Record Setting Season for Reese

Baylor running back Richard Reese collected a full trophy case of postseason honors, earning Freshman All-America First Team by College Football News, Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and the top offensive freshman in the state of Texas by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. 

In addition to Reese, junior defensive lineman Siaki Ika was tabbed to the All-Big 12 First Team, while Dillon Doyle — as a fullback and linebacker — was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team, along with senior offensive linemen Jacob Gall and Connor Galvin, as voted on by the league’s head coaches.

Reese set the program rushing record for freshmen during a historic 2022 season. The Bellville High School product stepped right into the backfield and led the team with 190 carries for 962 yards and 14 TDs, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and 80.2 yards per game. He ranks second in the nation among freshmen in rushing TDs and third among freshmen in rushing yards. Reese is the third player in program history and the Bears’ first running back to earn the Offensive Freshman of the Year honor, joining quarterbacks Charlie Brewer (2017) and Robert Griffin III (2008).

A total of 15 Bears earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention as a product of receiving a vote in the awards process. Reese, along with offensive standouts in wide receiver Monaray Baldwin, offensive linemen Micah Mazzccua and Grant Miller, wide receiver Hal Presley, quarterback Blake Shapen and tight end Ben Sims were each honored. Defensively, defensive lineman Gabe Hall, linebacker Matt Jones, safety Devin Lemear, cornerback Mark Milton and safety Al Walcott were named honorable mention. Additionally, Lemear garnered votes for Defensive Freshman of the Year. Returner Gavin Holmes, kicker John Mayers and punter Issac Power were also tabbed honorable mention.