Tony Sanchez’s first commitment academically ineligible to play at UNLV

By Mark Anderson Las Vegas Review-Journal

9 years ago

Head coach Tony Sanchez talks to his players after UNLV‘s spring scrimmage April 18. Former Canyon Springs High defensive lineman Melvin Johnson, who was Sanchez‘s first commitment, failed to qualify academically and plans to attend community college in California. Sam Morris/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow Sam Morris on Twitter

UNLV football head coach Tony Sanchez smiles at visitors during the first day of spring practice at Rebel Park at UNLV on Monday, March 16, 2015, in Las Vegas. Sanchez is making his college debut after coaching at Bishop Gorman High School. (David Becker/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Head coach Tony Sanchez talks to his players after UNLV football‘s spring scrimmage Saturday, April 18, 2015. (Sam Morris/Las Vegas Review-Journal) Follow Sam Morris on Twitter @sammorrisRJ

Former Canyon Springs High School defensive lineman Melvin Johnson was UNLV first-year coach Tony’s Sanchez’s first commitment.

But Johnson failed to qualify academically, and he said Wednesday he will attend Victor Valley College in Victorville, Calif.

“I’m going to play at a junior college, and hopefully I will get a scholarship better than UNLV,” Johnson said. “If not, I will go back to UNLV.”

Players reported to UNLV on Wednesday. The Rebels open training camp Friday morning.

Johnson (6 feet 4 inches, 250 pounds) was the only one to not qualify academically.

“I really am” disappointed,” he said. “I’ll get to work, though.”

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.