May 12, 1999

LAS VEGAS (AP)- Quarterback Jason Thomas, who announced last month he was leaving the University of Southern California, is transferring to UNLV, the school announced Wednesday.

Thomas, who redshirted his only year at USC, will also have to sit out next season. He will then have three years of eligibility.

Thomas announced two weeks ago he would attend UNLV, but the school couldn't say anything until Wednesday, when it received his signed scholarship papers. He will begin classes at UNLV in the fall.

John Robinson, replaced by Paul Hackett as USC's head coach following the 1997 season, will make his debut as UNLV's head coach next fall.

Thomas came to USC after an outstanding career at Dominguez High in nearby Compton. He was hampered by an injured left ankle that required arthroscopic surgery early last fall to remove scar tissue. A sore hamstring slowed him for portions of USC's spring football drills.

Carson Palmer, who will be a sophomore next year, started USC's final five games at quarterback. Mike Van Raaphorst, who will be a junior next year, started the first eight.