Rebels QB Clayton upbeat despite downturn season

The floodlights shone down on Rebel Park seemingly brighter than the noonday sun as practice ended Tuesday night.

Then the lights went out on quarterback Omar Clayton and the few players who lingered.

Clayton's UNLV career has proceeded much the same way, the promise of an outstanding sophomore year just a fading memory as he languishes through his senior season.

Clayton could offer many excuses -- the Rebels' new offensive system, not having a running game or enough capable wide receivers, a ridiculously tough schedule -- but doesn't.

"I would take responsibility for not playing as well," he said.

Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Rob Phenicie is working with Clayton to "slow the game down" entering Saturday's 7 p.m. game against Wyoming at Sam Boyd Stadium.

"We put a lot on his shoulders, and he can handle a lot," Phenicie said. "But I think (he's) overanalyzing what he's seeing out there and is not absolutely cutting it loose. We've pared it down to things he can cut it loose with and feel real comfortable with. It's funny, during those times when he hasn't been super-productive, his technical grades have been awesome."

Clayton appeared to be fine at midseason, throwing for a combined 408 yards and four touchdowns with one interception against New Mexico and UNR. But he has just 334 yards passing (83.5-yard average) with one touchdown and four interceptions in the four games since.

Clayton completed 58.9 percent of his passes for 1,894 yards with 18 touchdowns and four interceptions in an apparent breakout season two years ago.

But he hasn't been able to build on his sophomore season. Although he completed 60.1 percent of his passes for 2,230 yards last season, his touchdown-to-interception ratio dropped to 13-12.

"My sophomore season, especially starting the year, I had a really good run where I wasn't throwing any interceptions, and that helped me carry it out for the year," Clayton said. "My junior year, there were a few plays I remember distinctly I personally made a mistake, or the defense made a great play and I played into their hands."

This year has been a struggle from the start for Clayton, who lost his job to Mike Clausen entering the season. Clayton quickly won back the job but has failed to settle into a groove.

He has completed 55 percent of his passes for 1,066 yards and six touchdowns with five interceptions.

He's had to learn a more traditional offense after previously running a spread attack.

UNLV's receiving corps has been hampered by injuries, Phillip Payne's two-game suspension and the graduation of record setter Ryan Wolfe.

Clayton hasn't had a running game to alleviate pressure. Leading rusher Tim Cornett averages 4.5 yards per carry but has just 310 yards in nine games.

Also, the Rebels have played the most demanding schedule in school history, forcing Clayton to fight through a gantlet of difficult defenses.

Despite those daunting factors, Clayton has not shown frustration.

"I think he's as solid and steady as any guy I've ever been around," coach Bobby Hauck said.

Hauck has stayed with Clayton, resisting the urge to play redshirt freshman Caleb Herring and see what the future might hold.

Maybe the lights will come back on for Clayton this season.

"I'm confident I can be productive and I'm the man for the job," Clayton said.

"I try to stay positive and be confident that I can dig myself out of whatever hole I'm in."

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.