2009 Football
2009 SCHEDULE
Quick Facts
UTEP Athletics Mission Statement
The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to providing a nationally-competitive athletics program as an integral component of the educational mission of the university. Athletic programs sponsored shall be in compliance with the highest recognized standards of the institution and its athletics governing bodies. Intercollegiate Athletics will operate in harmony with the university’s stated mission and be committed to the intellectual, cultural, physical and social development of student-athletes. In particular, the Intercollegiate Athletics program shall serve as an educational opportunity for student-athletes and as a focal point to bring the student body, faculty and community together. Intercollegiate Athletics will actively support diversity in participation in all athletic programs and operations.
Credits
Managing Editors: Jeff Darby and Angela Olivas Editorial Assistance: Mark Brunner, Ana Chavez, Marie Therese Joyce and Sara West Layout and Design: Angela Olivas Cover Design: Angela Olivas Official UTEP Photographer: Brian Kanof Additional Photography Provided by: The PGA Tour, Ivan Pierre Aguirre, Christ Chavez, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys (James D. Smith), Denver Broncos (Erik Lars Bakke), El Paso Convention & Visitors Bureau (Kenny Braun, Fred Golden, Patricia Martin, Paul Dion and David Sabal), El Paso Diablos (Adriana Ruiz), El Paso Herald-Post Archives, El Paso Times (Ruben Ramirez & Mark Lambie), Getty Images (Drew Hallowell, Mario Prosperino), Green Bay Packers (Jim Biever), Miami Dolphins, National Park Service (Peter Jones, Eric Leonard and Becky Wiles), NCAA Photos, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, The Sun Bowl Association (Trent Hilburn), University Communications (J.R. Hernandez, Laura Trejo), UTEP Library (Special Collections, Claudia Rivers). On the Cover: Front (L-R): Jeff Moturi, Trevor Vittatoe, Mike Price, Kris Adams. Back: 2009 Senior Class. Copy current as of Aug. 3, 2009.
Location El Paso, Texas Founded 1914 Enrollment 20,000 Nickname Miners Colors Dark Blue, Orange, Silver Accent Conference Conference USA Stadium Sun Bowl (51,500) Surface Artificial (AstroPlay) President Dr. Diana Natalicio Director of Athletics Bob Stull Head Coach Mike Price Alma Mater Puget Sound ‘69 Career Record 159-152 (27 years) UTEP Record 30-30 (five years) Offensive Formation 1-Back Defensive Formation 3-3-5 2008 Overall Record 5-7 2008 Conference USA Record 4-4/4th West Division Lettermen Returning 54 (26 offense/26 defense/2 kickers) Lettermen Lost 18 (6 offense/11 defense/1 kicker) Starters Returning 16 (8 offense/7 defense/1 kicker) Starters Lost 8 (3 offense/4 defense/1 kicker) Athletics Phone (915) 747-5347 Football Office Phone (915) 747-5224
Date 09/05 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/03 10/10 10/21 10/31 11/07 11/14 11/21 11/28 12/05
Opponent vs. Buffalo vs. Kansas at N.M. State at Texas vs. Houston * at Memphis * vs. Tulsa * vs. UAB * at Tulane * at SMU * at Rice * vs. Marshall * Conference USA Championship
Location Sun Bowl Sun Bowl Las Cruces, N.M. Austin, Texas Sun Bowl Memphis, Tenn. Sun Bowl Sun Bowl New Orleans, La. Dallas, Texas Houston, Texas Sun Bowl TBA
Time 7:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. TBA
* - Conference USA Game All times Mountain. Dates and times subject to change.
Media Relations
Media Relations Office Phone (915) 747-6652 Media Relations Fax (915) 747-5444 Press Box Phone (915) 747-5154 Associate AD/Media Relations (Primary FB Contact) Jeff Darby Office (915) 747-6652 Cell (915) 204-0642 Email jdarby@utep.edu Associate MR Director (Secondary FB Contact) Mark Brunner Office (915) 747-5722 Cell (915) 472-6038 Email mbrunner@utep.edu Associate MR Director Angela Olivas Assistant MR Director Ana Chavez MR Student Assistant Sara West Official UTEP Athletics Website www.utepathletics.com Media Relations Mailing Address Brumbelow Bldg., Room 126 201 Glory Road El Paso, Texas 79902
2008 Results Date 8/28 9/6 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/18 11/1 11/8 11/15 11/22 11/28
Opponent at Buffalo #10 Texas NMSU UCF* at Southern Miss* Tulane* at Tulsa* Rice* at Louisiana -Lafayette SMU* at Houston* at East Carolina*
* - Conference USA Game
Location UB Stadium Sun Bowl Sun Bowl Sun Bowl Carlisle Faulkner Field Sun Bowl Skelly Stadium Sun Bowl Cajun Field Sun Bowl Robertson Stadium Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium
L, 17-42 L,13-42 L, 33-34 W, 58-13 W, 40-37 (ot) W, 24-21 L, 35-77 L, 44-49 W, 37-24 W, 36-10 L, 37-42 L, 21-53
2009 Contents UTEP Football
4 10 16 17 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 34 36 44 46 47 48 50 52 56 58 70 72 73 74 76 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 96 191 196 202
El Paso, Texas This Is UTEP Dr. Diana Natalicio, UTEP President Bob Stull, Director of Athletics Academic Excellence Miner Athlete Academic Center Miners in the Community Conference USA Facilities Miner Village Larry K. Durham Center Strength & Conditioning The Gameday Experience In the National Spotlight Recruiting in Texas Recruiting in California UTEP Offense UTEP Defense Miners In the Pros All-Americans Going Bowling Athletic Excellence 2009 Notebook 2009 Depth Chart 2009 Roster Mike Price, Head Coach Bob Connelly, Assoc. HC/Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Osia Lewis, Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Aaron Price, Co-Offenisve Coordinator/QBs/Kickers Jeff Woodruff, Assistant HC/Tight Ends Jeff Banks, Running Backs/Punters/Special Teams/Recruiting DeChon Burns, Defensive Line Jim Clark, Safeties Kirk Davis, Speed, Strength & Conditioning Guy Holiday, Wide Receivers Allen Johnson, Cornerbacks Nate Poss, Assistant AD for Football Operations Graduate Assistants and Support Staff Meet the Miners Newcomers A Look Back at 2008 Media Information
