Baylor Bears Running Back Named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week
Baylor Bears freshman running back Richard Reese was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week Monday after a breakout performance over the Texas State Bobcats Saturday.
After only carrying the ball six times for 19 yards in the double overtime loss at BYU in Week 2, Reese took over the game, and maybe the position, in the Bears’ blowout Week 3 victory. Reese went for 156 yards on 19 carries and found the end zone 3 times, including some of the best runs the Bears have produced the whole year.
In the wake of the BYU loss, Bears coach Dave Aranda remarked they ran the ball 52 times in part because they were worried about the passing game and in part because they were hoping to bust off a long run and open up some space for the offense. It didn’t work in Provo with Taye McWilliams and Qualan Jones carrying most of the load, but it did work when Reese was thrust into the starting running back spot Saturday.
Reese showed a great combination of power, speed, and reading the field, all attributes 2021 running back Abram Smith excelled in on his way to setting the Bears’ program record for single-season rushing yards.
Reese might have a long way to go to reach the standard Smith set, but his performance as a true freshman could well earn him a starting job, especially with Aranda saying McWilliams could be out for multiple weeks with a head injury.
So far in three games in 2022, Reese has carried the ball 34 times for 237 yards and five touchdowns. He also complemented Sqwirl Williams well out of the backfield, with the two combining for 221 yards and four touchdowns against Texas State.
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