The Rebels rolled through a sunny Wednesday helmets-only practice session and will be back on the field Thursday morning while moving closer to Saturday's team scrimmage.
One player who lingered in the ice tubs after practice was
Chad Magyar. The sophomore-to-be played in 10 games last fall as a true freshman out of Rancho Santa Margarita (CA) High School but the up-and-coming running back didn't even touch the football while on the field. In fact, the 6-2, 215-pound athlete was moved over to linebacker late in the year when healthy bodies were scarce on the defensive side of the ball. His only stats were two tackles while playing on multiple special teams for UNLV.
Fast forward to Spring Practice 2019 and Magyar not only moved back to his original position but he thrived as a tough-nosed option who is looking to be No. 2 on the depth chart behind
Charles Williams. Magyar turned in another good practice Wednesday, earning praise for his blocking to help get the offense down the field. That, along with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, has Magyar on track to finally touch the football during a real game this season. He said he's just trying to learn all that is needed to do his best.
"They're kind of expecting me to have a bigger role this year so I'm trying to adapt to everything they're asking me to do -- to be more of an overall back" he said. "During the spring game they relied on me a lot, especially catching out of the backfield."
Asked about his time on defense, Magyar said it was just filling in where he was need to help out the team.
"We were just low at that position last year. So I was there for safety reasons as a backup. I was looking forward to coming back to the offense. My goals are just to help out the offense any way I can, because they're moving me around a lot. I'm just not at running back. They're also putting me at fullback."
Magyar said Williams, a talented junior tailback, has offered advice about being a college running back.
Â
"Chuck's actually helped me a lot because I'm trying to get everything perfect right now since it's the first time I've been asked for so much. I've been getting a little upset with myself if I don't do exactly what I'm supposed to, but he's reminds me that you're going to mess up sometimes and you have to put it behind you. That helps me move forward and improve."
ALUMNI DAY
Former UNLV running backs Dominique Dorsey (2001-04) and JaJa Riley (2004-05) came to campus to interview starting running back
Charles Williams after Wednesday's practice. Dorsey, known fondly as "Neek the Streak" while racking up 2,834 yards (currently good for fourth all-time at UNLV) and Riley, who transferred in from Ohio State, have their own podcast (will let you know how to catch Chuck's episode).
RISE & GRIND GOES BEHIND THE SCENES
UNLV opens its season August 31 by hosting Southern Utah at 7 pm. Season tickets, which start as low as $99, are available now and as part of UNLV's Faithful Fan Pricing initiative, fans purchasing season tickets this year may purchase season tickets for the same per-game price in the new Las Vegas Stadium opening in 2020.
Â
Single-game and season ticket mini-plans for UNLV football recently went on sale. This year's mini-plan allows fans to purchase tickets for the games vs. Boise State, San Diego State and Hawai'i for one low price that includes a meal combo and the commemorative giveaway T-shirt each week. Prices for the mini-plan are $99 for end-zone locations and $150 for sideline seats. Mini-plans, as well as full season tickets are available now by calling (702) 739-3267 (FANS) or visiting unlvtickets.com.