4 Welcome to UTEP!
72 2009 Notebook
76 Meet the Coaches
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Meet the Miners
196
2008 In Review
202 Media Information
El Paso, Texas E
"The Sun City"
l Paso culture is intertwined with both American and Mexican heritage and it transcends into a city and community with a unique charm. Our treasures include historical landmarks that tell tales from 400 years ago where missions were settled, roads were traveled and desperados ran throughout downtown.
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ur region’s history spans more than 400 years and blends Native American, Spanish, Mexican and American cowboy roots into one unique culture where diversity is embraced and celebrated. El Paso was the site of the first actual Thanksgiving in April 1598, predating the Pilgrims by 23 years.
“The people of El Paso are great. They’re very friendly, they love football and they’re all huge UTEP fans. Being a Miner is a great responsibility and a tremendous honor.” -- Michael Farrar, Sophomore Running Back
“El Paso doesn’t have a pro sports team and UTEP is the only show in town. Everybody loves the Miners. They wear orange during the week and they pack the Sun Bowl on game day.” -- Mike Scott, Sophomore Kicker
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he fourth-largest city in Texas and the 22ndlargest in the United States, El Paso is the thirdsafest city in the U.S., according to FBI data.
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l Paso lies at the intersection of three states (Texas, New Mexico, and Chihuahua) and two countries (USA and Mexico). Together, El Paso, Ciudad Juarez and Las Cruces, N.M., make up the largest international metroplex in the world.
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l Paso is at the western most tip of Texas. It is closer to five other state capitals than our own capital of Austin.
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l Paso features the oldest continuously operating missions in the country. 2009utepFOOTBALL
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Enjoy the adventure
“The weather in El Paso is as good as it gets. It’s like summer year-round. It has been about three years since we had a good snow. You can still wear shorts outside during the winter.” -- Jeken Frye, Freshman Wide Receiver
the facts:
White Sands National monument
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s you enter the city of sun and smiles, your eyes go straight to the majestic mountains that lie in the heart of our city. Our distinctive landscape makes us unlike any other city in Texas. With more than 300 days of sun, you can enjoy endless miles of nature’s playground in El Paso any time of the year.
Area: 250.9 sq. miles Population: 700,000 Climate: Sunny and dry Days of Yearly Sunshine: 316 Days of Precipitation: 49 Average Yearly Temperature: December-February: High 59/low 31 March-May: High 79/low 68 June-August: High 96/low 66 September-November: High 77/low 50 Mountains: Franklin Mountains Rivers: Rio Grande Parks: Over 200
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Big Bend National Park
Carlsbad Caverns
Guadalupe national Park
Hueco Tanks National park
Elephant Butte Lake STate Park
Men's Health Magazine named El Paso the second happiest city in America.
Ski Apache
l Paso embodies a blend of cultures as unique as its city’s landscape. From boots to Broadway shows, Bistros to barbeques, El Paso’s got it all.
The Weather:
Mean High Temperature: 76.8º F Mean Low Temperature: 50.6º F Mean Number of Days With Sunshine: 316 Yearly Amount of Rainfall: 8.61 in 6 | 2009utepFOOTBALL
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Experience the entertainment
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ur historic downtown has transformed into a rejuvenated place for families, couples, friends and strangers to come together and enjoy great entertainment. From theater shows, museums, galleries and a slew of local hot spots, El Paso's downtown comes alive day or night.
“Even though El Paso is a big city, everybody knows everybody here. It’s a family environment.” – Saul Adame, Junior Defensive Back
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l Paso has action-packed outdoor sporting events throughout the year like Texas vs. The Nation Football Game, El Paso Generals (arena football), El Paso Diables (baseball), El Paso Rhinos (hockey), El Paso Patriots (soccer), El Paso Marathon, the Southwest International Livestock Show & Rodeo, Celebration of our Mountains and the Brut Sun Bowl.
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nnual events in El Paso include festivals such as the Siglo de Oro Drama Festival, the Downtown Street Festival, Fiesta de las Flores, Amigo Airsho and the Bi-National Dia De Los Muertos Celebration; summer outdoor concerts - like Alfresco Fridays! and Music Under the Stars - are free and filled with great entertainment.
