Marcel Reece, a fullback out of the University of Washington, had his best year statistically since joining the Raiders in 2008. The 6'1", 255-pound, fourth-year player, racked up 271 rushing yards on 59 attempts and caught 52 passes for 496 receiving yards in 16 games (14 starts). Reece not only fulfilled his duties at fullback, but he also took over at running back for injured RB Darren McFadden in four games.
Reece came into the league as an undrafted free-agent wide receiver and spent his first two seasons on the Raiders practice squad. After being converted to fullback, it took Reece only two seasons to be named an alternate to the Pro Bowl for the first time (2011).
Reece's rushing total in 2012 exceeded his total over his first three seasons (234 yards) and he caught almost as many passes in 2012 as he had in previous years combined (54 passes for 654 yards). Although he recorded fewer touchdowns, Reece was a dynamic and vital part of the Raiders offense in 2012.
Reece was named an alternate for the 2013 Pro Bowl in December and will now replace Ravens FB Vontae Leach and represent the Raiders at the Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Breakout Performances
In Week 9 at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Reece started at fullback. The Raiders rushing attack never got going, but Reece made up for it by catching eight passes for 95 yards (11.9 ypc) and a touchdown. Reece registered career highs in both receptions (eight) and receiving yards (95). He eclipsed his previous career highs of five receptions and 92 yards, both established on Nov. 27, 2011, vs. Chicago.
In Week 11 against the New Orleans Saints at O.co Coliseum, Reece started at running back for the injured McFadden. He carried the ball 19 times for 103 yards (both career highs) and caught four passes for 90 yards, nearly becoming the first Raider since Marcus Allen to post both 100 yards rushing and receiving in a single game. His 193 yards were the most by a Raider since RB Michael Bush totaled 242 on Nov. 10, 2011, at San Diego. Reece accounted for 160 of the Raiders' 204 yards of total offense in the first half, and 193 of the team's 404 total yards for the game.
