Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008 | 6:57 p.m.
One Rebel who could benefit a bit from having Omar Clayton as the UNLV starting quarterback come Aug. 30 - news announced before Monday evening's practice - is senior running back Frank Summers.
Summers, the Rebs' all-purpose yardage leader in 2007 (928 rushing, 252 receiving), is still expected to be the featured back this season following a breakout junior year, but Clayton's presence can't help but make things more interesting.
"I think he's probably that change of pace guy that we could use," Summers said following Tuesday's practice. "Obviously, he can run, he's very athletic. You know me, I don't know what I'm gonna do when I get the ball, but obviously I'm a downhill runner, run hard. He's a make-people-miss kind of guy, so I think we'll complement each other well."
Summers, checking in on the roster this year at 230 pounds, is sporting a new look so far this week, allowing his mane to flow out from the base of his helmet - a mini-Troy Polamalu look of sorts.
As if the guy needs to look any more intimidating. And to think, the pads have yet to come out this week.
"I did it one game last year, I might do it one game this year or two games this year," Summers said of the anti-cropped look, which made an appearance as he rushed for 187 yards against San Diego State last year. "If I get pulled down by my hair, I shouldn't be running the ball. It's gonna take a lot more than that."
McCrory to redshirt following surgery
Sophomore defensive lineman Justin McCrory, a walk-on out of Las Vegas High, will redshirt the season after undergoing a surgical procedure on his neck Monday.
He was walking around practice in shorts and a T-shirt, with the scar visible at the base of his neck on the front side.
His return to action down the road at the moment is unknown.
Coach Mike Sanford said McCrory was at a point where when moving his neck in a certain way, he'd lose feeling in his arms.
"The decision was for long-term health issues - being able to walk and live normally - right now get the surgery and then we'll see down the road if he's going to come back or not."
Gotta run
Towards the tail end of Tuesday's morning session - comprised mostly of veterans - senior defensive lineman Jacob Hales took off a few minutes early, as teammates stretched and began cooling down.
His reason? He needed to finish writing a paper and make a presentation. He said after that, his scholastic obligations at UNLV are through. He spent the summer teaching English as a Second Language at Petersen Elementary down the street from the campus.
An early advantage against Utah State?
While UNLV answered its quarterback question on the first day of camp, the Rebels' first opponent this season - Utah State on Aug. 30 at Sam Boyd Stadium - seems to be at the opposite end of the spectrum.
Junior gunslinger Jase McCormick left the team for personal reasons Monday. He played in four games last season for USU, going 25-of-40 for 258 yards, two TDs and five interceptions.
There are four quarterbacks on the roster competing for the now-open spot, led by senior Sean Setzer, who's the only one in the bunch to have thrown a pass in a Division-I game. That was a two-yard completion last year against Boise State.
Kicker yet to be named
Sanford said Tuesday a starting kicker will more than likely be determined once players are practicing in pads and the candidates can see some pressure situations.
He did say, however, that sophomore Ben Jaekle will handle kickoff duties.
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