Two Rebels take one path from Texas Southern

By Brett Okamoto

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 | 2 a.m.

While a win Saturday over San Diego State would give UNLV the opportunity for a bowl appearance and national exposure, there is at least one place outside of Las Vegas where fans are following the Rebels' season. Good ol’ Houston, Texas.

Juniors Kyle Watson and Jerriman Robinson both spent time in Houston while attending Texas Southern University before transferring in 2006. Both earned their first letter last season and both have emerged as important contributors to UNLV’s bowl hopes. Watson has made seven of eight field goal tries this season, while Robinson has stepped up as the year's progressed, most recently filling the void as one of the team's options in the No. 3 receiver slot. Both Robinson and junior Rodelin Anthony have emerged with freshman Phillip Payne having suffered two concussions in the past three weeks.

“It’s exciting for both of us to be able to get on the field and get your number called,” Robinson said. “I love it here. The upperclassmen have welcomed me and taught me the ropes. I just need to keep doing what I’m doing and stepping up as a role player.”

Although the two didn’t realize it at first, Robinson says they lived just down the street from each other at one point. Watson was kicking for the I-AA Tigers, waiting for a chance to move up. Robinson was pursuing a baseball career.

Both said it was a little surreal when they found out they were heading for Las Vegas to join the Rebels.

“Small world,” Watson said. “It was good for both of us. It’s always good to have someone you know going where you’re going. It makes you a little more comfortable.”

The two players have had eerily similar careers since arriving. Both were students in 2006 but didn’t get into any games. Watson played in all 12 games last season while Robinson played in nine. They were even recruited by the same coach, Kurt Barber, who was the Rebel's defensive line coach the past three seasons.

This year has proved to be the most exciting. Robinson caught his first career touchdown pass Oct. 4 to give the Rebels a one-point lead over Colorado State in the fourth quarter before the Rams were able to win the game, 41-28. He has 12 grabs for 179 yards this season, and his role has expanded from week to week.

Watson had a game-winning kick in an overtime win against then-No. 15 Arizona State on Sept. 13. He also hit a trio of field goals in the first half of last week's 22-14 victory over Wyoming, which helped earn him Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

“It’s been a lot more exciting here,” Watson said. “Everything from the talent you play, the number of fans in the crowd, the publicity you get on TV -- it’s a lot more exciting to wake up every day and be a part of.”

Although the players have found their place in Las Vegas, neither has forgotten that first year at Texas Southern.

“I’ve still got some of the gear at home. I follow their season,” Watson said. “I’m sure they’ve got some pride with me here, they all want me to succeed. They’re proud of me, just like I am of them.”

Robinson agrees.

“I miss the lifestyle down there, I try to visit whenever I can,” he said. “And I brought a little bit of Texas Southern with me.”