‘10 Football Big Board
A.W. Prince | Share this:
It is time once again for SilverandBlueSports annual release of the Nevada Football Big Board, which features the 2010 Wolf Pack class in its entirety. A one-stop shop for past videos and articles, galleries and bio’s, this board has it all.
2010 Nevada Football Big Board
Click on the image to view a slideshow of the class this past National Signing Day
The Players
Kolby Arendse – 6-foot-3, 230-pound Tight End
Burlington (WA) via Mt. San Antonio College (Walnut, CA)
- The latest addition to Nevada’s 2010 recruiting class, Arendse was quite a find out of the Emerald State. A former top Washington state quarterback and a full qualifier out of high school, Arendse made the move to Los Angeles JUCO football powerhouse Mt. SAC in order to gain more exposure as a player. It worked. Despite being a freshman on the best junior college team in the country, Arendse made an impact. He played the “Wildcat” quarterback position for the Mounties and racked up 250 yards and 3 touchdowns on 42 carries. When he wasn’t running the “Wildcat”, Arendse was catching the ball. He totaled 14 catches for 217 yards as Mt. Sac, who went 13-1 last year, won it all. He’ll play tight end at Nevada, and is a sophomore with 4 years to play 3 seasons.
Dray Bell – 6-foot-3, 225-pound Linebacker
Los Angeles (CA) via Mt. San Antonio College (Walnut, CA)
- Another summertime addition for Nevada, Bell, who hails from Dorsey high school in Los Angeles, will only be a sophomore this season after completing his necessary junior college courses and sitting out the 2009 season. His freshman year was spent at El Camino Community College in Torrance. Bell is a linebacker with very good speed, and excellent strength. Since he didn’t compete this spring, Bell, who is soft-spoken off the field but ferocious on it, could be one of the biggest surprises in Nevada’s upcoming fall practice.
Aaron Bradley – 6-foot-1, 180-pound Wide Receiver
Cerritos (CA) – Gahr High School
- Bradley, who sat out last year as a greyshirt, was one of Southern California’s top athletes. He won numerous long jump and 4-x100 relay events during his career, plus he amassed over 93 catches, 1,826 yards and 21 touchdowns during the final two seasons for the Gladiators. Since he entered Nevada mid-year, Bradley has a chance to break camp this fall as part of the receiving core and play as a freshman.
Aaron Brown – 6-foot-0, 184-pound Cornerback
Corona (CA) – Roosevelt High School
- Brown is one of the young cornerbacks to watch in this Nevada class, and considering he’s played in the defensive backfield most of his prep career exclusively, he’s got a jump on what it takes to be a good one. His highlight reel is impressive, as he shows the burst to take away the edge in the running game, plus a great feel for how to beat receivers to the spot. Brown also has great timing.
- “What I really like about Aaron’s future is the fact that he has a solid understanding of the game. He understandings angles, and he’s a good press guy. He has good ball skills. His combination of skill and size is real solid at corner too.” – Nevada assistant coach James Ward
Avery Poates – 6-foot-4, 305-pound O-Lineman
Moreno Valley (CA) – Rancho Verde High School
- A tremendous big man athlete with a great motor, Poates has a chance to have an outstanding career at Nevada. He moves incredibly well for a prospect his size, and his video simply jumps off the page at you. We believe he’ll be a valuable member of “The Union” sooner rather than later.
- “There are a lot of things about Avery that remind me of Chris Barker, and I think Avery is going to get physically bigger too. I just think he’ll be a really good football player. He’s got outstanding athleticism for a guy his size.” – Nevada assistant coach James Ward
Brock Hekking – 6-foot-4, 255-pound D-End
Vacaville (CA) – Vacaville High School
- An ever-improving defensive end who reminds many people in the Nevada program of a young Brett Roy (Nevada’s projected starting DT in 2010), Hekking’s story of perseverance and hard-work is no fable. He’s an outstanding young man who could be a fan favorite in the very near future.
- “Brock visited us over the summer, and I remember liking the kid from the moment I first spoke with him,” Coach Sacks said. “He’s the type of young man who not only knows what he wants, but he’s willing to make the sacrifice to get it. That’s the kind of character that we pride ourselves on at Nevada, and Brock is a Nevada kid through and through. He’s also a tremendously strong and physical defensive end. I really liked his film, and I think playing smaller when he was younger helped him. Now that he’s bigger, he was just dominating out there. And he’ll get bigger when he’s here.” – Nevada assistant coach Barry Sacks
Chris Boudreaux – 6-foot, 190-pound Safety
Las Vegas (NV) via Palomar Community College (San Diego, CA)
- A talented hitter and an extremely hard worker, Boudreaux has the potential to be an impact safety for Nevada as soon as 2010. The Las Vegas native should excel in Nevada’s revamped defense under Wolf Pack defensive coordinator Andy Buh, who himself is a former Palomar CC prospect who transferred to Nevada and had an excellent career. Boudreaux’s physical style should win him fan support immediately. He’ll have three years to play two seasons for the Wolf Pack.