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In October 2005, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked El Paso as the No. 1 midsize city in the United States on its hot cities for Entrepreneurs list. 2009utepFOOTBALL
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The University of
“I have always been very fond of UTEP from the minute I first visited. The campus is great, the classrooms are great and the professors are very involved with the students. It has been a great experience and a challenge, but I set high goals for myself and I’ve been able to achieve them at UTEP.” – Matt Camilli, Sophomore Long Snapper
Texas at el paso
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TEP enrolls nearly 20,000 students in 81 bachelor’s degrees, more than 70 master’s-level degrees and programs and 14 doctorates – with more on the way. UTEP also offers cooperative Ph.D. programs in pharmacy and nursing with U.T. Austin and the U.T. Health Sciences Center at Houston.
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TEP is also one of only 20 schools in the U.S. recognized by the National Survey of Student Engagement for creating “a campus culture that fosters success.”
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nder the leadership of our top-notch faculty researchers, our students are working on new methods for refining oil using nanotechnology; and creating sustainable water supplies and new desalination technologies.
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ith more than 170 organizations ranging from academic/ professional to social and service groups, we’re sure you’ll find a way to get involved.
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he majority of the university’s 90 buildings feature Bhutanese-style architecture. Most notable are the dark bands of brick with mosaic titles in the shape of mandalas, the symbol of unity and wholeness – inspiring those who visit, teach, learn and dream here.
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TEP is adding 260,000 square feet using $124 million. Included is an $85 million Physical Science and Engineering building and a $60 million nursing education center.
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“UTEP has a small ratio of students to professors. That’s a great situation because there are fewer people in your classes and you get more attention from your instructors.” – Cameron Raschke, Senior Offensive Lineman
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he campus architecture is a rare example of the dzong style seen outside the Himalayas – the university hosts the Chenrezig Himalayan Cultural Center of El Paso. 2009utepFOOTBALL
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TEP ranks among the top UT System academic institutions in research spending $46 million a year - and makes the most of its distinctive strengths in the areas of biomedical, health and Hispanic-health disparities; border security; environmental and Earth science; emerging technologies; borderland arts and humanities; and the education of U.S. Hispanics.
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TEP is among a few education institutions across the nation to receive several top-name prestigious grants, including the Teachers for the New Era from the Carnegie Corporation; the Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education; and the Mathematics and Science Partnership from the National Science Foundation.
“From every vantage point, UTEP seems to be gaining momentum, moving faster, accelerating the pace at which we are setting and achieving even more ambitious goals.” Dr. Diana Natalicio UTEP President
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ur unique programs give students an edge, preparing them to compete in specialized fields. Among them are the Law School Preparation Institute, the Medical Professions Institute and the Ruben Salazar Spanish-Language Media Program.
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e are working with rapidprototyping technology to create surgical models. We’re excavating prehistoric villages for clues about ancient indigenous culture.
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e’re studying a person’s memory of a crime to improve eyewitness identification techniques, and we’re using biomechanical engineering to improve footwear design. 2009utepFOOTBALL
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BobDirector Stullof Athletics Bob Stull’s initial strategic plan resulted in unprecedented growth and achievement for UTEP Athletics. Phase two of his strategic plan -- which is currently being implemented -- is designed to take the Miners to even greater levels of excellence. UTEP's football coach from 1986-88, Stull took over as the school's Director of Athletics in 1998. His return has produced a myriad of accomplishments, most notably: • The football team making three bowl appearances, including two under the direction of former National Coach of the Year Mike Price • The men’s basketball program reaching postseason play in five of the last six seasons, including the NCAA Tournament in 2004 and 2005 • The women’s basketball team enjoying a record-setting 2007-08 campaign, notching 28 victories and earning rankings in both top-25 polls. The Miners have posted 68 wins over the last three seasons • The women’s soccer team earning its first-ever NCAA Tournament bid in 2005 and scoring a first round upset of Texas in Austin • The cross country and track and field squads capturing nine conference titles over the last five years Team success, however, doesn't even begin to tell the story of the impact Stull has made at UTEP. Studentathlete graduation rates have soared since his arrival. Existing facilities have been renovated, and sparkling new buildings -- once a pipe dream -- have taken shape. The acquisition of major gifts has reached an all-time high. Stull’s greatest achievement off the playing field has been widespread enhancements to UTEP’s athletic facilities. Over the last decade Stull’s efforts have resulted in the construction of the $11 million, 65,000-square foot Larry K. Durham Sports Center, the $2.2 million Helen of Troy Softball Complex and, most recently, the $14.3 million, $43,000-square foot Foster Stevens Basketball Center, which opened in the spring of 2009. Renovations have also been performed on all exisiting facilities. Stull pledged to renew El Pasoans’ interest in Miner athletics when he returned to the city, lowering ticket prices and making the games more family-friendly. As a result, UTEP has annually ranked among the Conference USA leaders in football, men’s and women’s basketball attendance. Stull rejoined the UTEP family after a 10-year absence. He came to El Paso from the University of Washington, where he served as associate athletic director for development for two seasons. What Stull is best known for is his coaching exploits on the gridiron, especially as the head coach at Massachusetts, UTEP and Missouri. He directed UTEP to back-to-back winning seasons in 1987 and 1988, including the only 10win campaign in school history in ’88. A native of Davenport, Iowa, Stull holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas State, where he was a three-year letterman and captained the Wildcats in 1967. Stull and his wife, Kim, have two children -- daughter Shannon and son Kevin, who graduated from Texas and Arizona State respectively. Stull is a member of the National Association of College Directors of Athletics.
