Columnist Tim Graham: Denton faced with biggest decision yet

IT'S NO SECRET Jon Denton likes to throw caution to the wind.

His air of invincibility made him a budding superstar as UNLV's quarterback two years ago.

Denton never quit. As a result, he rolled up record-breaking stats, often in spectacular fashion. He was a freshman, but he would not be denied.

The NFL seemed certain.

His grit, however, started to look more and more like obstinacy last year. Those miraculous completions into double coverage became interceptions. Those harrowing escapes from defenders turned into sacks.

But Denton's biggest opponent was himself. He was suspended twice for an accumulation of off-field transgressions. It didn't help when he publicly lashed out against the departure of offensive coordinator Charlie Stubbs, who left to coach quarterbacks at Alabama.

Rebel coach Jeff Horton kicked his marquee player off the team last month.

Now Denton ponders the most crucial decision of his football career, one he can't make breezily. He needs a new team, and with just two years of college eligibility left, his choices are limited.

"If he wants to play in the NFL," college scouting expert Mel Kiper Jr. said, "his only option is (Division) I-AA."

Denton originally stated his desire to play in the Southeastern Conference, maybe even for Stubbs again.

But he eventually realized such a move was implausible. He discovered this was not some quandary that would evaporate with little aforethought like some scrambling touchdown toss.

To play for another Division I-A school, Denton would have to sit out a season in accordance with NCAA rules, leaving him one year to right his wrongs. That scenario is rife with complications.

Big programs are reluctant to take a flier on a one-year wonder, and Denton would be gambling on a last gasp before the NFL draft. The risks of performing after a layoff, and learning a new offense, would be too high.

That means Denton needs to swallow a little pride and step down a level. If he attends a Division I-AA or lower program, he can play immediately and for two years -- ample time to rejuvenate his image.

Portland State, which produced NFL signal callers June Jones and Neil Lomax, is a possibility. So are Western Kentucky and Weber State.

No matter where Denton lands it won't be easy. While he led the high-octane Western Athletic Conference in total offense, he will be held to a greater standard against lesser foes.

"He's gotta perform this year at a very high level. He's gotta take over that level," said Kiper, who still rates Denton the third best junior quarterback in the country behind Kentucky's Tim Couch and Washington's Brock Huard.

"He has to be a guy that jumps out at you. He has to look like he doesn't belong at that level."

Denton doesn't belong at that level. Nevertheless, that's where he is. Now he must make every decision from now until draft day '99 with extreme care.

If he flings caution at the wind again, his career is likely to hit the fan.

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