Faith Lutheran (Las Vegas) wide receiver/linebacker
Don Pearson became the latest player from the school to commit to Navy, choosing the Midshipmen over UNLV, according to Nevadapreps.com.
Pearson, who had earlier offers from San Diego State and Stanford, will be the third player from Faith Lutheran on Navy's roster, joining junior cornerback David Sperry and junior linebacker Garrett Sherwood.
"That's exciting. It says a lot about our school to prepare them as students," Crusaders coach Jacob Kothe told Nevadapreps.com. "Those kids have put in the time to prepare off the field."
Pearson was a first-team all-state selection after making 72 receptions for 1,033 yards and nine touchdowns. He also led Faith Lutheran with 68 tackles to go along with one interception and one forced fumble.
UNLV recruited Pearson as a linebacker, but Kothe told Nevadapreps.com that Pearson will "start off" as a wide receiver at Navy.
"He's big and physical," Kothe told Nevadapreps.com. "He's got great hands. He'll be a perfect fit."
PARKER SPURNS REBELS, PICKS ABILENE CHRISTIAN
Carson (Carson City) senior
Jon Parker made a verbal commitment to Division II Abilene Christian, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound Parker was one of the most heavily recruited players in northern Nevada. He picked Abilene Christian over UNLV after earlier eliminating Nevada.
UNLV was recruiting Parker as a defensive end, where he made 80 tackles and five sacks and was a second-team all-state performer. However, Parker will play tight end for Abilene. Parker's father, James, is also originally from Abilene, Texas.
"It came down to position," Parker told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "Sure, it's going to be a lot different but that's the position I'm going to be the best at. I just love the atmosphere, the school, the coaches, the players. It's somewhere I would want to play for four years."
Parker made 11 catches for 108 yards and two scores, splitting time at halfback and fullback for the Senators. Nevada was also recruiting Parker as a tight end.
"I didn't feel like it was the right fit for me," Parker told the Reno Gazette-Journal about the Wolf Pack. "It's nothing against them, they're doing great things. They finished No. 13 in the country this year. It just didn't feel like the right fit."
SANCHEZ TO SIGN WITH ARMY
Bishop Manogue (Reno) linebacker
Derek Sanchez made a verbal commitment to Army after visiting the school two weeks ago, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported.
Sanchez made 112 tackles and two sacks for the Miners as a senior and was a second-team all-state selection at offensive line. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder is expected to play defensive end in college.
Sanchez chose the Black Knights over offers from Brown, Dartmouth, Colorado School of Mines and Valparaiso.
"But getting to know the coaches, the players and the military aspect was great. They answered all my questions," Sanchez told the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Sanchez's brother is an active-duty Marine in Afghanistan and both of his grandfathers served in the military.
MOOK CHOOSES LUMBERJACKS
Bryson Mook, a senior defensive end at Bishop Gorman, made a verbal commitment to Northern Arizona.
Mook moved to Las Vegas from Honolulu last summer and missed a large portion of his senior season with a leg injury. The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder returned in time to help the Gaels win their second straight Class 4A state title and finished the season with 12 tackles.
Mook picked Northern Arizona over Texas-El Paso.
"We thought Flagstaff was the best place to be," Mook told Nevadapreps.com. "It's a good up-and-coming program. I'm looking forward to it."
Other players who committed to Football Championship Subdivision schools:
* Silverado (Las Vegas) defensive end
Bennie Harris and offensive guard
Eric Noone each selected the University of San Diego. Harris and Noone were both second-team all-state picks. Skyhawks safety
Steven Scamorza picked Division II Nebraska-Kearney.
* Canyon Springs (North Las Vegas) running back
Malik Brown became the third player from southern Nevada to choose Southern Utah. He led the Pioneers with 1,099 yards and 10 touchdowns.
David Schoen works at the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and is a former Associate Sports Editor and Turn2 columnist for the Oakland (Calif.) Tribune. You can reach him at ByDavid1@aol.com.