STEPHEN SYLVANIE / SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Bishop Gorman Gaels linebacker Nela Otukolo, center, looks on with other defensive players while waiting for the call to go in during a team practice at Fertitta Field on Monday afternoon.
Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 | 6:48 p.m.
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The Bishop Gorman High to UNLV football pipeline won’t start with Nela Otukolo, after all.
Three days before national signing day, linebacker Otukolo decommitted from UNLV, where he would have been the first from the six-time defending state champion Gaels to sign with the Rebels and former Gorman coach Tony Sanchez.
Instead, Otukolo confirmed tonight in a message he will decide Monday between Boise State and Fresno State.
He didn’t give a reason for decommitting but posted on Instagram: “God has a different plan for me. Thank you to the other 9 universities that gave me the opportunity to continue my dream. It wasn’t easy but this is my final 2 college choices and I will announce my final decision tomorrow.”
When the 5-foot-11, 230-pound Otukolo committed Jan. 23, he talked about turning the UNLV program into a winner and how he was proud to be the first from national champion Gorman to join the Rebels program.
“Let’s change this program around. Vegas needs something to cheer for. New Era,” he said then.
Things clearly changed for the three-star recruit, who had 122 tackles last year to help Gorman win the mythical national championship.
Sanchez made the rare jump from high school to college following the season. He’s been aggressive in recruiting, especially locally. But with Otukolo flipped to Mountain West rivals Boise State or Fresno State, Sanchez’s first recruiting class likely won’t have a player from his national championship team.
Verbal commitments are nonbinding. National signing day, when verbal commitments become official after an intent letter is signed, is Wednesday.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
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