By Don Ketchum

Troy Hawthorne came up through the ranks at Peoria Centennial as a quarterback, was versatile enough to play wide receiver as a senior as coach Richard Taylor got as many good athletes on the field as possible.

Now, as he stands on the doorstep of his college career, Hawthorne is ready to reacquaint himself with the quarterback spot.

The University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) signed him on Wednesday (Feb. 1) as a quarterback. Hawthorne was on hand as part of a large group of players who announced their signings at Majerle’s Sports Grill in Chandler.

“This is a dream come true. I have always wanted to be a (NCAA) Division I quarterback,’’ he said.

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Hawthorne also played defensive back for Centennial, and considered an offer from Northern Arizona University to play safety.

But a possible quarterback’s role was too good to pass up.

He has been accustomed to playing in the spread formation on offense, but UNLV apparently is ready to turn to more of a pro-style.

Hawthorne feels he is capable of adjusting to either setup.

“I was told (by UNLV recruiters) that they like to get a quarterback every (signing) class,’’ he said. “So I am ready to go. I would like to think I will have a chance to compete for the starting job.’’

As a senior, Hawthorne caught 26 passes for 382 yards and four touchdowns. As a junior quarterback, he completed 40 of 74 passes for 761 yards and 10 TDs in a part-time role.

This move is somewhat of a gamble, but what do you expect? It’s Las Vegas.

It is far enough away where Hawthorne says he can feel independent, but close enough for family and friends to come and watch him play.

And what about the Las Vegas factor? It offers many diversions.

Exciting?

“Well, yeah, but college kids don’t have any money, so there’s not much you can do to get in trouble,’’ Hawthorne said, laughing.

Not much to do except study the playbook.