Dr. Diana Natalicio
University President
Diana Natalicio was named president of UTEP in 1988. During her long and distinguished career with the University, Dr. Natalicio has served as vice president for academic affairs, dean of liberal arts, chair of the modern languages department and professor of linguistics. Her sustained commitment to provide all residents of the Paso del Norte region access to outstanding higher education opportunities has made UTEP a national success story. During Dr. Natalicio’s tenure as president, UTEP’s enrollment has grown to more than 20,000 students, who reflect the demographics of the Paso del Norte region from which 90 percent of them come: More than 70 percent are Mexican American, and another 10 percent commute to the campus from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. UTEP’s annual budget has tripled, from $80 million to more than $280 million, since 1988. Recently, UTEP was designated as a research/doctoral-intensive university, recognized nationally for both the excellence and breadth of its academic and research programs. UTEP’s externally funded research expenditures have grown from less than $5 million to more than $45 million per year, and doctoral programs from one to 14 during this same period. To accommodate steady growth in enrollment, academic programs and research, the university is currently managing $264 million in facilities expansion projects in science, engineering and health sciences. Dr. Natalicio serves on the board of trustees of the Rockefeller Foundation and the board of governors of the U.S.-Mexico Foundation for Science. She has served on the NASA Advisory Committee (NAC), and was appointed by President George H.W. Bush as a member of the Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. Initially appointed to the National Science Board by President Bill Clinton in 1994, she served two six-year terms as a Board member and three two-year terms as the NSB’s vice chair. She also served on the board of trustees of Internet2. In addition, she is a member of the board of directors of the Sandia Corporation, Trinity Industries, the National Math and Science Initiative and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering. In recognition of her success in building strong partnerships between UTEP, the El Paso Community College and school districts in the Paso del Norte region, Dr. Natalicio received the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education in 1997. She was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 1999, was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award at The University of Texas at Austin in 2006, and is the recipient of honorary doctoral degrees from Smith College and the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon. A graduate of St. Louis University, Dr. Natalicio earned a master’s degree in Portuguese and a doctorate in linguistics from The University of Texas at Austin.
academic excellence “UTEP provides an excellent opportunity for student-athletes to excel in the classroom and to prepare for a life outside of football. If you’re willing to learn, the professors are willing to help you become a better student and professional. It’s a great place to start building relationships and expanding your networking opportunities.” – Greg Hiett, Senior Punter
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he National Science Foundation has designated UTEP a Model Institution for Excellence – one of only six in the country.
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TEP and Conference USA are committed to academic excellence. We play a vital role in encouraging an environment of and setting high expectations for academic success. C-USA offers academic awards programs to honor the academic achievements of C-USA student-athletes and publicly recognizes their accomplishments at the conference level.
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TEP’s nationally-recognized academic programs and innovative research provide students a universe of opportunities.
“Through academic program recognitions, individual student and faculty successes, research breakthroughs, and athletic accomplishments, UTEP has increasingly stepped into the spotlight.” --Dr. Diana Natalicio, UTEP President
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Miner Athlete Academic Center
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he MINER ATHLETE ACADEMIC CENTER (MAAC) was created to provide academic support services to all UTEP student-athletes and is conveniently located in the center of campus. Recognizing that one of a student-athletes’ greatest challenges is maintaining the balance between academics and athletics, each sport is assigned an athletic academic advisor whose primary responsibilities are to serve as an advisor and mentor for student-athletes; to assist with educational goal setting, degree plans, and course selection; to track academic progress and to calculate and certify NCAA academic eligibility.
“The MAAC has been key to my academic success at UTEP. Balancing football and academics can be challenging at times, but the MAAC staff is always available to help us out in whatever subject we might need. Our tutors are very friendly, fun and extremely helpful.” – Evan Davis, Junior Wide Receiver
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he MAAC offers a Three-Part Academic Support Program designed to assist student-athletes in developing time management and study skills. The program includes mentoring, one-onone tutoring, and large areas devoted to focused study time.
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he MAAC is dedicated to promoting the individual and educational goals of each UTEP student-athlete and ensuring compliance with UTEP, Conference USA and NCAA academic eligibility standards.
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n April 2007, UTEP finished a complete renovation to expand the MAAC facility from 2,000 to 6,900 square feet. The new facility includes a computer lab with 50 computers and four laser printers, nine rooms for individual tutoring appointments, a large quiet area for study hall and classrooms for group tutoring.
“The MAAC does a great job of helping studentathletes through advising and tutoring to gain a better understanding of what the professors expect out of us.” -- Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith, Senior Defensive Back
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Community Outreach
“When I came to El Paso, the people here made me feel like I was family, and I felt like it was important to give back to the community. Visiting local schools has been a very rewarding experience, because I know that if you don’t have anyone to look up to, it’s easy to go astray and get into trouble. I try to be a role model for these kids.” – Braxton Amy, Junior Defensive Back
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he Miner S.U.C.C.E.S.S. LIFE SKILLS program supports efforts of every student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation, uses athletics as preparation for success in life, meets the changing needs of student-athletes, promotes respect for diversity among student-athletes, enhances interpersonal relationships in the lives of student-athletes, assists student-athletes in building positive self-esteem, enables student-athletes to make meaningful contributions to their communities, promotes ownership by the student-athletes of their academic, athletic, personal and social responsibilities, enhances partnerships between the NCAA, member institutions and their communities for the purpose of education, and encourages the development of leadership skills.
