Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

UNLV Football:

Gorman football-to-UNLV pipeline starts with this commit

Nela Otukolo

Stephen Sylvanie

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.

Nela Otukolo

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. Launch slideshow »

Sun Standout: Nela Otukolo

A short video profile on Bishop Gorman High School's Nela Otukolo.

Bishop Gorman High senior linebacker Nela Otukolo might be the most significant prospect in Tony Sanchez’s first recruiting class as the UNLV football coach.

Otukolo verbally committed to the Rebels tonight, becoming the first from Gorman — the school Sanchez coached to six straight state championships before last month landing the UNLV job — to follow Sanchez to college. Lineman Zach Singer, a 2014 Gorman graduate, transferred from Kent State.

The 5-foot-11, 230-pound Otukolo had scholarship offers from other schools in the Mountain West such as Fresno State, Wyoming and Boise State, where he was set to visit next week. But with Sanchez’s heavy recruiting, the three-star linebacker decided to stay home.

Most UNLV supporters hoped a Gorman-to-UNLV pipeline would be established as part of Sanchez’s recruiting philosophy. Tonight was a step in that direction.

“Let’s change this program around. Vegas needs something to cheer for. New Era,” he said.

Gorman, who went undefeated in 2014 to win the mythical national championship, sends six to eight players each year onto college football. They play for Notre Dame, USC, Arizona, Arizona State and other heavyweight programs.

Rarely do they consider UNLV. The hometown university, which has played in just four bowl games all-time, had never been an option. But, with Sanchez calling the shots, it clearly will be.

Otukolo, who had 122 tackles last year and was the Southwest League Defensive MVP, could help the Rebels immediately. The defense ranked as one of the worst in Division I football last season in multiple categories.

“I am coming in and expect to get my hands dirty,” Otukolo said. “I want to play early. I feel like I have a head start going in and an advantage over the other guys because I know coach Sanchez’s style and how he runs practice.”

Otukolo transferred to Gorman from St. Louis High in Hawaii after his sophomore season, immediately becoming a team leader and one of Sanchez’s favorite players. He’s a high-energy player who likes to make the hard hit. He was also Gorman’s captain.

"Las Vegas is home now. I'm ready to give this city a football team to be proud of," he said. "I talked to my parents and UNLV is the place they want me. This is our home."

Sanchez has offered three locals for the class of 2015. All three — including Canyon Springs defensive lineman Melvin Johnson and Silverado offensive tackle Justin Polu — have committed. He’s also offered three of the top local players for the class of 2016 in Arbor View lineman Keenen King, and Desert Pines’ Anthony Smith and Samuel Poutasi.

Verbal commitments are nonbinding, meaning Otukolo can still be recruited by other schools. National signing day, when verbal commitments become official after an intent letter is signed, is Feb. 4.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21

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