Ex-QB likes new vantage point
Editor's note: This is the latest installment of a feature in which the Las Vegas Review-Journal asks 20 questions of a UNLV football player. Today's Q&A is with free safety Travis Dixon, a junior from Hamilton High School in Chandler, Ariz. He was UNLV's starting quarterback in 2007 but switched positions before last season.
Dixon and the Rebels (3-6, 1-4 Mountain West Conference) play Colorado State (3-6, 0-5) at 7 p.m. Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium.
1. Are you feeling more comfortable at safety?
It was a matter of time (and) getting game experience. One of my goals was to improve each game. I feel I have.
2. How much do you think your battle this year to become the starter helped?
It makes sure you stay on top of everything. You don't take things for granted because nothing's handed to you.
3. How difficult was the adjustment from quarterback?
At first, it was kind of slow. I really like the position. I like where I'm at. I like the schemes.
4. Did playing quarterback help you pick it up?
You see things develop as a QB because you see route structure. It's kind of a good thing because now I see both sides of the ball.
5. You seemed to handle the switch well emotionally. How were you able to do that?
It took me a little while to get settled in. You get used to playing QB the majority of your life. Guys on the defensive side made me feel real comfortable.
6. What was it like to tell the team?
Some people were shocked. Some people seemed to kind of know. It was a good move for me. I just want to be on the field and help make plays and help get wins.
7. Do you miss playing quarterback?
At times I do, but I like safety, too. I didn't think I would like it as much as I do now, but I really do like it.
8. How good of a quarterback do you think you would have become?
I couldn't tell you. My expectations were high when I was playing QB. I only got one season at it, but I moved forward and started a new chapter.
9. What was it like to win two state titles in high school?
It was very exciting, especially being our high school's first two state championships. So it was a big thing for me, especially back to back.
10. What was harder, getting the first one or repeating?
Once you get the first one, you know what it feels like and what it takes to get there. The first one's the hardest one to get, I believe.
11. Did you grow up an Arizona State fan?
Actually, I grew up (an Arizona) fan. I was a big basketball kid growing up. I liked (coach) Lute Olson. Ortege Jenkins and Keith Smith were playing quarterback back then (1996 to 2000), and (receiver) Bobby Wade was there.
12. Did you go see Arizona in last year's Las Vegas Bowl?
I watched it on TV.
13. I understand you like to fish?
My aunt got me into fishing, and my uncle. My parents are originally from Kentucky, so they took me fishing on the lake. I'd go out and catch bass. It's peaceful. You get away. I like the outdoors.
14. Do you have a favorite lake?
Havasu I would say is the kind of lake I like -- for spring break, a different reason.
15. Do you go camping?
It's been about three years. It's all football, football. The little time I do get, it's either with family or the girlfriend.
16. Yankees or Phillies (asked last week)?
I'm going with the Yanks.
17. What team do you think will win the NBA title?
The Lakers always put my Suns out, so I'm going with the Celtics. Anyone in the East I'll take over the Lakers. As long as the Lakers don't get it, I'm happy.
18. Who do you see winning the Super Bowl?
The Saints might surprise some people because they've been under the radar.
19. What about the Cardinals?
The Cardinals are always welcome back to the ship. I'll take it any day.
20. Have you recovered from their Super Bowl loss?
I'm not a big Cardinals fan, so I wasn't on the bandwagon, but I was rooting for them. It was sad to see them lose that close a game.
Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@ reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Read the latest UNLV football updates at lvrj.com/blogs/unlv_sports.
