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It was his birthday, and he did what he wanted to.
Gabriel Sewell, a three-star linebacker from Desert Hills High School in St. George, announced his decision to sign a national letter of intent with the University of Nevada on ESPN 106.1 in St. George on the eve of his 18th birthday Wednesday night.
"It's relieving to finally get it over with," Sewell told The Salt Lake Tribune via telephone. "To be honest, it's been stressing me out. I wasn't sleeping for a couple days, it was hard to play it cool and keep a level head."
Many expected he would follow his cousin, Lausii "Boogie" Sewell, who is verbally committed to Colorado and pledge with the Buffaloes.
"The people there appeal to me more," Sewell said of Nevada. "Even though Reno doesn't have the best reputation, they're definitely building a great program there. I want to be part of something great from the ground up."
Sewell said he tentatively made his decision Sunday, but a phone call from Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre on Wednesday made him waffle momentarily.
"I told him I was leaning toward Nevada. It's kind of hard to say I'll be going somewhere else," Sewell said. "But I'm glad I know where I'll be going now. I don't have to worry about it."
Sewell (5-11, 220 pounds) tallied 70 tackles with two sacks during his senior season in 2014 playing strong safety. He'll likely make the transition to linebacker at the next level, but said "if I can find anywhere else on the field, I'll make my way there, too."
Sewell plans to focus on general education at Nevada, but added he's interested in studying journalism and broadcasting.
-Trevor Phibbs
Twitter: @trevorphibbs