Mullen’s Maulers: Inside UNLV’s Offensive Line Room (Part 1)

Eighteen scholarship linemen. That’s where UNLV sits heading into fall camp. It’s the deepest, most physically mature group the program’s had in years, and it’s not close.

But it’s not just about numbers. It’s about fit, function, and what Dan Mullen’s staff is building up front. Over the following two parts, we’re breaking down every scholarship offensive lineman on the roster, starting with nine players who bring a mix of veteran experience, Power Five traits, and long-term upside.

Let’s get into it.

(Via - )

2,257 snaps. 100% assignment rate. 85.5 pass-blocking grade last year.UNLV didn’t just land experience with Williams; they landed dominance. He was one of the top FCS centers in the country last season, and his numbers back it up. Smooth mover, great leverage, rarely off balance. Across five seasons at Chattanooga, he got better every year, peaking in 2024 with an 80.7 overall grade.

He’s a natural leader with plug-and-play ability at center or guard, and he might already be the most technically sound lineman on the roster. Expect him to be a tone-setter for the entire unit.

Small sample, steady tape.Scalise hasn’t played a ton, just 32 snaps last year, but the early returns were solid. 70.4 overall grade, clean in pass pro (77.4), and no blown assignments. He’s got the size (6’6”, 315) to hold up at tackle and brings five years of program familiarity.

Is he a full-time starter? Maybe not. But he’s the kind of swing tackle every line needs: dependable, physical, and ready if someone goes down.

Big body, below-average tape.At 6’6”, 315, Faminu looks the part, but the performance hasn’t matched. Across two years of action, his grades have hovered in the high 40s and low 50s. He’s struggled with consistency and footwork in both phases, especially against quick interior rushers.

Still, he’s played nearly 800 snaps in the AAC. That’s not nothing. He’ll have to earn his way into the rotation, but the raw tools give him a shot to stick as a depth guard if he develops under this staff.

The enforcer is back.Makihele returns to UNLV after a stop at UCLA, where he played 115 snaps and posted a 74.9 pass-blocking grade, the highest of his career. He’s logged nearly 1,000 snaps since 2022 and brings unmatched size (6’3”, 350) and attitude to the trenches.

He’s a mauler with surprisingly light feet. His run grades are fine, but where he really excels is anchoring in pass pro. He’s a near-lock to start, and gives UNLV a physical edge every time he’s on the field.

Power Five frame, now with Power Five tape.McGowan didn’t play much his first three years at UNC, but when he finally cracked the lineup in 2024, he made it count: 298 snaps, 75.2 pass-block grade, 65.9 overall. At 6’5”, 325, he’s got the frame to play either guard spot and the tools to do it well.

If he cleans up his pad level and improves lateral quickness, he’ll push for a starting job. He’s one of the higher-ceiling transfers in the room.

JUCO sleeper.No FBS snaps yet, but the staff likes what they see. Afoa comes from a strong JUCO program and brings good movement skills for his 6’4”, 285-pound frame. He’s still learning the speed of the game, but there’s something here.

Expect him to spend the early part of the season repping with the twos, likely at guard, while he adjusts to the system. Long-term, he’s got rotational potential.

Plug-and-play veteran.Manson played over 800 snaps at Coastal Carolina and graded out above 65 in both seasons. In 2023, his pass-blocking grade was a standout 75.9, and while that dipped in 2024, he still held up in a system that ran a lot of tempo.

He’s a guard all the way and brings a steady, veteran presence. If you’re looking for a safe bet to be in the rotation Week 1, Manson’s your guy.

All the tools. Needs polish.Thomas is massive (6’7”, 305) and moves well for his size, but he’s been inconsistent when he’s gotten on the field. Just 81 total snaps over two years, and his 2024 pass-blocking grade was a brutal 23.0. Run blocking has been better, but the technique needs work.

He’s a classic developmental tackle. If he takes the next step mentally and technically, there’s upside. But right now, he’s a depth piece still finding his footing.

One of the most intriguing young linemen on the roster.Moore only played 15 snaps last year, but he flashed real promise. 72.3 overall grade, 71.3 in run blocking, and clean fundamentals across the board. He’s 6’4”, 320, and plays with the kind of base and leverage you want in an interior guy.

If he builds on that sample, Moore could push for legit playing time in 2025. High-floor, high-upside redshirt freshman.

Part 2 will be posted soon.