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n important part of college life is selfless service to the university community and the community at large. This commitment provides student-athletes with an opportunity to begin a lifelong habit of volunteerism.
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TEPAthletics is operated in harmony with the university’s stated mission and is committed to the intellectual, cultural, physical and social development of student-athletes. In particular, the intercollegiate athletics program serves as an educational opportunity for student-athletes and as a focal point to bring the student body, faculty and community together. 22 | 2009utepFOOTBALL
very UTEP student-athlete has numerous opportunities to participate in community service provided by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and other campus and community organizations.
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he athletic department and the university seek to provide student-athletes with the coping skills necessary to deal with a variety of life’s challenges; to support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for studentathletes; and to encourage emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills.
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“Conference USA features some of the most explosive offenses in the country. It’s an exciting brand of football unlike anything you see anywhere else.” -- Russell Carr, Sophomore Wide Receiver
Team C-USA: Dedicated to Excellence Welcome to Conference USA, home to 12 nationally prominent, tradition-rich members in East Carolina, Houston, Marshall, Memphis, Rice, SMU, Southern Miss, Tulane, Tulsa, UAB, UCF and UTEP. This combination enhances men’s and women’s programs that are steeped in athletic success and academic prowess. Together, we are committed to excellence, integrity and leadership in athletics, academics and in our communities. Dedication to excellence is a common thread for C-USA and the guiding initiative for the league’s promising future. All C-USA institutions sponsor Division I-A football, along with several other men’s and women’s athletic programs, many of which compete regularly for NCAA Championships. C-USA sponsors competition in 19 sports nine for men (baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis and indoor and outdoor track and field) and 10 for women (basketball, cross country, golf, softball, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field and volleyball). The league sponsors numerous academic awards, including the Commissioner’s Honor Roll and the Commissioner’s Academic Medal, indicative of outstanding achievement in the classroom. C-USA annually awards six postgraduate scholarships, along with the Sport Academic Award, Scholar Athletes of the Year and the Institutional Academic Excellence Award. SUCCESS ON THE PLAYING FIELD Conference USA performers have achieved great success in competition, placing the league among the top conferences in the nation. Twenty-nine volleyball teams, 43 men’s and women’s soccer teams and 21 softball teams have earned NCAA Tournament bids. C-USA has sent three men’s soccer teams to the NCAA College Cup, five softball teams to the Women’s College World Series and three volleyball teams to the Sweet 16. The league has also had four national champions in NCAA track and field competition, one national champion in diving and numerous NCAA individual and team competitors in cross country, golf, swimming, tennis and track and field. Overall, Conference USA teams and individuals have made 506 NCAA appearances. 24 | 2009utepFOOTBALL
SUCCESS OFF THE FIELD C-USA institutions are among the nation’s best in academic performance among student-athletes, bolstered by the fact that student-athletes at league schools have a higher graduation rate than the general student population. Among C-USA’s 5,000 student-athletes, there are champions off the playing field as well. In 13 years, 115 student-athletes earned national ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America honors, while 405 were named All-District. In addition, more than 15,000 student-athletes have been named to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll or received the Commissioner’s Academic Medal, indicative of outstanding achievement in the classroom.
2008 Conference USA Football Highlights • Conference USA sent six teams to bowl games. C-USA teams posted wins in four of those games, the most bowl wins in a single-season in league history. • For the first time in league history, Conference USA posted three victories over nationally-ranked teams in the same season. • Offense was the name of the game in Conference USA once again. Conference USA was one of two FBS conferences that averaged more than 400 yards of total offense in 2008, with league teams averaging 401.8 yards per game. Only the Big 12, at 439.6 ypg., was higher. C-USA also trailed only the Big 12 in touchdown passes per game, with C-USA teams throwing 2.04 per outing to the Big 12’s 2.33. C-USA finished second among FBS conferences in scoring at 28.8 points per game, trailing only the Big 12 at 35.6 ppg. C-USA ran more total plays per game (69.9) than any conference other than the Big 12 (71.0). • Great quarterback play was evident In Conference USA all season long. Houston’s Case Keenum led the nation in total offense, while Tulsa’s David Johnson ranked second in pass efficiency. Keenum, Johnson, Rice's Chase Clement and UTEP’s Trevor Vittatoe all finished among the top 10 in touchdown passes. UAB’s Joe Webb became the first quarterback in league history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, ranking fourth among all FBS QBs in rushing with 1,021 yards.
Competition Lives Here 2009 C-USA BOWL SYNOPSIS
• Conference USA has agreements in place with seven different bowl games for the 2009 season. • The AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis will select the winner of Conference USA’s football championship game to face an opponent from the Southeastern Conference in its game. • Conference USA will return to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl this year and will send a team mutually agreed upon by C-USA and ESPN Regional Television, to participate in Hawai‘i. • The league will also continue to provide teams for the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl and the St. Petersburg Bowl as it did last season. • Conference USA also has conditional agreements in place with the Texas Bowl in Houston and the EagleBank Bowl in Washington, D.C. If the Big 12 or Navy is unable to fill its spots in the Texas Bowl, then C-USA could return to that bowl for the third straight season. If Army is unable to become bowleligible, Conference USA could take part in the second annual EagleBank Bowl.
