In what can only be described as a major blow for the UNLV football program, quarterback Alex Orji is set to miss the rest of the season due to a severe hamstring injury. During last Saturday's clash against UCLA, Orji sustained an out-of-bounds hit in the opening quarter, leading to what has been revealed as a Grade 3 LCL sprain, effectively tearing the hamstring from the bone, as reported by KTNV.
The unfortunate incident transpired in a game that saw UNLV secure a 30-23 victory, marking their first win against a Big Ten team in over two decades. Despite Orji only contributing one pass for a single yard in that game, his overall impact on the team has been palpable since his arrival from Michigan for his senior year. Earlier in the season, Orji completed three passes for 37 yards and scored a rushing touchdown against Idaho State, showcasing his potential impact on the Rebels' offense.
UNLV Head Coach Dan Mullen, in a statement echoing the team's disappointment, stressed the significance of the loss, mentioning "the devastating part if not just the loss of his talent on the field, but his leadership, his demeanor, the man that he is; it's just heartbreaking," according to KTNV. In Orji's absence, senior Cameron Friel is expected to step up from third-string to become the primary backup for quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who passed for 203 yards, and three touchdowns in the recent game against UCLA.
The surgery required for Orji's injury is scheduled for the upcoming weeks, signaling a long road to recovery for the 6-foot-3, 235-pound athlete. In the meantime, Colandrea and Friel will be put to the test to maintain UNLV's undefeated start to the season as they navigate the challenges without their sidelined teammate, as per a report by FOX5 Vegas.
