No passing fad: UNLV starting quarterback battle up in the air yet again

Kurt Nantkes in 2004, under coach John Robinson, was the last quarterback to head into training camp as the starter.

Coach Mike Sanford went into camp in 2005 with Shane Steichen and Jarrod Jackson battling for the starting job. In 2006, Steichen and Rocky Hinds competed to be the Rebels’ quarterback, and last year Hinds and Travis Dixon went head-to-head.

Dixon and fellow sophomore Omar Clayton will square off in August. They have a chance to make an early statement in the spring game at 6 p.m. today at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Sanford insists he isn’t bothered by the Rebels’ continued uncertainty at quarterback. In fact, he sounded glad that the Clayton-Dixon battle remains undecided.

"The thing that’s been good is that Travis has improved tremendously," Sanford said. "I think there was some expectation that Omar might take the thing over. Travis has improved so much that he’s made it a neck-and-neck race. I’m not frustrated about that."

Clayton figured to have the edge after replacing Dixon last season and starting three games.

Being forced to the bench didn’t sit well with Dixon, who returned to start the final two games after Clayton broke his right hand.

"Omar’s a great player, and there’s nothing to take away from him, but it made me compete and know anyone can step in at any time," Dixon said.

Considering Dixon started nine times, Clayton said he’s not surprised that their competition still hasn’t been settled.

"I wouldn’t say either one of us gave or gained any ground," Clayton said.

Sanford said he hopes to name a starter early in camp. He also said both could sometimes play at the same time, with one of the quarterbacks lined up at another position.

The final decision on who gets the call for the Aug. 30 opener against Utah State will be made after Sanford and offensive coordinator Todd Berry talk and consult with the rest of the offensive staff.

It’s too close a decision to make now.

"I would say Omar has a slight advantage passing," Sanford said. "And I would say that Travis has made a lot of plays scrambling. I think they’re both good runners. I’d say Travis is maybe a little more of a dangerous runner."

• NOTES — Unlike previous springs when Sanford mixed up the squads, the first team will face the second team tonight. Clayton and Dixon will play for the first team. … The game is free, and a barbecue with players and coaches will follow in the club level. It is $15 for adults and $12 for children 12 and younger and UNLV students with ID.

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