Dean Faddis – 6-foot-1, 190-pound Safety
Ramona (CA) via Palomar Community College (San Diego, CA)
- The second part of Nevada’s JUCO safety haul from Palomar Community College, Faddis will only be a sophomore this year at Nevada. He’s extremely fast (ran a 4.40 at Nevada’s recent Pro Day), smart (4.0 GPA) and never seems to find himself out of position. He proved himself as a valuable addition to the Nevada defense this past spring with an outstanding camp, which could vault him into a regular on the Pack ‘D as soon as this season.
DeAndre Boughton – 6-foot-1, 215-pound Linebacker
Fresno (CA) via Fresno City College (CA)
- Just like the aforementioned Faddis, Boughton made a tremendous splash this past spring by making plays all over the field for the Pack’s defense. He was solid on both the run and pass, and made a number of big hits on Nevada ball carries. A former star at Edison high school, one of the premier talent high schools in the Fresno area, Boughton should find himself in the thick of it for immediate playing time with a strong fall. He’ll have three years left to play two seasons.
DeAndre Roberts – 6-foot-4, 255-pound Defensive End
Sylmar (CA) – Sylmar High School
- Roberts is arguably the most gifted young athlete to enter the Nevada program in the 2010 class, as he’s simply a dynamic prospect who could play just about any position on the gridiron. Extremely respectful and coachable, the Sylmar standout could very well start his Nevada career on the defensive side of the ball. Blessed with great hands though, he could move to offense at some point. No matter what though, he’s going to be a player.
- “When you talk about his potential, DeAndre’s is through the roof. He’s truly one of the greatest upside young men I saw in Los Angeles. He can play a lot of different positions, and so many that we haven’t decided exactly what we like him at just yet. He could play defensive end or tight end. He’ll be huge when he develops as well. He’s 245-pounds right now, and he looks like he only weighs 220. He’s going to be a tremendous player.” – Nevada assistant coach Scott Baumgartner
Malik James – 6-foot-1, 195-pound Cornerback
Los Angeles (CA) via the University of Cincinnati (transfer)
- Spring Video from Cincinnati
- You can’t watch James on film and not instantly love what he brings to the table. He’s a competitor with strength, speed and outstanding quickness. He’s also very physical, and he has next level ability. However, off the field, James is just as impressive. He has a terrific build, plus the confidence to play on the island against anyone. His addition makes the Nevada program that much better. If the NCAA clears him immediately for the 2010 season, James could have 4 years to play 3 seasons still left. However, no decision on James will likely be made until August. If he has to sit out the 2010 season (since he was a transfer), he’ll be an impact cornerback in 2011 as a redshirt sophomore.
Jared Jackson – 6-foot-5, 265-pound Defensive End
San Diego (CA) via Southwestern Community College (San Diego, CA)
- JUCO Sophomore Highlight Reel 1
- Jackson was the first JUCO prospect to give Nevada a pledge in the class of 2010, and his potential is tremendous. He’s a former JUCO basketball prospect that decided to take a shot at football, and despite having only one year of football under his belt, it was a sensational year. He led Southwestern in tackles, had 3 sacks, forced a fumble and returned another for a score. Jackson will have two years to play two seasons, and could challenge for a starting spot this fall with a big camp.
Jordan Mudge – 6-foot-3, 300-pound O-Lineman
Bakersfield (CA) via Bakersfield Community College (CA)
- JUCO Sophomore Highlight Reel 1
– JUCO Sophomore Highlight Reel 2
- A player the Wolf Pack staff added just before mid-semester, Mudge is a big kid with a good motor who is in the mix at center after a good showing this spring. A young man that bounced around quite a bit before arriving at Nevada, completing high school at three different stops in three years, and then playing for two different junior colleges, Mudge will have two seasons to play two years for the Pack.
Rishard Matthews – 6-foot-1, 200-pound Wide Receiver
Santa Ana (CA) via Bakersfield Community College
- One of the top mid-year signee’s by the Pack, Matthews was a last minute addition prior to the semester break. A former Oregon signee out of high school, Matthews is well traveled, having played at two junior colleges over the past three seasons. But the talent exuded by the former New Mexico prep star is unquestionable. He made his mark with an exciting spring, and looks to challenge for a starting spot at wide receiver this fall. With two years left to play two seasons, the time is now for the kid they call “The Shark”. Look for him to ignite the Pack’s special teams as well since he is a dynamic return specialist, which is easy to see on video.
