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UNLV Football 2023 Spring Showcase

Steve Marcus

UNLV Rebels quarterback Harrison Bailey (5) passes during the UNLV Spring Showcase at Allegiant Stadium Saturday, April 8, 2023.

Less than two weeks after the UNLV football team concluded spring practice, quarterback Harrison Bailey has reportedly entered the transfer portal.

Bailey, a junior, joined the program last offseason and was in line to enter the 2023 season as the Scarlet and Gray’s No. 2 QB, but will now look for a better opportunity elsewhere.

Bailey was perhaps the most heralded recruit of Marcus Arroyo’s tenure. After a prolific prep career at Georgia powerhouse Marietta, he committed to Tennessee as a 4-star recruit in the Class of 2020. Bailey played sparingly in two years at Tennessee, then transferred to UNLV and was immediately eligible for the 2022 season. After a position battle that spanned spring practice and training camp, Doug Brumfield was named the starter, relegating Bailey to backup status.

Various injuries to Brumfield did allow Bailey to get into six games throughout the year, but results were mixed. He completed just 51.7% of his passes for 318 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Bailey’s best performance came in the season finale against UNR, when he relieved Brumfield early and hit 16-of-27 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns, piloting UNLV to a comeback win.

Arroyo was fired after the 2022 season and replaced by Barry Odom. Bailey stuck it out with the new coach through the first transfer portal window and went through spring practice, once again competing with Brumfield for the starting job.

In the team’s spring showcase on April 8, Bailey completed 10-of-18 passes for 169 yards with two TDs and one pick.

Now that Bailey’s in the portal, Brumfield appears to be entrenched at the No. 1 spot on the depth chart, and UNLV will look to junior Cameron Friel and redshirt freshman Jayden Maiava as backups.

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.

Article written by #LasVegasSun

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