AP Photo/The Fort Collins Coloradoan, Rich Abrahamson
Colorado State receiver Rashaun Greer, a Mojave High grad, catches a deep ball against UNLV on Oct. 4, 2008.
Friday, April 30, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.
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Rashaun Greer has been fantasizing about this day for most of his life.
Greer, a graduate of Mojave High in North Las Vegas, is a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. Friday, he will be a Dallas Cowboys player.
Greer, who played the past four years at Colorado State, wasn’t selected during last week’s NFL Draft. The disappointment, however, didn’t last for long.
He signed a free agent deal with Dallas shortly after the draft ended and will take part in the team’s mini-camp this weekend.
“It’s like I am living a dream,” Greer said. “My heart was just racing after the call. That’s my team.”
Greer exploded on the scene as a junior with Colorado State, catching 63 passes for 1,114 yards and three touchdowns. His numbers — 49 catches for 734 yards with no touchdowns — decreased last fall as a senior, but he had done enough to earn a spot in the NFL.
He’s hoping Friday’s first practice will be the start of a long career. Greer said he signed a three-year contract and has confidence that he can find a permanent spot.
“It’s all about confidence, and I believe I can perform at that level,” Greer said.
Mojave opened in 1996 and has never won a playoff game. Greer is arguably the top player in school history.
“I’m ecstatic for him. It’s an awesome opportunity,” Mojave coach Tyrone Armstrong said. “It’s a feather in the cap for Mojave football.”
Greer, who has been training at Mojave, views his quest for playing time with Dallas to his career at Colorado State.
He didn’t catch a pass and only saw action in nine games during his first two years with the Rams. Then, he led them in receiving yards his final two years, including 2008 when his 17.7 yards per catch was 10th best nationally.
“I started to play with a chip on my shoulder. I wanted to prove people wrong,” Greer said.
Going from a non-drafted free agent to securing a spot on the final roster is easier said than done. But at least Greer will get that chance.
He said being picked up by Dallas still hasn’t sunk it. Maybe that will happen when he puts on his No. 81 practice jersey.
“He’s on the big stage now,” Armstrong said. “He’s not only performing for the Cowboys in camp. He’s also performing for the other 30 or so teams who could be out there watching.”
Mojave High School is Rattler Nation, but really it’s home to underdogs.
Minutes from the Nellis Air Force Base the school is nestled near Commerce Street and West Ann Road, an area littered with foreclosed homes.
The school is attended by many students who are underprivileged or at-risk. After Mojave failed to meet No Child Left Behind standards it became one of five Clark County Schools determined to do a 180.
In order to make the turnaround a reality, Mojave has implemented new faculty, extended the school day by 20 minutes and is geared towards boosting school spirit.
“The problem we have right now is that our children aren’t proud of their own school,” Mojave principal Antonio Rael explained an August interview. “When our children begin to take pride in our school, our community will follow.”
- Year built:
- 1997
- Mascot:
- Rattle Snake
- Principal (Year Hired):
- Antonio Rael (2001)
- School motto:
- “Promoting Achievement, Creating Success”
- Mission Statement:
- “The Mission of the Mojave High School Community is to provide a safe learning environment that will empower students to develop excellence, pride, respect, and skills necessary for future success.”
- Enrollment:
- Approximately 2,000
- School Report Card:
- 2010-2011
Compiled by Gregan Wingert
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