Willie Faataualofa – 6-foot-3, 292-pound Defensive Tackle
American Samoa via Delta Community College (Stockton CA)
- Perhaps the top story this past National Signing Day for the University of Nevada football program was Faataualofa, a native of American Samoa, who spent the past two years in Stockton (CA) at Delta Community College. He’s a big, strong warrior of a defensive prospect and one of the most intriguing young men you will ever meet due to his gracious and humble attitude, and massive athletic ability on the field. He’ll have three years left to play two seasons.
- “Willie is a real find for our program, as we are super high on that young man. A guy that big, who grew up playing rugby and football mostly in America Samoa, who is that athletic is so hard to find. He is very skilled, and his passion for the game is just second to none. He’s a young man that’s just battled for everything he’s got, and he kind of has that infectious love for the game attitude that’s really special.” – Nevada assistant coach Barry Sacks
Cody Fajardo – 6-foot-3, 200-pound Quarterback
Anaheim (CA) – Servite High School
- Signing Day Video: Cody Fajardo
- Fajardo is an impossible kid not to root for, and thanks to his decision near National Signing Day when he stuck with Nevada over some late offers (including Nebraska), Silver and Blue fans can put him squarely at the top of their cheers. He’s one of the future building blocks of the Wolf Pack program, as well as one of the most accomplished prep QB’s to ever enter the Nevada program. The L.A. Times and Orange County Register Player of the Year, Fajardo led Servite to their greatest football season ever by winning the 2009 California State Championship.
- “It’d be hard to add much more about Cody than what isn’t already out there, as the kid was basically the consensus Player of the Year inf California,” Coach Baumgartner said. “And I’ve liked him from the beginning. Everything I kept hearing about him at first was that he was a winner. He was the type to win games. It takes a special young man to run the Pistol offense, and Cody’s size, speed and smarts are what makes him an ideal candidate.” – Nevada assistant coach Scott Baumgartner
Matthew Galas – 6-foot-2, 275-pound O-Lineman
Modesto (CA) – Central Catholic High School
- Another outstanding kid in this loaded Nevada 2010 recruiting class, Galas was clearly one of the top offensive line prospects in Central California this past year. So much so that the Wolf Pack staff made him the likely anchor of the Nevada offensive line. Galas is a relentless blocker with a bulldog mentality that plays through the whistle about as well as any prospect we’ve ever come across.
- “With Matthew, what you see (on film) is what you get,” Coach Sacks said. “He’s a relentless blocker who punishes people all over the field. He’s a Nevada kid through and through, and his style is exactly what we like in our guys up front. He’ll be a big part of “The Union” before his career is over with, that’s for sure. Just watch the tape and you’ll see all you need to see. He’s about as good as it gets. He happens to be an outstanding wrestler too.” – Nevada assistant coach Barry Sacks
Kyle Roberts – 6-foot-6, 280-pound O-Lineman
Reno (NV) – Reed High School
- Roberts was one of the biggest and the best in Northern Nevada’s 2010 recruiting class. Standing a sturdy 6-foot-6, 280-pounds with great feet, Roberts helped power a balanced Reed high school offensive attack over the course of his 3-year varsity career. He earned numerous Northern Nevada honors and will be a hometown favorite throughout his career for the Wolf Pack.
- “Right around the time our summer camp rolled around, you could see he was really starting to fill out and get stronger. That’s when we offered him. We were really happy he’s staying local and we are real proud to have him part of our program. You can’t teach some of the gifts Kyle has, so really it is just matter of him putting in the hard work to become a Nevada lineman. He has the size, and he has the athleticism. He’s a very coachable young man.” – Nevada assistant coach Cameron Norcross
Kyle Papendorf – 6-foot-4, 265-pound O-Lineman
Fresno (CA) – Buchanan High School
- Arguably the most overlooked prospect in this class, Papendorf is a very versatile linemen who could wind up on either side of the ball for the Wolf Pack. He’ll start out on offense, and projects as a guard down the road. Either way, Papendorf fits the description of a Nevada linemen all the way. He’s a blue collar kid who is extremely physical and nasty on the field. He’s also a highly decorated wrestler.
