UNLV, Barry Odom announce 18 signees for class of 2023
UNLV football coach Barry Odom said he’s more excited for the 2023 season now than when he started his tenure.
Odom and the Rebels signed 18 players to their 2023 recruit class on Wednesday, national contract day, fulfilling the manager’s promise to add more talent to the roster.
“The vision is beginning to materialize,” he said.
The Rebels’ signings include eight high school prospects, three junior college players and seven transfers. Five of the additions are defensive backs, along with three wide receivers and three offensive linemen. The Rebels also signed quarterback Bo Edmundson.
Odom praised his staff for putting together the recruiting class so quickly after he was hired in December, and he said the rebels took care of many of their needs. There are still opportunities to expand the group after spring practice, which begins March 1st.
Odom also announced that the spring game will be held at Allegiant Stadium on April 8 at 1:00 p.m.
“I said a month ago that this is not a long-term recovery project,” Odom said. “This is a win-now project and I expect these guys to get to work urgently and come with the attitude and attitude that they’re going to be a starter, they’re going to be a player, to help us now develop Depth or become an every down player to help us win.
Odom was expecting to sign a big class on Wednesday after adding just seven players during the early signing phase in late December.
Wednesday’s signers are a balanced mix of high school prospects and immediate transfers.
Three of the Rebels’ transfers come from the Southeastern Conference. Linebacker Jackson Woodard and offensive lineman Jalen St. John — both juniors — spent 2022 in Arkansas, where Odom was defensive coordinator last season.
UNLV also landed junior outside linebacker Zavier Carter from Louisiana State. He played in 11 games last season and registered five tackles, one sack, one pass defended and one forced fumble. Odom compared Carter to Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders, who ranked first in the SEC last season with 10 sacks for Odom’s defense.
Carter “is versatile enough to play three, four, maybe five courses,” Odom said. “So our job is to find the best one for him, have him understand the scheme and then be able to use his skills to play fast.”
Additionally, Odom added two Power Five defenders. Senior Jaxen Turner, who played 33 games for Arizona, comes on for his senior year of collegiate eligibility, while North Carolina state’s Jalen Frazier joins. Four of UNLV’s five added defenders are listed 6 feet or taller, with Frazier measuring 5 feet 10 inches.
Among the eight new high school entrants, Edmundson, a former Michigan state representative, stands out. Odom was also high on safety Cameren Jenkins, a 6-1 safety from Lewisville, Texas.
DeAngelo Irvin Jr., who is listed as an athlete, will start on the offensive side of the ball, though Odom did not specify what position the high school quarterback will play. Matthew Greene, a high school recruit who joined during the early signing phase, will begin his career as a defense attorney.
“It’s been a fun month and a half,” Odom said. “I sure am excited to get these guys in the mix.”
Contact reporter Andy Yamashita at [email protected]. consequences @ANYamashita on twitter.
