Las Vegas, NV—-New Rebel quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams threw three touchdowns: an eight-yarder to tight end Kaleo Ballungay, a 29-yarder to Corey Thompson Jr., and a 79-yard catch and sprint by true freshman wideout Damien “Jackpot” McDaniel. Veteran signal-caller Cameron Friel also found rookie local tight end product Jae Beasley II out of Liberty High School for an 11-yard score.
On the defensive side, Jah’Von Grigsby intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, adding 12 points to Team Gray’s total. The defense also forced a fumble in the fourth quarter, which they recovered.
UNLV has a running-based offensive strategy that was evident in the game. They finished with 49 carries for 242 yards on the ground, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Freshman Greg Burrell, a Desert Pines product, broke off a pair of big plays on the ground and tallied a team-best 81 yards on 10 carries. Coach Odom said there are currently five running backs worthy of playing time, and that this number could still grow.
The UNLV receiving corps showed off its depth, with Ricky White and Jacob De Jesus leading the passing game last year. McDaniel, who graduated from high school early and arrived on campus two weeks ago, consistently made plays in practice and carried it over to the spring game, where he caught three passes for 91 yards, including the long touchdown.
Head coach Barry Odom spoke with the media and fans on the field after the scrimmage, marking the end of his second spring practice in Las Vegas as the Mountain West Coach of the Year for 2023.
UNLV Rebels open their season on the road August 31st against Houston Cougars.
