UNLV will turn to a veteran transfer after the controversial exit of starting quarterback Matthew Sluka, CBS Sports has learned. Hajj-Malik Williams, a record-setting passer and runner in the FCS, will start for the College Football Playoff-chasing Rebels on Saturday against Fresno State.
The senior has played in two games this season and has 88 yards on 10 carries but has not yet attempted a pass. He played five seasons at Campbell, where he departed as the career leader in passing yards (8,326) and touchdowns (58). He also ran for 1,600 yards and 24 touchdowns in his career there. In 11 games last season, Williams threw for a school-record 2,597 yards and 19 touchdowns while completing 70% of his passes. A multi-time All-Big South player with an All-America honor as a freshman, he was frequently ranked in the top 10 of multiple offensive categories in the FCS during his career.
UNLV was left scrambling late Tuesday night when Sluka, a transfer from Holy Cross, left the team citing “representations” made to him during the recruiting process that “were not upheld.” UNLV and UNLV’s NIL collective responded forcefully Tuesday, and Blueprint Sports, which oversees UNILV, said “there were no formal NIL offers made during Mr. Sluka’s recruitment process.” Sluka was verbally promised $100,000 by an assistant at UNLV, according to ESPN.
Williams arrived on campus in the winter and battled for the starting job through the spring and summer before Sluka arrived in mid-June and named the starter ahead of the season opener. Included in the Rebels’ 3-0 start is a come-from-behind win at Kansas and the program’s first top-25 ranking in the Coaches Poll.
Williams was a star at Campbell, leading the program to a 6-1 start as a freshman in…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/who-is-unlvs-new-starting-qb-hajj-malik-williams-ex-fcs-star-next-up-after-matthew-slukas-sudden-exit/
Author : Brandon Marcello
Publish date : 2024-09-25 21:18:41
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