- “On film, the first thing you notice about Kyle is that he’s really a big, tough kid with great feet. He’s one of the top ranked wrestlers in California, and you can see the leverage he gets when he plays. Both sports really compliment each other, and Kyle is a good example of that. In fact, he came up to a tournament in Reno and did really well. You can see he has an outstanding center of balance.” – Nevada assistant coach Barry Sacks
Jeremiah Green – 6-foot-2, 227-pound Tight End
Tulare (CA) via College of the Sequoias (Visalia, CA)
- Another JC-transfer who still has 4 years to play 3 seasons, Green is already family around the University of Nevada. The younger brother of Nevada starting tight end Virgil Green, Jeremiah broke just every receiving record his older brother set at the prep level, and just like Virgil, he’s a late bloomer that just continues to add weight and muscle.
- “Jeremiah comes from one of the best families I know,” Coach Sacks said. “Fantastic parents who just take a lot of pride in their kids. And with Jeremiah, forget for a second that he’s Virgil’s brother. That’s a given. Just understand that this is a young man that ran a 10.9 100-meter dash in high school, but who is now 6-foot-2, 227-pounds.” – Nevada assistant coach Barry Sacks
Charles Garrett – 6-foot, 180-pound Cornerback
Los Angeles (CA) – Dorsey High School
- One of the final editions of Nevada’s 2010 recruiting class on National Signing Day, Garrett looked like he might be headed to New Mexico State. However, a late trip to Reno changed everything, and Garettt signed just after with the Pack. He was one of L.A’s best rising seniors after moving from safety to corner during his senior season.
- “We had heard a lot about him through some of the people we keep in touch with in Los Angeles, so we just went over to see him a few weeks ago to get an idea of his talent. We really liked what we saw. Charles is a real impressive young man. He plays the game real hard, and what I like about him is that he just goes about his business. He’s accustomed to making big plays. So he has more of a quiet confidence about him.” – Nevada assistant coach Scott Baumgartner
Mike Mitchell – 6-foot-5, 280-pound O-Lineman
Santa Monica (CA) – Crespi High School
- Mitchell is another strong, talented and massive O-Line prospect in Nevada’s 2010 recruiting class. He played tackle throughout his high school career at Crespi, and projects as one of the Pack’s potential future tackles.
- “Mike comes from a great school there in Southern California, and he’s a two-year starter that I’ve seen the past two years now. What really jumped out to me was his aggressiveness. He runs up and down the field looking for guys to hit. He’s a real good athlete too. He also has a really good motor, and I think he’s a perfect fit for the pistol since he moves so well and has that size we love in our linemen.” – Nevada assistant coach Scott Baumgartner
Taylor George – 6-foot-5, 250-pound Defensive End
Visalia (CA) – Redwood High School
- Another quality, incoming future defensive lineman in this class, George is one of the top athletes we’ve seen in California’s always loaded Central Valley section. George stands 6-foot-5, 250-pounds, and his leverage and tackling skills are rock solid. One of the Central Valley’s top defensive playmakers the past three seasons, earning first-team all-West Yosemite League honors during his entire three-year varsity career, George closed out his career with a total of 324 total tackles, plus league and county Defensive Player of the Year honors.
- “The first thing that stood out about Taylor on his film was his size and speed combination. A guy that size standing in the middle of the field and running and hitting the way he did was very impressive. He looks like a man playing against boys, and his numbers back that up too. He played mostly in the middle of the field there, and that’s what you are looking for in a future defensive end. You want that type of athlete who can run well and hit hard. He’s 6-foot-5, 250-pounds. Off the field, that’s where Taylor’s even more impressive. He’ll convert into a great defensive lineman because he has that competitiveness. He wants to be the best. He knew exactly what he wanted in a school as well, and we are glad to have him.” – Nevada assistant coach Barry Sacks
Jordan Hanson – 6-foot-3, 265-pound D-Lineman
Los Angeles (CA) – Loyola High School
- Remember this recruit. Reminding Wolf Pack coaches of current starting defensive tackle Zack Madonick, Hanson is one of the best kids you’ll ever meet off the field. He’s a Wolf Pack fan through and through, and you’d be hard pressed to meet a young man who loves Nevada football more than him. Hanson played on both sides of the ball during his prep career at prestigious Loyola high school, but he has always preferred defense. That’s where he’ll start his Wolf Pack career.