C-USA AND THE BCS
The Conference USA champion (along with the champions of the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Sun Belt Conference, and the Western Athletic Conference) will have an automatic berth in one of the five bowls if, and only if: *It is a Conference Champion; and Either: *It is ranked in the top 12 of the BCS Standings on Bowl Selection Sunday; *It is ranked in the top 16 of the BCS Standings on Bowl Selection Sunday, and its ranking in the BCS Standings is better than that of a champion of a Conference that has an annual automatic berth in one of the BCS bowl games. 2009utepFOOTBALL
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State-of-the-Art facilities
Glory Road Field
FosterยบSTevens Basketball Center
Swimming and fitness center
FosterยบSTevens Basketball Center Helen of Troy Softball Complex Don Haskins Center
El Paso Tennis Club
Sun Bowl stadium
Memorial Gym
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University Field
UTEP Rifle Range
Kidd Field
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Miner Village
Apartment-Style Living
“Miner Village is a great place to meet different kinds of people. Plus, you get the experience of being on your own in an apartment-like setting. All of your utilities are included so you don’t have to worry about paying bills!” – Dustin Bell, Senior Defensive Back
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TEP has added apartment-style living, the first of its kind on campus, to its community. The new UTEP housing, known as Miner Village, features one-bedroom, two-bedroom and four-bedroom units. Miner Village also features a community building which houses study rooms, a recreation area, private mail boxes and administrative offices.
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here are no extended monthly fees in Miner Village – all utilities are included. The units also feature basic cable, free internet access (including WiFi), laundry facilities, recreation areas, independently controlled refrigerated air, local telephone service and voice messaging.
“The thing I like about Miner Village is it’s very convenient. You’re right there next to the Durham Center and your classes. It’s a fun community because there are people from a bunch of different places coming together and chilling out by the volleyball courts and barbecue pits, having a good time.” -- Jeremy Springer, Sophomore Linebacker
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he units are within walking distance to lectures, labs and other activities, as wells as short distance from the Sun Bowl and the Don Haskins Center. 28 | 2009utepFOOTBALL
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Larry K. Durham Center T
he Larry K. Durham Sports Center opened its doors in August 2002. Named for successful businessman and former Miner football standout Larry Durham, the 65,000-square foot building is situated adjacent to the Sun Bowl.
STUDENT-ATHLETE LOUNGE AND COMPUTER CENTER
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eatures 14 computers which are utilized by student-athletes between classes and prior to practice...student-athlete lounge has three TVs, vending machines, etc.
OTHER DURHAM CENTER FEATURES Six football positional meeting rooms; one large football meeting room; separate locker rooms for male and female students and coaches. ATHLETE EQUIPMENT CENTER Features include: six dryers and three washers; upper space for storage, sewing machine, etc.; 160 small lockers for student-athletes to store uniforms and practice gear. HUMAN PERFORMANCE AND BIO MECHANICS LABORATORY A Kinesiology lab for students.
SPORTS MEDICINE CENTER
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ncompasses 4,798 square feet of space (old training room was 2,064 square feet), and is utilized by all UTEP student-athletes...features include: taping and treatment areas; one hot and one cold whirlpool in the Hydro Therapy Center; X-ray and exam rooms.
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The LKD...a top-notch facility H
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING CENTER
HALL OF CHAMPIONS
onoring UTEP’s athletic heritage...the room is utilized for university and Department of Intercollegiate Athletics receptions and functions...features include: 11 flat screen TVs (three hanging, eight set into wall); seven swivel banners, showcasing sports currently sponsored by UTEP; and photos of football great Ken Heineman, track and field standout Suleiman Nyambui and the 1966 national champion Miner men’s basketball team.
FOOTBALL LOCKER ROOM
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irst-class and luxurious with 120 individually milled wooden lockers...also features an open meeting area, showers and bathroom facilities.
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oasts 11,420 square feet of space (old weight room was less than 5,000 square feet), and is utilized by all UTEP student-athletes...features include: open space with 22 stations for all Olympic lifting; all-new equipment; two office areas, one storage area and a juice bar.
FOOTBALL COMPLEX
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eatures include: 12 coaches’ offices and one conference room; business center; video equipment room; kitchenette and storage area.
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he UTEP strength and conditioning program has taken on a whole new look since the opening of the Vandenburg Strength and Conditioning Center. This glass-walled structure is located atop the new Larry K. Durham Center and the view is incredible, overlooking the Sun Bowl and the Franklin Mountains to the west.
Intense Training “The weight room in the Durham Center is awesome with a spectacular view overlooking the Sun Bowl. The strength coaches give everything they’ve got, motivating you to get bigger and stronger and reach your goals.” – Deryck Beveridge, Freshman Offensive Lineman
Included in the strength & conditioning center are: 18 Power Lift multi-rack power stations Eleiko Olympic and York power bars at every rack Plate-loaded dumbbells at every rack Samson step-up boxes at every rack Over 17,000 lbs. of free weight Uesaka multi-level plyometric boxes Dyna-max medicine balls from 6 to 20 lbs. Dumbbells ranging from 5 to 150 lbs. Chains and Jump Stretch Bands An Austin Leg Drive A variety of Hammer Strength and Body Master equipment A cardio area A nutritional center
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Live the Experience...gameday
Fan Support
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Miner Maniacs
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TEP fans begin tailgating around the stadium several hours prior to kickoff. They are in their seats in time to witness their team’s one-of-a-kind entrance into the Sun Bowl.
