RECRUITING: Silverado's Anderson highlights weekend commitments

Kyle Anderson had heard all the good things about new UNLV football coach Bobby Hauck from other recruits.

But after making an official visit to UNLV this weekend, the Silverado senior linebacker saw it for himself, and he left convinced the Rebels are on track to becoming a winning program. Anderson gave an oral commitment to UNLV on Sunday, and plans to join the Rebels after serving a two-year Mormon mission.

Anderson was one of three local seniors to confirm their college choices Sunday after their trips. The others were Bishop Gorman defensive tackle Tim Wilkinson (Northern Arizona) and Palo Verde safety Tyrone Blake (Southern Utah).

"They're very committed to their jobs," Anderson said of UNLV's coaching staff. "Since they took their jobs, they really have confidence in their ability to turn it around and be one of the best teams in the Mountain West Conference, instead of the other way around."

Rancho senior offensive lineman Tyler Gaston also visited UNLV over the weekend. Rivals.com reported Gaston gave a "soft" commitment to UNLV on Sunday night. Gaston could not be reached for comment.

Anderson picked UNLV over scholarship offers from Northern Arizona and Weber State after visiting each school. He called it "one of the hardest decisions" in his life, but the lure of playing in his hometown was too much to pass up.

Anderson said UNLV projects him playing middle linebacker, though he also could line up on the outside.

The 6-foot-3-inch, 230-pound Anderson had 82 tackles and six sacks as a senior, helping the Skyhawks to a 6-4 record.

Wilkinson, the eighth Gorman senior expected to sign Wednesday, chose the Lumberjacks over an offer from Southern Utah after visiting both schools. He also drew late interest from Samford.

"It fits me," Wilkinson said of Northern Arizona. "My position coach is cool.

"The way they start off freshmen is kind of like Gorman, making sure you're on track to graduate."

Wilkinson said Northern Arizona envisions him playing defensive tackle.

The 5-foot-11, 280-pound Wilkinson had 67 tackles and 8.5 sacks as a senior, helping Gorman roll to a 15-0 record and its second Class 4A state title in three years.

He joins tight end Xavier Grimble (Southern California), offensive lineman Geoffrey Gibson (California), defensive ends Alex Turner (Stanford) and Ian Bobak (UNLV), linebacker Evan Palelei (Navy), safety Taylor Spencer (UNLV) and running back Victor Belen (Samford) as Gorman seniors to have committed so far.

"It's great," he said of the group, which plans to celebrate its signings at an on-campus ceremony Wednesday. "Hopefully I can stay in touch with those guys."

Blake originally committed to Northern Arizona in November, but reopened his recruitment in January. He is expected to grayshirt at Southern Utah, but said that could change after signing day.

"The visit went real well," Blake said. "Talking with the coaches, they seem like outgoing guys. I'm just really excited."

Blake is the fourth area senior to commit to the Thunderbirds, joining Arbor View quarterback Austin Anderson, Clark running back Andre Clay and Liberty receiver Anthony Norris. Blake said the familiarity of having other locals on the roster will be a plus.

"That takes off a lot of pressure," he said.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Blake starred on both sides of the ball for the Panthers, who finished 10-2 and reached the Sunset Region semifinals.

As a defensive back, Blake had 80 tackles and five interceptions as a senior. As a running back, he rushed for 926 yards and 15 touchdowns, and caught 13 passes for 114 yards and two scores.

Players are not bound by oral commitments. Colleges are prohibited by NCAA rules from commenting on recruits until Wednesday.