Backup QB Ray quits Rebels, opts to transfer

Steve Guiremand

Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2000 | 10:27 a.m.

Sophomore quarterback Matt Ray, who officially lost out to USC transfer Jason Thomas for UNLV's starting job over the weekend, has decided to transfer.

Ray asked for and was granted his release from his scholarship on Monday, the first day of classes at UNLV. Rebel coach John Robinson had named the 6-4, 230-pound Thomas his starter following a team scrimmage on Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium.

"Matt Ray has asked for and been given his release," Robinson said. "I feel bad about it but I certainly understand his decision. That's the way it is in college football. You want to have a chance to play."

Robinson said he did not know which school Ray would transfer to.

"I don't think he knows," Robinson said.

The 6-3, 205-pound nephew of NFL coaching legend Bill Walsh had also considered Boise State following a record-setting career at Quincy (Calif.) High School in northern California.

Ray was impressive in starting UNLV's final three games of the 1999 season as a true freshman. He completed 36-of-67 passes for 541 yards and three touchdowns and didn't throw an interception. He also showed remarkable poise and decision-making ability despite his inexperience.

Ray's departure means that freshman Kurt Nantkes, who hoped to redshirt this year after playing two years of baseball in the Oakland Athletics' farm system, will likely battle senior Jason Vaughan for backup duties. The 6-3, 205-pound Nantkes arguably has been the Rebels' second best quarterback in fall camp behind Thomas.

It also opens up a scholarship should USC linebacker Darryl Knight transfer to UNLV as has been reported in Los Angeles newspapers. The 6-3, 220-pound Knight, who started two games for the Trojans last year, is expected to ask for his release from the Trojans' program this week.

The popular wide receivers coach, who left for an assistant coaching job with the San Diego Chargers after playing a key role in recruiting players such as Jeremi Rudolph, Nate Turner, Ahmad Miller and Dominic Furio to UNLV, has decided to rejoin John Robinson's staff in an expanded offensive coaching role.

Alexander is replacing passing game coordinator Gene Dahlquist, who left for a head coaching position in NFL Europe that will likely be announced today. Dahlquist was also responsible for helping coach both quarterbacks and wide receivers.

"It was a very tough decision," Alexander said of his choice to leave his position as a quality control assistant with the Chargers and head coach Mike Riley. "I thought about it all weekend. But in the end I thought it would be the best thing for me as a coach.

"It's funny," Alexander continued. "When the opportunity to coach in the NFL came up last year, the first three words out of Coach Robinson's mouth were, 'You gotta go.' Then when Coach Robinson called this time, the first three words out of Coach Riley's mouth were, 'You gotta go.' "

Alexander's duties with the Chargers included breaking down game and practice films as well as working on the pass receiving skills of running backs Terrell Fletcher and Ronny Jenkins.

Alexander originally joined the UNLV coaching staff in 1998 under then-coach Jeff Horton. Robinson, who coached Alexander at USC in the mid-1990s, kept just two coaches from Horton's staff: Alexander and secondary coach Mike Bradeson, who was recently promoted to defensive coordinator. Alexander then left for San Diego shortly before national letter of intent signing day in February 1999.