Son of NFL legend Jerry Rice plans to transfer to UNLV football

By Taylor Bern

Friday, June 14, 2013 | 5:50 p.m.

At wide receiver for UNLV, Jerry Rice … Jr. Fans may hear that over the Sam Boyd Stadium loud speakers this fall as the son of the greatest receiver in NFL history tweeted Friday that he plans to spend his final season with the Rebels.

A redshirt senior walk-on at UCLA, Rice Jr. has one year of eligibility remaining and should be eligible immediately. UNLV can’t comment on the player until he’s officially admitted to the university, which should happen a little later this summer. Rice Jr. tweeted he’s expected to go through graduation ceremonies at UCLA on Sunday.

Though he has an historic name, no one would confuse Rice Jr., 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds, with his father while on the field. Over three seasons, the son recorded nine catches for 69 yards in nine games.

However, it’s possible he could see a lot more playing time for the Rebels than he did with the Bruins. After 2012 leading receiver Devante Davis, UNLV doesn’t have a sure thing at the rest of the receiver spots.

Speedster Marcus Sullivan has a long history of dropped passes, Caleb Herring is still transitioning to the position and Anthony Williams, who showed considerable promise as a freshman, needs to continue to get better. Even junior college transfer Jack Killian, who looked solid in spring practice, has plenty of question marks as he’s never played against Division I competition.

Rice Jr. will have a chance to be right in the mix with all of those guys, which is likely why he chose UNLV has his landing spot. He’s looking for one more chance to get out on the field and turn some heads while the Rebels are looking for anyone who can help them win.

While Rice Jr. may not have the numbers, he’s certainly got the genes. And for UNLV that’s certainly worth the low risk.

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.