UNLV golf team lands three prized recruits

Coach Dwaine Knight went to California, searching for gold nuggets to bolster his UNLV men’s golf program.

Wednesday’s signing of Derek Ernst, Colby Smith and Connor Green to play for the Rebels in 2008 had Knight shouting, “Eureka!”

“This is the core we were looking for,” Knight said. “We’re losing quite a few seniors (four), so I think they’ll definitely see some playing time.”

The three incoming freshmen from California come to UNLV with lofty credentials. Ernst, from Clovis, made it to the final 16 of the U.S. Amateur this summer. Smith, from Auburn, is Northern California’s top-ranked junior golfer, and Green, from Selma, is the No. 5-ranked junior. The three were teammates on the Northern California squad that competed in the Junior Americas Cup that finished tied for third.

Knight said he had been following Green, a senior at Selma High School, since he was 12 years old. An elbow injury set Green back a couple of years ago. But he is healthy, and Knight said he has a big upside.

“He’s very young, competitively speaking,” Knight said of Green, who chose UNLV over Oregon and San Jose State. “But he’s got a lot of ability, and he has plenty of room to grow.”

Ernst, a senior at Clovis East High School, turned down opportunities from three Bay Area schools — California, Santa Clara and Stanford — to play for the Rebels.

“Derek reminds me a lot of Chris Riley, both in size and his ability to get the ball around the course,” Knight said. “We had to beat out Stanford and Cal to get him, so we know we’re getting a very intelligent player.”

Smith, a senior at Colfax High School, is a big hitter, according to Knight.

“He’s extremely strong and hits the ball a long way,” Knight said. “He’s got a classic swing and really moves the ball.”

Knight said the fact the three have been teammates will make their adjustment to college golf easier.

“They know each other’s games, and they have been in competition together,” he said. “That’s a big plus.”

UNLV has one scholarship available, and Knight said the Rebels probably will use it to sign someone in the spring. But for now, he’s happy with the three he has signed.

“They are a talented bunch, and I think they can help us compete for a national championship down the line,” he said.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@ reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-2913.