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UNLV Football: Projecting The 2020 Spring Depth Chart
Marcus Arroyo will have some work to do to get the Rebels program back on the path to a bowl. We predict where they might start.
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Not a total rebuild, but not totally clear cut at the start.
In more ways than one, the UNLV Rebels will begin a new era when they return to practice this spring.
New head coach? Check. New home stadium? Check? Same moribund program? That remains to be seen, but it will be a difficult task for Marcus Arroyo to prove that his team didn’t miss their window for bowl eligibility right off the bat. A lot of pieces return from the last few years of Tony Sanchez’s return, but how will they stack up with fresh eyes on the sidelines?
Note: Projected spring first-teamers in italics.
Quarterback
Kenyon Oblad, Soph.
Armani Rogers, Sr.
There were some growing pains when Oblad finally replaced Rogers as QB1, but a solid November probably gave him the space he needed to not have to look his shoulder this spring. It’s hard not to think about what might have been had Rogers progressed as a passer, but he and Max Gilliam have both flashed in stints as the starter in the past, so chances are they’ll get every opportunity to win the backup job and stay ready for that next chance.
Running back
Charles Williams, Sr.
Chad Magyar, Jr.
Arroyo will certainly be thankful to have an offensive centerpiece, but the Rebels have plenty of potential contributors who may not show up on the stat sheet. If recent history is any indication, finding that next Xzaviar Campbell or Evan Owens could be crucial to helping the run game rebound. Darran Williams, Tyree Jackson, and Courtney Reese all got chances to prove themselves last fall and should be in that mix, as well as Cal transfer Biaggio Ali Walsh.
Wide receiver
Randal Grimes, Jr.
Andre Collins Jr., Sr.
Steve Jenkins, Soph.
Mekhi Stevenson, Jr.
Brandon Pressley, Sr.
Tyleek Collins, Jr.
A unit that’s long been long on promise but often short on production showed a little more promise but were plagued by drops and uneven quarterback play, but everyone is back to give it another go. Grimes was a big success as a physical target and Jenkins came on strong late, but it’s anyone’s guess as to who will step up after that. Pressley should be 100% after an injury which erased his 2019, while Collins seemingly vanished from the game plan for weeks on end.
Tight end
Noah Bean, Jr.
Giovanni Fauolo Sr., Sr.
The fact that these two combined for 44 catches in 2019 could give Arroyo a unique element to his offense if he chooses to utilize it. His recent history with an athlete like Jacob Breeland suggests he will. If he’s looking for an athlete who may be better suited to a blocking tight end role, though, chances are he’ll see what the sophomore trio of Adam Meyer, Tyler Yoder, and Sheldon Zeon III can provide on that front.
Offensive line
Left Tackle
Matt Brayton, Sr.
Garrett Beckman, Soph.
Left Guard
Julio Garcia, Sr.
Jaron Caldwell, Grad.
Center
Bryan Catchings, Soph.
Leif Fautanu, Soph.
Right Guard
Ryan Tantum, Sr.
Amani Trigg-Wright, Soph.
Right Tackle
Justice Oluwaseun, Jr.
Eric Brown, Soph.
The unit will certainly miss Sid Acosta and Justin Polu, but aftergoing some changes last September the remaining pieces settled in and, all things considered, didn’t drop off too much from 2018 by traditional and advanced measures. Depth will take some time to figure out between their departures and that of Ashton Morgan.