Could UNLV running back Jai’Den Thomas have a breakout season in 2024?
It’s been a long time since UNLV football fans have had any reason to be excited. Two winning seasons in the last 23 years is downright deplorable. Now sprinkle in a half dozen 2-win seasons and this fanbase is desperate for a winner. Head coach Barry Odom provided a 9-5 debut season for the Rebels last year, and now the buzz in Vegas for the ‘24 Rebels is reminiscent of 1992 with Isaiah Rider & towel-biting Coach Tark! Odom and his savvy offensive coordinator, Brennan Marion, developed an offensive game plan for success behind an up-tempo offense led by QB Jayden Maiava, WR Ricky White, & Freshman RB Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas. So far, it seems to be working.
The Rebels Are Coming
The Rebels averaged 34.4 points per game (22nd in the nation) and scored 482 points last season. That was 8.1 ppg more from last year, and over 170 more points from last season, too. UNLV averaged 173.5 rush yards per game, spearheaded by Vincent Davis (760 yds) and Jai’Den Thomas (503 yds), who averaged 5 YPC (yards per carry) combined. Courtney Reese & Donavyn Lester combined for 688 yards to help out in the backfield as well. However, Thomas (12) and Lester (9) were the TD machines. This season, the backfield will see a void of 300+ attempts and 1,300 yards with the departure of Maiava (USC), Reese (Bethune-Cookman), and Davis. It’s Jet time!
All Engines Go?
Jai’Den Thomas is a quick, elusive running back who plays with a chip on his shoulder. After rushing for back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for Westlake High and receiving few offers from colleges, Thomas plays with something to prove on every rush attempt.
Although Thomas has the speed to break away from defenders, he doesn’t shy away from contact. Thomas had 325 of his 503 yards last season came after contact! That is over 60% and had a red zone efficiency of 75% – straight cash!
Jai’Den is explosive coming out of the hole, too. Last season he had 15 runs of over 10 yards as a Freshman, and accounted for 31 first downs for UNLV. Thomas should see those numbers double with the open RB room and the fact that UNLV returns all five starting offensive linemen in 2024. That is HUGE! Add in the playmaking WR Ricky White on the outside (73.6%), clearing out space and taking the DB/S over the middle (16.9 YPC in ’23), Thomas’ receiving game could take a huge leap in 2024.
“Jet” was used out of the backfield in 2023, but sparingly. He was targeted 11 times for seven receptions and 62 yards last season. This wasn’t something new for Thomas, as he compiled 400+ receiving yards and 3 TDs at Westlake his Senior season. Early on, Thomas should see an opportunity to be the workhorse RB as the offensive will work through some kinks with new pieces. Thomas also will face a running back-friendly schedule in 2024. Eight of the 12 teams allowed over 160 yards per game on the ground in 2023, with 20+ TDs!
Jai’Den Thomas tallied 108 attempts for 503 yards and 12 TDs in 2023. He averaged nearly 5 yards per carry (4.7) while only starting four games. Donavyn Lester does return to the Rebels this year, however, and he did well in 97 attempts. However, Lester will be a 6-year senior, having played four seasons at William & Mary; versus the fresh legs of the Thomas. But the tread on Lester’s tires isn’t the only reason Thomas should outperform the former William & Mary product. Thomas was better than Lester as a Freshman in all categories – yards, attempts, YAC, missed tackles forced, TDs, and more.
The Rebels did bring in NC State transfer RB Michael Allen. However, Allen is likely to be more of a depth role with Courtney Reese and Vincent Davis gone. Allen started just one game for NC State and was 5th on the team in rushing production.
UNLV also added true dual-threat QB Matthew Sluka in the portal from Holy Cross to replace the loss of Jayden Maiava, but this should only help Thomas’ production. Dual-threat quarterbacks keep defenses guessing and taking away a defender to spy the QB. This will ultimately open up lanes for Thomas to expose, who is patience in letting his lanes develop.
Jai’Den Thomas and the chip on his shoulder are about to run through the Mountain West Conference like the Kool-Aid Man. A 1,000 yards and 10 TD season are the floor for Thomas in 2024; I can only imagine the ceiling! A spread up-tempo offense, dual-threat QB, alpha WR, returning front five, 200+ voided attempts, and motivated young RB seem to be a recipe for success. Now, only time will tell.
