UNLV Breakout Player: Courtney Reese
Reese can be the leading rusher for the Rebels in 2022
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This will be his year to prove he is the RB 1
UNLV junior running back Courtney Reese will take the lead as the team’s top running back. Reese heads into his fourth season at UNLV and will move into a role as UNLV’s leading rusher.
With UNLV’s crowded running backs room, the Rebels will likely take a running back by committee approach for the 2022 season. UNLV could use up to five different running backs throughout the season if someone doesn’t step up.
☝️ day left of camp. 🏈#BEaREBEL pic.twitter.com/tr5lL0LSyV
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) August 18, 2022
UNLV’s group of running backs will have a tough challenge of filling former UNLV running back Charles Williams’ role. Williams finished his collegiate career as UNLV’s all-time leading rusher in 2021.
While it will take more than one running back to assume Williams’ role, the one running back on the roster who can lead the rushing attack is Reese. Reese will increase his rushing attempts and be the primary running option for UNLV.
Reese played in 11 games during the 2021 season. He had 14 rushing attempts for a total of 28 yards. He had one rushing touchdown on the year.
With the starting job up for grabs, Reese can compete for the top position. Expect Reese to finish the season with more than 100 rushing yards and at least 30 attempts.
Louisville transfer Aidan Robbins and senior running back Chad Magyar will likely compete with Reese for the bulk of the rushing yards. With Reese’s experience playing a factor, he can take a lead over Magyar and Robbins in the competition.
With more than one week remaining until the season opener against Idaho State, Reese seems to be in the lead for the starting position. Even if Reese doesn’t end up as the initial starter, he will eventually take over the role as the leading rusher.
Over the last three seasons, Reese had a total of 133 rushing yards and two touchdowns. With more reps in 2022, Reese will surpass his career rushing total in just one season and will have more than two rushing touchdowns.
