QB Hinds’ exam delayed; Dixon might start opener

ELY — UNLV junior quarterback Rocky Hinds’ return to training camp was delayed by at least a day, and his competitor for the job, redshirt freshman Travis Dixon, closed in on becoming the opening-day starter.

“I’d say it’s moving in that direction,” coach Mike Sanford said Wednesday.

Sanford said a decision on the starter for the Aug. 30 opener at Utah State probably will not come until next week. The Rebels’ main preseason scrimmage is Saturday.

With Hinds in Southern California having his right knee checked, Dixon has run the first-team offense. He threw touchdown passes on four consecutive drives in Tuesday’s scrimmage.

“I feel like I’ve done pretty well,” Dixon said. “I’ve still got some more learning to do. I have a fairly comfortable feel of the offense.”

Hinds was expected to undergo a strength test on his knee Wednesday and return to camp, but his doctor, Clarence Shields, performed surgery on another patient and had to push back the appointment until today. Shields performed the operation on Hinds’ anterior cruciate ligament in January.

• AGGIES QBS — Utah State coach Brent Guy told The Salt Lake Tribune he doesn’t expect to name a starting quarterback until next week.

The Aggies are considering Senior Leon Jackson III, junior Sean Setzer and sophomore Jase McCormick.

• NO TIME FOR REST — Keeping sophomore linebacker Jason Beauchamp off the practice field is not easy, and he took only two days to rest his pulled right hamstring. Beauchamp was back at both practices Wednesday, despite word he probably would not return until late this week.

Sophomore defensive lineman Ronald Boone (calf) also returned to practice.

Junior wide receiver Renan Saint Preux sat out with a nagging right ankle injury. Redshirt freshman defensive end Isaako Aaitui (shoulder) practiced but was held out of contact.

• WOMEN’S CLINIC — UNLV will put on a women’s clinic Aug. 25 on the club level at Sam Boyd Stadium. The coaches and their wives will attend the event, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

In addition to an education on football, there will be a coffee social, lunch, fashion show, prizes and a question-and-answer session with players.

For more information or to register, call 895-3400.