2004 Season Weber State W, 32-0 34,229 Boise State L, 31-47 33,921 New Mexico State W, 45-0 46,123 Hawaii W, 51-20 44,381 Rice W, 35-28 (2OT) 43,507 SMU W, 57-27 45,095 TOTAL 247,256 AVERAGE 41,209
lectric crowds of more than 40,000 greet the Miners in the picturesque Sun Bowl, which has been rated the “Best Stadium in Conference USA” in The Sporting News’ College Football Preview.
“When you’re on the team bus riding to the Sun Bowl on game day and you see all the fans tailgating around the stadium, it’s an amazing experience. That’s one of the best things about playing at UTEP – the fan support. There seem to be Miner fans everywhere. When we play games around the state of Texas, they come out in force.” -- Geoff Amato, Sophomore Tight End
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he roar of the fans caroms off the neighboring TEP has played before 18 crowds of more than 40,000 in Franklin Mountains, making the Sun Bowl one of the the Sun Bowl under coach Mike Price, including a schoolloudest stadiums in the country – and one of the most record 53,415 fans for the Texas game on Sept. 6, 2008. intimidating for visiting teams.
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he Miners averaged a school-record 47,899 fans at home in 2005.
“Game day at the Sun Bowl is a big-time atmosphere. The fans go crazy. They are really into the game.” -- Kyle Wright, Senior Quarterback 38 | 2009utepFOOTBALL
TEP has averaged 41,083 fans at home in the last five years under coach Mike Price
2005 Season Houston W, 44-41 (2 OT) 45,558 New Mexico W, 21-13 50,425 Marshall W, 31-3 51,500 Tulsa W, 41-38 49,160 Texas Southern W, 45-0 42,784 UAB L, 23-35 47,967 TOTAL 287,394 AVERAGE 47,899 2006 Season Texas Tech L, 35-38 (OT) New Mexico State W, 44-38 SMU W, 24-21 Tulane W, 34-20 Rice L, 31-37 Memphis L, 19-38 TOTAL AVERAGE
51,827 51,500 41,258 35,930 42,685 31,462 254,662 42,443
2007 Season New Mexico W, 10-6 Texas Southern W, 52-12 Tulsa W, 48-47 East Carolina L, 42-45 (OT) Houston L, 31-34 Southern Miss L, 30-56 TOTAL AVERAGE
43,326 35,336 35,676 41,365 35,116 28,592 219,411 36,569
2008 Season Texas L, 13-42 New Mexico State L, 33-34 UCF W, 58-13 Tulane W, 24-21 Rice L, 44-49 SMU W, 36-10 TOTAL AVERAGE
53,415 42,930 33,339 33,121 30,702 30,271 223,778 37,296 2009utepFOOTBALL | 39
Live the Excitment
“You get an adrenaline rush when you come out of the Mine Shaft. You know the game is about to start, and your heart is pounding. I’ve never seen anything like it in college football.” -- Kris Adams Junior Wide Receiver
GAMEDAY
"Not many stadiums have the picturesque scenery of the Sun Bowl, cut between two mountains overlooking the Rio Grande...The stadium was destined for big things when UTEP's Larry Durham ran for a 54-yard TD on the first play from scrimmage in the stadium's history. It's been the home of Seth Joyner's blitzes, upset victories for the perennially struggling Miners and Mike Price's wild pickaxewaving stadium entrance..." -- Tim Griffin, ESPN.com
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he Miners blast out of the “Mine Shaft” in a cloud of smoke, with head coach Mike Price leading the team – pick-axe in hand – through the thousands of screaming fans.
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TEP’s average margin of victory at home under Mike Price is 19.7 points. CONFERENCE USA HOME ATTENDANCE, 2004-08
“Playing in the Sun Bowl is an amazing experience. The way it is built into the mountain makes the crowd noise echo onto the field, giving us a huge competitive edge over our opponents. It’s so intense to stand on the field and look up in the stands and see every fan wearing orange and screaming at the top of their lungs, creating the perfect football atmosphere.” – Clarence Ward, Senior Defensive Back 40 | 2009utepFOOTBALL
Games 1. UTEP 30 2. East Carolina 28 3. UCF 30 4. Memphis 32 5. Marshall 28 6. Southern Miss 30 7. UAB 21 8. Tulsa 28 9. Tulane 28 10. Houston 30 11. SMU 29 12. Rice 25
Total 1,232,501 1,042,197 1,008,757 1,055,609 747,594 799,176 522,190 661,561 607,676 604,757 514,580 381,204
Avg. 41,083 37,221 33,625 32,988 26,700 26,639 24,866 23,627 21,703 20,159 17,744 15,248
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The Battle of I-10
vs
THE RIVALRYT
he Miners and Aggies have met 86 times on the gridiron, making it the longest-running series in school history. UTEP holds a 49-35-2 series lead.
