UNLV Football’s unique go-go offense was on full display this Thursday during the eighth day of preseason training camp, as the team suited up in full pads for the first time this season.
At this time last season, many Rebel players were still acclimating to the new play style under UNLV’s offensive coordinator, Brennan Marion, who shared his thoughts on the team’s progress compared to last fall.
“It was awesome,” Marion said. “The physicality of our team—I think Coach Fish has done a great job in the weight room with the guys during the offseason. You can hear it now. Last year, it was kind of like touch football. Now, you can hear the violence, you see people on the ground, and the guys are playing smart and physical together, so it’s been really good to see today.”
One player who stood out while suited up in pads was senior all-American wide receiver Ricky White.
White made several key plays during practice, demonstrating why he is considered one of the team’s top offensive weapons this season.
Last season, during his first year at UNLV, White recorded 1,483 receiving yards, which was enough to break UNLV’s single-season record. He surpassed the previous record holder, Jim Sandusky, who recorded 1,346 yards in the 1981 season.
During his junior season, White tied the single-season reception record at 88 and was the first Rebel to record over 100 receiving yards in five consecutive games in 2023.
Marion made a point to comment on White’s role on the team and his improvements from last year.
“He’s the best in the country,” Marion said. “His work ethic is what makes him so special. That guy doesn’t believe he’s talented—he works hard every day. He’s been doing two-a-days and three-a-days since a week after the Bowl Game, so he’s been on it. And every day, he’s the coach on the field for the receivers. He gets them lined up and makes sure they play the way Coach Odom wants them to. He’s awesome.”
In addition to White, another returning All-American who is both a preseason conference and national honors candidate this fall, senior Jacob De Jesus.
As a junior, De Jesus led all college football in combined return yards with 1,079, outpacing the next closest player by 217 yards.
“We’re gonna get baby Jesus the ball any way we can give him the rock,” commented Marion regarding De Jesus. “That’s our guy. He’s the best in the country, All American, all-world. I just think that kid has heart; that kid is special.”
White also gave his thoughts on this new explosive offense compared to last season.
“I’d definitely say it is more explosive,” stated White. “We brought in some good guys with speed and physicality from the transfer portal, so we definitely have a more explosive offense this season.”
Along with the returning players, there are plenty of new faces at the quarterback position, including incoming players such as transfers Matthew Sluka and Hajj-Malik Williams, who are locked in a three-way battle for the starting position with long-time Rebel Cameron Friel.
Coach Marion commented on what he sees as each quarterback’s best attribute as he continues his search for the new captain of this offense.
“From the Haj standpoint, he has really fast hands. Matt Sluka is able to run the ball and throw the ball deep. While Cam Friel is a great dropback passer.”
Regardless of who is named the starting quarterback, the team must decide by the conclusion of fall training camp on Aug. 23 to prepare for their first regular season matchup against the University of Houston Cougars on Aug. 31.
