UNLV running backs vow to put on show this season

The “Lex and X Show” nickname for UNLV’s tandem of sophomore running backs, Lexington Thomas and Xzaviar Campbell, might need tweaking this season if newcomers Charles Williams and Evan Owens emerge in the Rebels’ backfield.

That would be fine with Thomas and Campbell — two Houston products projected to be UNLV’s No. 1 and No. 2 running backs — who both say their only goal this season is to win.

“We’re the ‘Running Back Show’ because we’re going to put one on for the team,” Thomas said. “We’re going to help the team get to that next level we need to get to as a group.

“Regardless if I start or not, I just want to be a big part of the team that’s going to get us the W’s and get us to the Mountain West championship.”

Thomas and Williams will bring speed, Campbell and Owens will supply power, and senior David Greene is expected to contribute consistency to a Rebels’ rushing attack that finished 36th in the nation last season with 193.7 yards per game.

“We ran the ball well last year, and we’re going to be much better at it this year. We’re a bigger, more physical team,” UNLV coach Tony Sanchez said. “I’m excited about that group.”

Williams rushed for 2,142 yards and 28 touchdowns last season for Bullard High in Fresno, California, and finished third in the state in the 200 meters (personal-record 21.35 seconds) and eighth in the state in the 100 (10.63).

That speed was on display Saturday, when Williams showed some impressive bursts running the ball and returning kicks in UNLV’s intrasquad scrimmage at Rebel Park.

“That kid can just flat out go. He’s a difference maker,” Sanchez said. “One day he’ll be the best back in this conference.

“I really feel he can do a lot for us this year.”

At 5 feet 11 inches and 175 pounds, Williams appears to be a slightly bigger version of the 5-9, 170-pound Thomas.

“They’re very similar in style. Charles is a little bit bigger kid, but they’re both explosive guys,” Sanchez said. “The funny thing is you’d assume guys that size are outside guys, but they are such great inside-the-tackle runners.”

Williams, whose full name is Charles Billy Dee Williams Jr., hopes to make a name for himself this season and help the long-suffering Rebels rise up in the process.

“My role is to bring a spark to the team, if it’s returning kicks, offense or special teams,” he said. “It’s a new era, like Coach Sanchez said.”

Thomas earned the starting job in the spring, when he supplanted Keith Whitely, last year’s leading rusher who is no longer with the program. Thomas averaged 6.2 yards per carry last season and tied the school’s freshman record for 100-yard games with three en route to 506 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

“We really think he can be one of the better backs in the entire conference,” Sanchez said.

Stronger and 15 pounds heavier than last season, Thomas proved in spring practice and again Saturday that he’s capable of gaining tough yards between the tackles.

“I don’t think size even matters,” he said. “I might be small, but I run like I’m 230. I run hard. It doesn’t matter who’s in front of me.”

The 5-11, 200-pound Campbell, who rushed for 469 yards and a team-leading five rushing touchdowns last season, said he’s made big strides since then.

“I can see the difference,” he said. “I see the blitz quicker, I see the holes better, and I’m running faster and I’m stronger. I’m much better this year.”

The 6-1, 220-pound Owens, a junior college transfer, rushed for 1,139 yards and 12 touchdowns last season for San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, California. His upright running style brings to mind Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson.

“Everybody says I run high just like Eric Dickerson,” Owens said. “(My goals are) just to run low, run hard and make a statement. I feel like I’m getting better every day.”

Greene, who saw limited action last season, had an 18-yard touchdown run Saturday and is expected to get carries this season.

“Greene is just a steady Eddie,” Sanchez said. “He’s not that fast. There’s no measurables that will make you jump out of your seat, but then you watch him play football and he just plays the game well.”

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354. Follow him on Twitter: @tdewey33