UNLV has shortage of breakout players

Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) avoids the tackle of UNLV linebacker Jacoby Windmon (4) during the second half of Saturday’s game in Tempe, Ariz. UNLV is struggling, but Windmon has been a standout on defense. (Associated Press)

AMES — Iowa State travels to Las Vegas to play UNLV on Saturday. UNLV hasn’t won a football game since Nov. 30, 2019.

After going winless last season, the Rebels are 0-2 to start this season. Their lack of success was reflected in the all-Mountain West preseason teams with no UNLV players represented.

UNLV also didn’t have a player on the 2020 Mountain West all-conference teams.

But here are five players to keep an eye on Saturday night.

LB Jacoby Windmon

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Windmon played on the defensive line last season and was the only Rebel to earn all-Mountain West honorable mention.

He recorded five sacks in UNLV’s six games. He also had 39 tackles, two pass breakups and a forced fumble.

This season, he leads UNLV with 19 tackles and 1.5 sacks through the first two games.

WR Kyle Williams

While Williams didn’t make the preseason Mountain West all-conference team or the 2020 all-conference team, he was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Year in 2020.

As a freshman, the 6-foot Williams had 35 catches for 426 yards and two touchdowns in UNLV’s six games.

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This season, Williams is off to another hot start. He leads UNLV with eight catches for 114 yards. UNLV’s second leading receiver is Zyell Griffin, who has one catch for 23 yards.

RB Charles Williams

Both of UNLV’s quarterbacks have a completion percentage of 50 percent or less. So while receiver Kyle Williams is clearly talented, senior running back Charles Williams carries the offense.

In 2019, Williams led the Mountain West with 1,257 yards. Last season, in six games, he had 495 yards.

Williams is off to a good start in 2021. In UNLV’s two games, he has rushed the ball 41 times for 212 yards and two touchdowns.

DB Phillip Hill

Hill has burst on the scene at the back end of UNLV’s defense with his do-everything ability.

He’s fifth on the team with 11 tackles, second with a sack and he has an interception.

The junior did not play last season as a sophomore while he was recovering from an injury he suffered as a redshirt freshman, but started the season as strong as he could’ve hoped.