Clayton takes little for granted

ELY -- Omar Clayton doesn't assume he will be UNLV's starting quarterback again, even as he continues for the most part to run the first-team offense and has earned praise from first-year Rebels coach Bobby Hauck.

Until Hauck announces a starter, Clayton will operate with the belief that the position is up for grabs.

He began his UNLV career with a similar mindset as a walk-on in 2007.

"I never had opportunities to play anywhere else," Clayton said. "I came here and I was given a chance to play, and I was able to do something with it."

If Clayton retains the starting job, he has a strong chance to become one of the top quarterbacks, statistically at least, in Rebels history.

Clayton, who has started 23 career games, enters his senior season with 4,742 yards passing, which is sixth in school history. If he averages 203 yards passing -- as he did last season -- through all 13 games, Clayton would finish with 7,381 yards, moving past Jon Denton (6,177) into second place. Randall Cunningham holds the UNLV record with 8,020 yards.

With 35 touchdown passes, Clayton is also in position to pass Denton (43) for second place. Cunningham (59) also holds that record.

Clayton is the Rebels' all-time leader in completion percentage (59.8) and ranks second in lowest interception rate (3.1). Cunningham is No. 1 with a 2.9 interception percentage.

Clayton's numbers are impressive considering his humble beginnings with UNLV in 2007, when he walked on from Normal, Ill., and found himself fifth on the depth chart.

He rose quickly that season, becoming the starter by the eighth game. In his initial start, against Colorado State, Clayton became the first -- and still only -- Rebels quarterback to pass for 300 yards and rush for 100 in a game.

Clayton said he can appreciate the journey he has made and wants to finish it the right way.

"I really want to make the best of my last year," he said, "and continue to compete and work hard so I can lead my team."

Junior Mike Clausen and redshirt freshman Caleb Herring are battling with Clayton for the starting job.

Hauck said he wants to wait at least until Saturday's scrimmage before deciding which quarterback will start Sept. 4 against Wisconsin at Sam Boyd Stadium.

"I think the last three days have probably been some of his better practices," Hauck said of Clayton on Monday. "He's making good decisions. He's doing good."

When Hauck arrived in December, he made it clear that every job, including quarterback, would be contested.

Instead of sulking, Clayton, who started the past two seasons, went to work to prove he should be the starter.

He works hard at learning the offense and improving his technique and has developed a good rapport with offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Rob Phenicie.

Sometimes the quarterback sessions turn into what Phenicie calls a "fun philosophical discussion."

"He takes coaching really well," Phenicie said of Clayton.

Clayton and the rest of the quarterbacks know their standing on the depth chart can change from day to day.

"We all watch film, so they all know their performances," Phenicie said. "There are no secrets in there, and you've got to keep the pressure at that position. If you get comfortable, then you're in trouble."

That's why Clayton refuses to assume he will be the starter.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at
manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.