High praise for Denton

Tim Graham

Monday, Nov. 25, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

On the surface, it appeared to be an innocent meeting between the future of UNLV's football program and its past.

But as time went by and comments were exchanged, it was clear there was much more to it. Yes, it was a meeting between what was and what's to be, but on an entirely different level.

When current UNLV quarterback Jon Denton reached out to grasp the hand of alum Randall Cunningham following the Rebel football team's awards banquet at the Stardust Sunday, words were exchanged.

"You're just as good as some of the guys in the pros right now," Cunningham said, a fatherly tone in his voice. "I'm not saying that to blow up your head. You're going to play in the NFL."

If anyone in the room knew what it took to make it to the National Football League, it was this man. After an All-America career with the Rebels from 1982-84, Cunningham led the Philadelphia Eagles for nine seasons. He twice was named NFL player of the year and once voted Pro Bowl MVP.

For several minutes Cunningham spoke to Denton, the red-shirt freshman who re-wrote the UNLV record book this season.

"I'm in awe," Denton said. "It's a great feeling hearing all the stuff he was telling me.

"It makes me want to maintain my work ethic and bust my butt every day. It's always been my goal to play in the NFL."

Denton generated plenty of attention this season by setting nine NCAA freshman and 10 UNLV passing records, including most touchdowns in a season with 25, a mark formerly held by Cunningham. Denton finished with 277 completions of 506 attempts for 3,591 yards.

"I made it a point to watch tape of (Denton)," said Cunningham, who was unable to attend any UNLV games in person this season because of his new job as an NFL studio analyst for TNT.

"This guy's going to be in the NFL. There's no doubt about that. He has all the tools a quarterback needs: the charisma, the leadership skills, the ability to move.

"There are a lot of quarterbacks in the league today who don't have the tools he has."

Nevertheless, Denton is just a 19-year-old kid, two years removed from Green Valley High School. He still has a long college career ahead of him before he can entertain thoughts of the NFL.

Or does he?

"It'd have to present itself before I made that kind of decision," Denton said about whether or not he'll turn pro before he graduates. "Right now, I plan on playing four years, but if a good opportunity comes around, I'll reach out and grab it."

Extra points

* WITH HONORS: The season's awards were handed out Sunday at the Stardust during the UNLV football awards banquet. Record-breaking quarterback Jon Denton was named team MVP, while wide receiver Carlos Baker and linebacker Scott Patton were named offensive and defensive MVPs, respectively. Long snapper Darin Lovat and Jamie Handley were co-special teams players of the year. Left tackle Dennis Whitmore received the "Doc" Tobler Award (senior of merit) and shared the Randy Brewer Coaches Award (character, leadership and loyalty) with cornerback Jermaine Webster. Others recognized were defensive end Talance Sawyer, Bill "Wildcat" Morris Award (most inspirational); running back DeJohn Branch, Rene Arceneaux Award (senior balancing on- and off-the-field demands); quarterback Rob Bone and Mike Reily, scholar athletes of the year; tight end Rick Stubblefield and linebacker A.C. Smith, Kodak offensive and defensive (scout team) players of the year. Excluding the coaches award, all honors were voted on by the players.

* PREACH IT, BROTHER: UNLV team chaplain Bro. Tommy Starkes, in his benediction following Sunday's awards ceremony: "Lord, next year please send us one more miracle like that cross-eyed kicker from San Diego State. In Jesus' name, amen."

* WRECKORDS: While Denton bombed both the NCAA and UNLV record books, several not-so-pleasant marks were set by this year's Rebels, including the national record for points allowed in a season with 551. Other records included worst record and most losses (1-11), consecutive losses (12), consecutive home losses (7), consecutive road losses (13), most total yards allowed (6,516), most rushing yards allowed (3,228), most passing yards allowed (3,288), fewest rushing yards gained (930), lowest average rushing per game (77.5), fewest interceptions (6). ... On the plus side, UNLV shattered every one of its attendance records with a total of 377,779, for an average of 31,482 in 12 games. ... Records eclipsed that were neither positive nor negative included most passing attempts (530), most completions (287).

* WHY WAIT, WHITMORE? Just four days after playing his last game for the Rebels, senior left tackle Dennis Whitmore will get married. He will wed Erika Pack Wednesday in Provo, Utah. "It's really hard sorting out my emotions," Whitmore said. "Saturday I was devastated that it was all over. I didn't want to take my uniform off. Then I called my fiancee and it was a whole different feeling. It's easy dealing with the sadness knowing that I'm going to be spending the rest of my life with someone special."