“Throughout the week our locker room is the place we come to prepare for Saturday, but everything changes on game day. The intensity level rises as the team begins to pour in and my teammates transform into game day warriors. Everybody gets in the right mindset and the atmosphere is just incredible as we head to the battlefield.” – Giovanni Guerra, Junior Linebacker
“UTEP and New Mexico State is a big-time rivalry and a unique rivalry because the two teams are separated by only 40 miles. The players and the fans really get into the game. It’s 60 minutes of intense football and trash talking.” -- Melvin Stephenson II, Senior Defensive Back
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he winner of the UTEP-New Mexico State game receives a pair of traveling trophies - the Silver Spade and the Brass Spittoon. The Miners are 34-16-1 versus the Aggies in El Paso and 17-9 against them in the Sun Bowl.
The Sun Bowl was voted one of ESPN's "Face of the Program" in 2008.
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National Spotlight
U
TEP has appeared on national television 22 times over the last five seasons, with a minimum of four games to be carried across the country this fall. ESPN will have coverage of the Miners' matchup versus Tulsa. CBS College Sports will televise UTEP's games versus Buffalo and Kansas, and FSN will carry the game at Texas.
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uring the 2008 season, Conference USA received extensive television exposure via national and regional networks, including a record number of national appearances. C-USA was featured on 43 national broadcasts (CBS College Sports, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, FSN, Big Ten Network and NFL Network) and 13 regional broadcasts (CSS, ERT and FSN Southwest).
“Being on national television gives you the chance to not only represent UTEP, but represent your family and your hometown as well. We have had a lot of national television games under coach Price and that has really put UTEP on the map. The more times our program is showcased to a national audience, the more it evens out the playing field and gives us the opportunity to land big-time recruits.” – James Thomas II, Junior Quarterback/Wide Receiver
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recruiting california
recruiting texas Thomas Howard
Oniel Cousins
Jose Martinez
Riverside, Calif. Eastside Christian H.S. All-Conference NFL Third Round Draft Pick
San Jose, Calif. South H.S. Two-time All-Conference
James Olalekan
Lubbock, Texas Estacado H.S. Three-Time All-Conference NFL Second Round Draft Pick
Texas City, Texas Texas City H.S. C-USA All-Freshman
Jef Moturi Josh House
Adrian Ward
Haltom City, Texas Haltom H.S. All-Conference
Chris Mineo
Oakland, Calif. Hayward H.S. All-Conference NFL Sixth Round Draft Pick
Odessa, Texas Permian H.S. All-Conference
Irving, Texas MacArthur H.S. All-Conference
Aaron King
Frisco, Texas Trinity Christian Academy All-Conference
Josh Ferguson Hayward, Calif. Hayward H.S. All-Conference
Tyler Ebell
Ventura, Calif. Ventura H.S. All-Conference
Troy Collavo
Mathis, Texas Mathis H.S. Two-Time All-Conference
Jeremy Jones
Howard Jackson Freeport, Texas Brazosport H.S. Two-Time All-Conference
San Jose, Calif. Piedmont Hills H.S. Two-Time All-Conference
Jordan Palmer
Mission Viejo, Calif. Mission Viejo H.S. Two-Time All-Conference NFL Sixth Round Draft Pick
Robert Rodriguez
El Paso, Texas Montwood H.S. Two-Time All-Conference WAC Defensive Player of the Year
Bryce Benekos
Chris Francies Alex Obomese Houston, Texas Westbury H.S. All-Conference
Jayson Boyd
Chino Hills, Calif. Ayala H.S. Two-Time All-Conference
Riverside, Calif. John W. North H.S. All-Conference
Houston, Texas Cypress Falls H.S. All-Conference
Quintin Demps
Reagan Schneider Canyon Lake, Texas Smithson Valley H.S. All-Conference
Robby Felix
Corona, Calif. Centennial H.S. Two-time All-Conference NFL Free Agent
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San Antonio, Texas Roosevelt H.S. Three-Time All-Conference NFL Fourth Round Draft Pick
Daniel Robinson Oceanside, Calif. Barstow H.S.
Braxton Amy Richmond, Texas Foster H.S. C-USA All-Freshman
Jose Garcia San Antonio, Texas Robert E. Lee H.S. All-Conference
Jonas Crafts San Antonio, Texas John Marshall H.S. All-Conference
Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jr. Sweeny, Texas Sweeny H.S. All-American NFL Third Round Draft Pick
TREVOR VITTATOE Bedford, Texas Trinity H.S.
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Explosive offense
NATIONAL RANKINGS, 2004-08 Passing Offense 1. Texas Tech 2. Hawaii 3. New Mexico State 4. BYU 5. Houston 6. Louisville 7. UTEP 8. Purdue 9. Missouri 10. Arizona State
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TEP has annually had one of the nation’s most explosive offenses under coach Mike Price, averaging 403.2 yards and 32.3 points per game under his leadership.
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he Miners have racked up 400 yards or more in 35 games under Price.
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revor Vittatoe set a school record by throwing 33 touchdown passes in 2008.
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“We can score at any time from anywhere on the field. It’s an easy offense to learn and obviously it works.” – Mike Aguayo Senior Offensive Lineman
408.7 ypg 370.0 ypg 309.9 ypg 305.1 ypg 297.7 ypg 285.3 ypg 284.8 ypg 283.6 ypg 274.8 ypg 272.8 ypg
Scoring Offense 1. