Reid Williams, who earned recognition as the top center in the FCS last season, has made the decision to transfer to UNLV to elevate his game. After a successful stint at Chattanooga, Williams sought a new challenge and is now central to a reliable offensive line for the Rebels.
“I wanted to come here to see if I could compete,” said Williams, who received the Rimington Award for his performance last season. “Understanding my capabilities as a player was crucial. I feel I”ve played well thus far, but there is always room for improvement, which I am working on week by week.”
As the Rebels prepare to host Utah State on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium, their record stands at 7-2, with a 3-2 mark in Mountain West play. Williams plays a pivotal role in an offensive unit that ranks second in the conference for rushing yards per game.
Establishing himself as a leader took time for Williams. “Gaining trust takes a while to show that you will consistently do the right things,” he explained. “Throughout the spring and summer, I focused on showing up every day to foster that bond. By the time fall camp arrived, we had solidified our chemistry.”
UNLV coach Dan Mullen commended Williams for his intelligence on the field, highlighting his ability to adapt quickly during games. “Reid has done a fantastic job for us,” Mullen stated. “We place a lot of responsibility on him.”
This weekend”s game features the two highest-scoring offenses in the Mountain West. UNLV averages 37.44 points per game, while the Aggies follow closely at 33.67. The matchup also showcases two top contenders for the Mountain West offensive player of the year award. Rebels junior quarterback Anthony Colandrea ranks third in the league for total yards per game, while Utah State”s quarterback Bryson Barnes is a close fourth.
“I”ve seen Barnes over the last couple of years, and people often mention an “it” factor for quarterbacks,” Mullen remarked. “He is a tough runner and makes impressive throws, displaying patience in the pocket. These qualities contribute significantly to their offense.”
The Rebels have employed a rotation of three running backs throughout the season: junior Jai”Den “Jet” Thomas, junior Jaylon Glover, and senior Keyvone Lee. Thomas leads the group with 780 rushing yards, followed by Glover and Lee. With Colandrea”s contributions, UNLV is on track to have four players surpass 300 rushing yards this season.
Mullen explained that there is no set plan for which running back will play at any given time. “We aim to integrate all three into the game early and determine who will get more carries based on their performance and the game”s demands,” Mullen noted. “We adjust as the game progresses, looking for the best options to exploit the defense.”
The race for the two spots in the Mountain West championship game is tightly contested. Currently, San Diego State and Boise State are tied for first place in the conference with a 4-1 record. Hawaii sits in third at 4-2, while UNLV, Fresno State, New Mexico, and Utah State are all at 3-2.
With two of their final three games at home, UNLV is in a favorable position. “To be a championship team, you need to perform well in November,” Mullen stated. “We have plenty still at stake. While I wish we had more control over our destiny, we are right in the thick of the race for the championship game. Hopefully, the fans come out to support us and create a challenging environment for Utah State on Saturday.”
