Rebels opt for change at QB

Steve Guiremand

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1999 | 10:42 a.m.

Looking to help energize an offense that has produced just six points in its last 11 quarters, and perhaps with an eye toward the future, UNLV coach John Robinson has decided to change quarterbacks for next week's game at Air Force.

True freshman Matt Ray, a nephew of coaching legend Bill Walsh who played at tiny Quincy (Calif.) High School in the Sierra Nevada mountains, will make his first college start against the Falcons. He replaces junior Jason Vaughan, who has been slowed by a concussion suffered against BYU two weeks ago.

"Jason is going to have an MRI and those kinds of tests," Robinson said. "He has been having recurring headaches. He gets in a game, gets hit, and then kind of loses track of things. So we're going to sit him down and start Matt."

Ray is a much more mobile quarterback than Vaughan. Although originally ticketed to redshirt this fall, he had impressed the coaching staff with all-around ability and knack for playing the game.

"It's only three games, but if he gets to start, then that will really give him a good start into next year," Robinson said. "I feel he'll play well and give us a chance to win at that position."

Robinson is keeping Ray off limits to the media this week so that he can focus on new assignment.

When asked how Ray responded to the news of his first college start, Robinson replied, "He's excited. He'll go in and play. He'll be all right. It's an opportunity for him."

Sophomore Chris Hayward was expected to back up Ray, but re-injured his foot in Tuesday night's workout at Rebel Park while rolling out to pass and limped badly toward the huddle. He didn't take any more snaps the rest of the evening and declined to be interviewed afterward.

"Chris has had a stress fracture, a bone bruise, and hurt it again tonight," Robinson said. "He's a great guy. We'll just have to wait and see how his injury responds."

Vaughan watched the practice in sweats. He said he would not practice at all this week and possibly will miss some of next week's workouts.

"I took a big-time shot against BYU," Vaughan said. "I played last week when I probably shouldn't have. It bothered me quit a bit. I took a couple of hits and it was like I was drunk trying to play football. I struggled with my balance."

Robinson also decided to juggle his young and struggling offensive line for the final three games, moving sophomore tight end Pete Tramontanas to center and guard. Starting center Danny Pacheco has been plagued by a series of injuries.

"We want to give Danny a week off to recover," Robinson said. "He didn't play very well in the (New Mexico) game because he was so beat up. (Greg) Hulett will move (to center). Pete was going to move inside next year anyway. For his benefit, it gives him a head start on that. We need to have more of a pass receiver at tight end."

Right guard Brian Hart has been moved to right tackle where he will back up redshirt freshman Marquez Ologbosele. Junior John Greer, the previous starter at right tackle, will now start at left tackle with sophomore Brandon Bair backing him up.