UNLV Football: Can Rebels overcome tough schedule to show improvement?

Quarterback competition will define how offense looks in second year

Arroyo is an offensive coach, but UNLV was pretty dreadful on that side of the ball in 2020. To help turn this unit around, the Rebels are going to need better quarterback play.

Last year’s starter at quarterback Max Gilliam decided not to return to Vegas, so the starting job will be fought out between Doug Brumfield and TCU transfer Justin Rogers.

Neither quarterback has really separated themselves from the other and this is going to be the battle to watch for the Rebels heading into the fall and throughout the season. I think that Brumfield will have the leg up for now, but Rogers will be waiting if Brumfield can’t get it done.

Whoever starts at quarterback will have a stud running back to hand the ball too. Charles Williams is back in Vegas for his senior season and he could have a huge 2021 season.

Williams is going to have to carry the load for the offense until the passing game comes along. Williams led the conference in rushing in 2019 and I expect a similar season in 2021. Alongside Williams, expect that Jayvaun Wilson, an Oregon transfer to get some carries too.

The receiving corps will be led by the 2020 Mountain West freshman of the year Kyle Williams. Williams led the Rebels with 35 catches for 426 yards and two touchdowns. The rest of the receiving corps does not have the same kind of proven playmaking, however. Zyell Griffin and Steve Jenkins are going to be the other starters, but they have a lot to prove, and having uncertainty at the quarterback and receiver position is never a good combination.

The offensive line is a huge question mark heading into the season. UNLV is replacing three starters and has a very young unit. The offense is going to be led by their ground game, but with uncertainty at every other position, it could be tough sledding for the UNLV offense unless some guys step up