UNLV picks up Texas commitment

Last weekend, Mesquite (Texas) North Mesquite wide receiver Mark Barefield took a trip to Las Vegas for an official visit to UNLV. He approached the trip as just an opportunity to learn more about the school but by Sunday, he was ready to be a Runnin' Rebel.

"I committed to the University of Nevada in Las Vegas," Barefield said. "I did it on Sunday. I was actually unsure at the time of the trip. I had a great interest in them but I didn't really know how much."

From UNLV's and Barefield's perspective, the trip went outstanding.

"It was great," he said. "The town down there is nice but more than that all the players on the team, they're from different places. It was kind of different for me being around all those different people but they all got along and all of them were nice and stuff and they all spoke highly of the coaching staff. Mike Sanford, he's a great guy and I feel he's really going to turn the program around. As you know they've already beaten No. 13 Arizona State."

Along with UNLV, Barefield had received an offer from Virginia and he also was receiving serious interest from a number of other national programs.

"I was getting recruiting by Kansas State, Virginia, Louisiana Tech," he said. "I had received numerous letters and I spoke with a lot of recruiters and visited their schools and they said they liked a lot of different things about me but UNLV, they were the first ones to offer me and they were the ones that were on me first."

On the season, Barefield already has 151 yards receiving on only 7 catches. He has also taken a kickoff back 103 yards for a score in leading his team to a 3-1 start. But UNLV will be getting much more than just a great athlete when it gets Barefield.

"I believe that UNLV will be getting a good character athlete on and off the field," he said. "I really believe that I'm a leader on and off the field. And as for football, I see myself as a speed and agility type receiver that is able to receive punts and kickoff returns."

Barefield is also solid in his commitment.

"I'm not taking any more visits. I'm a solid commitment."