNLV was 1-4 in the games Steichen started and 1-5 with Jackson at the helm.

Also Noted

By the Numbers

7 -- The number of games in which UNLV had at least 200 yards passing in 2005 (the most by a Rebels team since 1997)

3 -- The number of games in which UNLV rushed for 5 yards or less this season

1983 -- The last time UNLV's defense recorded a shutout on the road (Nov. 12, 1983 at Cal State Fullerton)

Brian Hilderbrand can be reached at 259-4089 or at bh@lasvegassun.com.