- “We first saw Jordan last spring, and we watched his tape shortly after that. What really stands out about Jordan is that he’s tenacious. The film shows that. He’s really a guy who likes the contact, which is what we’ll make him a great defensive tackle. Jordan’s work ethic is excellent as well. Off the field, he’s just an outstanding young man to speak with. He’s very impressive. Jordan’s defensive line coach at Loyola actually played here at Nevada, and he’s a terrific guy. That’s a great program there too. What will always stand out about Jordan is that he committed early to us and he never wavered. Not once. He brings an intensity to our program that we loved from the start.” – Nevada assistant coach Scott Baumgartner
Necho Beard – 6-foot, 209-pound Wide Receiver
Moreno Valley (CA) – Rancho Verde High School
Beard, who was the latter of two new freshmen wide receiver prospects in the Nevada program, is a strong, physical and fast wide out from the Inland Empire in Southern California who had a solid career on both the gridiron and the track field. It was that combination that really made him stand out to the Wolf Pack staff. He ran a 10.8 100-meter during his junior year, and considering he has a 6-foot, 203-pound frame, that’s quick. The Mustang offense is also very run-oriented, and Beard is well-drilled on blocking downfield.
“When I first saw Necho it was in the spring and he weighed about 175-pounds. But he was a sprinter, and just like his teammate Avery Poates, I kept my eye on him. They both play in a great program that has a lot of talented kids. The next time I saw Necho was during the season, and he was up to 200. I think right now, he’s at 209-pounds. I liked his film a lot, as you can see he has that track burst and he’s also a tough, physical kind of kid. All those things told me he would be a player for us. He’s perfect for our inside wide receiver position, because he’s got good hands and he’s fast.” – Nevada assistant coach James Ward
Lemar Durant – 6-foot-2, 213-pound Wide Receiver
Coquitlam (B.C. Canada) – Centennial High School
- The first class of 2010 prospect to give Nevada a pledge this past summer, Durant is best described as a playmaker. He competes at a very high level in both football and basketball, and was arguably Canada’s top two-sport athlete last year. He gave the Pack the thumbs up in late June when he traveled to Reno for a summer workout. That workout led to an offer for the very impressive Canadian. On the hardwood, Durant averaged over 35 points per game during both his junior and senior seasons for the Centuars. He also lit it up on the gridiron too with 30 catches for 698 yards and 13 touchdowns in just 9 games. He has played several positions throughout his high school career, including quarterback.
- “He reminds me a lot of Brandon Wimberly, the WAC Freshman of the Year this past year. He’s going to be a big addition to our program. What’s really impressive about Lemar is that he’ll likely be named football and basketball player of the year there in his province. He already has the football honor, and when we saw him play basketball he was awesome. There was nobody who could guard him. I was told he had a 63 point game recently too. What I noticed in watching him play basketball was his first step. You can’t teach that type of quickness. He also happens to be one of the most coachable young men I’ve ever met. Great parents and just a great young man.” – Nevada assistant coach Scott Baumgartner
Sebastian Tretola – 6-foot-5, 290-pound O-Lineman
San Bernardino (CA) – Cajon High School
- Another solid, athletic big man to add to the core of “The Future Union”, Tretola is a mobile 6-foot-5, 290-pound guard/tackle combination who played in an offensive system that features plenty of pulling and misdirection offense. He was one of the Cowboys most inspirational players as well, putting it together both on the field and in the classroom during his junior and senior seasons.
“We first came across Sebastian last May, and I remember watching his junior video and thinking to myself that this is a young man who can fit in ‘The Union.’ He had that swagger and toughness about him, but he could also really move. I love that about their high school there. It is unique to watch a school pulling their lineman. It isn’t hard to notice Sebastian at all when he’s on the move, as he’s huge. But to see how quick he is, it really is impressive.” – Nevada assistant coach James Ward
Evan Favors – 6-foot, 190-pound Cornerback
Elk Grove (CA) – Monterey Trail High School
- A late developer from the Sacramento area, Favors had a fantastic senior after coming into his own for unheralded, but talented Monterey Trail high school. He’s just a terrific athlete, and was sought by a number of programs across the country late once his film surfaced, including Army and San Jose State. The Spartans offered Favors as a wide receiver, but he’ll play corner for the Pack.
- “We really didn’t know a lot about Evan till late in the recruiting process, but when we got a hold of his film, we went after him hard. You can tell from his tape that he’s undeniably a savvy and quick football player. He’s never run the 100-meters, but his best 200-meter time was a 21.9, and that’s very, very good. He’s also got some height for a corner, as he’s been growing. We were told he was only 5-foot-9 around this time a year ago. Evan just has excellent ball skills, and I love his footwork. He has the toughness we like in our corners too. Evan is a great kid, and he even had a chance to go to West Point. But he turned that down because he just wanted to focus on football and being a college student.” – Nevada assistant coach Barry Sacks
It has been such a pleasure watching Evan Favors over these past years. He is an amazing player & better yet a great young man.