Chris Murray

cmurray@rgj.com

The Wolf Pack has received a verbal commitment from a junior college All-American to bolster its offensive line and an athlete who could fit a number of positions.

Anthony Palomares, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound tackle from Victor Valley College in Victorville, Calif., has committed to play for Nevada next season. Ian Zamudio, a 5-10, 160-pound receiver/running back/defensive back/returner from Riverside, Calif., also committed Wednesday night.

Originally from Patriot High in Riverside, Calif., Palomares was an all-region middle linebacker in high school before moving to offensive line at VVC.

"I came in as a linebacker and they converted me and I wasn't happy about it," Palomares told the Victory Valley Daily Press last month. "I was thinking I wouldn't get the recognition there. But I like being able to physically, mentally and technically beat the opponent in front of you. It's just being consistent. That's really what you need to play on the offensive line."

Full list of players Nevada has signed today

Palomares was a Junior College Gridwire First-Team All American in 2016 and also held offers from the Big Ten's Purdue as well as Alabama-Birmingham. Palomares was a left tackle at VVC and could see immediate playing time at Nevada at multiple positions.

The Wolf Pack had loaded up on the offensive line in the 2017 class and had seven commitment at the position at one point before losing the commitments of Dominic Gudino, who flipped to San Diego State; Alfred Edwards, who flipped to Utah State; Cole Norgaard, who flipped to Washington; and Nick Ford and Bryce Peterson, who have yet to commit to other teams.

Palomares is the third current offensive line commitment in Nevada's class. The others are Garrison Young, a junior-college player, and Christopher Martinez, a prep recruit who recently picked up an offer from Arizona. Nevada loses three starters on the offensive line in the offseason and has had depth issue on the line over the past couple of seasons.

"This is one the hardest-working guys I've had since I've been here," VVC coach Dave Hoover told the Victory Valley Daily Press of Palomares. "He's what JuCo football is all about."

Zamudio is unrated by the major recruiting services and held offers from Dixie State and Kentucky Christian. ​ What he lacks in size, he makes up for in athleticism and versatility.

During his senior season, Zamudio rushed 68 times for 795 yards and caught 20 passes for 513 yards. He scored 14 overall touchdowns, including two on returns (one punt, one kickoff). He averaged 33.3 yards per kick return and 16.3 yards per punt return.

Zamudio put up similar numbers as a junior, accounting for 1,155 yard of offense and 19 touchdowns. New coach Jay Norvell has stressed versatility in his recruiting efforts and Zamudio might be the most versatile player he has received a commitment from thus far.

Verbal commitments aren't binding until players sign their national letters of intent on Feb. 1. Palomares and Zamudio are the 17th and 18th known commitments in Nevada's 2017 class, which has room for 22 spots.

CONCUSSIONS FORCE LACADEN TO QUIT

Jacob Lacaden, a rising junior linebacker, announced Wednesday he has quit football due to concerns over two severe concussions he suffered last year.

"Walking away from football at this point in my career was something I never imagined doing but after months of trying to find myself and getting back to the game doctors have made it clear that this is no longer a personal decision," Lacaden wrote on Twitter. "After receiving two severe concussions in a series of a year and the effects that it's already had on me, a third one would be too much to risk for me and my future."

Lacaden is one of three Wolf Pack players forced from the game because of concussions suffered during the 2016 season. Nevada defensive back Riley Brand and running back Akeel Lynch both quit during the season after suffering multiple concussions.

Lacaden, a Kapolei, Hawaii native, played in 19 games and had three tackles in two seasons.

"I am forever thankful for the love and support of my friends and family who have been a part of this journey and I also am forever thankful for the Wolf Pack Nation and their continuous support from the very beginning," Lacaden wrote. "Walking away will forever be one of the hardest decisions I've made but this game is a part of who I am and I know it will always be a part of my life."