Nevada LB makes surprise decision
Three-star linebacker/running back Josh Mauga (6-3, 230, 4.68) from Fallon (Nev.) Churchill County flew way underneath the recruiting radar for most of the season. Mauga wasn't a secret with western schools and many offered him a scholarship. Just a couple of hours ago Mauga made his decision.
"Josh announced today during lunch that he will be staying home and play for UNR," Churchill County coach Ray Holliday said. "It came down to the fact that he wanted to be close to his family."
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"Josh has younger siblings and he still wanted to be in their life," Holliday said. "We are only an hour drive away from Reno."
"The Wolf Pack got a steal in Josh," Holliday said. "He chose family over playing in the Pac-10 or Fresno State."
Mauga plays in one of the toughest leagues in the Silver State. Though his team only won three games this season, he still earned League Player of the Year.
Playing both ways, Mauga racked up 98 tackles, 63 of them solo, four sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery from his linebacker position.
As a running back, Mauga rushed for 890 yards. He was also used as a receiver out of the backfield and accounted for 250 receiving yards.
Mauga is an outstanding athlete who is rated as the State of Nevada's number one heavyweight wrestler.
Mauga also participated in track for the first time last spring and he broke the school's 20 year shot put record with a throw of 55-feet. He also threw the discus 170-feet.
Nevada is the surprise winner for the services of Mauga over Arizona State, Oregon and Fresno State.
Great get for the Wolf Pack.