Wide receiver from Georgia highlights UNLV’s 2017 recruiting class

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 | 2 a.m.

Drew Tejchman could sign with the NC State or Purdue football programs today. Yet, the three-star wide receiver from North Cobb High in Georgia is expected to sign with UNLV.

If you are looking for a player to immediately impact the Rebel lineup, the 5-foot-11, 195-pounder Tejchman could be the answer. After signing 10 three-star recruits last year in one of the program’s all-time best classes, the Rebels will sign just three today.

Tejchman, who runs a 4.5 second 40-yard dash, clearly stands out.

“I just love it there,” he said of UNLV. “It’s such a good atmosphere. I can’t wait to play for the people of Las Vegas.”

There’s just one player in the UNLV program from Georgia, kicker Evan Pantels. But coach Tony Sanchez has looked in nontraditional markets for recruits since becoming the Rebels’ coach in 2014, documenting his travels on social media to promote the program.

Tejchman was recruited to Purdue by DeAndre Smith, UNLV’s first year running backs coach. When Smith left Purdue for UNLV in December, he brought his recruiting ties with him to Las Vegas. Tejchman quickly became one of the notable gets on the recruiting trail.

“Coming from Georgia, I can be a trendsetter,” Tejchman said. “I can help bring other (players) to the West Coast.”

Tejchman’s host on his recruiting visit in December was Devonte Boyd, UNLV’s record-setting receiver. The two bonded and have remained in contact. And after UNLV lost all of its starting receivers to injury last season, Tejchman will fill a void in the lineup.

“Devonte is a mentor for me,” Tejchman said.

Tejchman also played in the secondary in high school and was a two-way starter for three seasons. While UNLV was vulnerable in pass defense last season, Tejchman appears to be best-suited for the passing game on offense.

Sanchez isn’t available to comment on recruits until a signed letter of intent is received today. Until then, Tejchman can evaluate himself.

“I think I run good routes and have good hands,” he said. “But I need to work on quick bursts off the ball.”

Another three-star recruit, offensive lineman Justice Oluwaseun of Richmond, Texas, picked the Rebels over Kansas and Kansas State of the Big 12 Conference. Oluwaseun is a 6-foot-3, 285-pound offensive guard.

Linebacker Jacob Rominger from Highland Community College in Kansas is the other three-star recruit. He enrolled in January and will take part in spring practice.

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