HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Saint Louis linebacker Silva orally commits to Nevada
Jared Silva takes life as it comes.
The talented linebacker from Saint Louis is a definite 'tweener as far as NCAA Division I football programs are concerned. That's why his ears perked up yesterday morning when Nevada called.
The Wolf Pack, who got a good, up-close look at the Crusader during his visit over the weekend, offered a scholarship.
"My family is excited for me, happy for me," said Silva, who has gained 10 pounds since the season ended and is now 5-foot-10, 221 pounds. The hard-hitting 'backer has a max of 20 repetitions on the bench press (225 pounds) and runs a 4.6-plus in the 40.
"I've been training since the season ended," said Silva, who bounced back from a leg injury during the HUB Goodwill Senior Bowl. "I lift mostly every day. During the week, I run three or four times."
By giving Nevada his oral commitment, he turned down Northern Colorado and Weber State, a pair of Division I-AA schools.
"I feel really relieved. It's an honor to play for the Wolf Pack. It feels good," said Silva, who hopes to major in sports medicine.
He spent part of the visit to Reno with linebackers coach Ken Wilson.
"We watched films of their defense. He said I'll fit in. He likes the way I move to the ball, that I remind him of one of the graduating players," Silva said, referring to Roosevelt Cooks. At 5-10 and 220 pounds, Cooks made the All-WAC team.
Patience was a virtue for Silva, who didn't get significant interest from any D-I school until late in the season.
"That's when I heard from Nevada. I was surprised. I never knew Nevada had heard of me," said Silva, who was recruited by defensive backs coach Kim McCloud -- a former University of Hawaii player.
McCloud's work and high marks for Silva erased the disappointment of not being recruited by Hawaii.
"I'm over it. They were interested at one point, but I guess it didn't work out," said Silva, who sent video out to Pac-10 schools early in the season.