LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – More than 15 months – 473 days, in fact. That's how long it's been between UNLV announcing the hiring of football head coach Marcus Arroyo and his first Las Vegas spring practice session taking place, which happens Tuesday.

In fact, the Rebels ended up playing six regular-season in the fall after never getting on the field last spring under their all-new staff as COVID-19 led to months of only virtual contact between players and coaches. Everyone in the sport agrees that spring practice is a productive time for any collegiate football program, but when a new staff takes over – implementing new systems while evaluating roster strengths and challenges -- it's no less than vital.

This week, the squad begins to make that lost time of 2020 just a memory as it takes the fields at Rebel Park for the Scarlet & Gray's first spring action under Arroyo. The allotted 15 practices, which are not open to the public, will run every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from now until May 1.

"My staff and I are very excited to start our first ever Rebel spring ball here in 2021," said Arroyo. "We've been waiting anxiously to work with our players during this phase and to finally begin the full implementation of the vision we have for this program. We can now begin this process under more traditional timelines, while still being mindful of COVID protocols and the overall safety of our players."

No less than 90 players are expected to suit up this spring, a number that includes 10 so-called Super Seniors granted another final season per special NCAA rules because of the pandemic. That list is headlined by a guy ready for a sixth season on campus – running back Charles Williams. Known fondly as the Chuck Wagon, Williams currently ranks fourth on the school's career rushing list with 2,940 yards and is just 793 yards short of UNLV all-time Rushing King Tim Cornett, who posted 3,733 from 2010-13.



Both of the team's All-Mountain West honorees from last season are also back as the conference's Freshman of the Year, receiver Kyle Williams, became the program's first Freshman All-American in seven years. He finished third in the nation and shattered the school record for receptions-per-game by a freshman with 5.8 last season. Honorable Mention All-MW defender Jacoby Windmon, whose five quarterback sacks were the most by a Rebel since 2013, heads into his junior campaign with a new position, moving from end to inside linebacker to kick off spring.



The newcomers include seven scholarship early signees in various stages of their careers, including three Pac-12 Conference transfers – massive grad transfer defensive lineman Connor Murphy (all six-feet-seven-inches of him) from USC, grad transfer and former Freshman Al-American linebacker Kylan Wilborn out of Arizona, and sophomore big back Jayvaun Wilson fresh from Oregon. Indiana transfer Jordan Jakes adds size to the receiving corps while the two newest junior college transfers are defensive back Mychal Victor and offensive lineman Brandon Logan, who both have three seasons left. Also ready to take the field is early high school grad and freshman quarterback Cameron Friel out of Hawai'i.

A total of 51 lettermen return from last year's squad with only 13 lettermen lost via graduation or transfer. The defense returns 10 of 11 starters while seven are back on offense along with both the starting punter, kicker and even the Rebels' long-snapper.
One thing's for sure -- there will be a new starting quarterback in '21 as six-game starter Max Gilliam moved onto the business world after turning in a solid final football season.

It all makes for what promises to be a fascinating first spring practice for the second-year staff.

"Our leap forward begins with this first step," said Arroyo. "We are united in our commitment toward reaching the very high standards we've set for ourselves."

Season tickets for the 2021 season are now on sale. With lower bowl season tickets starting at just $125, follow this link to UNLVTickets.com or call (702) 739-FANS. For information on VVIP premium club seats or suites at Allegiant Stadium, contact the Rebel Athletic Fund's Premium Sales Division at premiumseating@unlv.edu.