Desert Pines football goes all out for signing day event

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016 | 2 a.m.

It’s a good problem to have.

The Desert Pines High football program had to move its national signing day festivities this year to the school’s theater because it outgrew a classroom where players signed college commitment papers in past seasons.

A Las Vegas-best 10 players celebrated advancing to various levels of college football Wednesday, each getting their chance to thank family and friends in a crowded auditorium. There were pictures taken, laughs and tears, and plenty of hugs to go around for everyone.

“When you have kids who play their hearts out for you, this is extremely satisfying,” Desert Pines coach Tico Rodriguez said. “They give you blood, sweat and tears. It’s your duty to get them into schools.”

Recruiters typically stop at two-time mythical national champion Bishop Gorman first when they arrive in Las Vegas. But they are also making regular appearances at Desert Pines — something the school’s Twitter account documents with each visit.

Offensive lineman Sam Poutasi, a three-star recruit who signed with Oregon, was the main attraction. Defensive end Anthony Smith signed with Colorado State and received plenty of looks from Mountain West schools. Whenever coaches stopped by for Poutasi or Smith, they also took a look at the others.

That helps explain why three from the class of 2017 already have offers in lineman Poutasi Poutasi, linebacker Tony Fields, and wide receiver Randal Grimes. Rodriguez feels he’ll have at least five sign with Division-I schools next February.

Wednesday, though, was about the class of 2016. And more than Poutasi and Smith, who Rivals.com ranked as Nevada’s top two prospects for their graduating class.

Center Natron Auelua-Naki and Nathan Tavita received full scholarships to Morehouse College in Georgia, Angel Torres will be a preferred walk-on at Northern Arizona, and Vasa Hansell is headed to Division-II Adams State in Colorado.

Amari Tatum, who played just his senior year at Desert Pines, went from having no recruiting interest to hearing from multiple teams. A wide receiver and defensive back, schools such as Weber State, College of Idaho and Western New Mexico each have extended partial offers.

Tatum, when it was his turn to speak, raved about how the players welcomed him into the program. It was about celebrating one last time together before going their different ways for college.

“They point you in the right position here to make plays and get noticed. The exposure is unreal,” Tatum said.

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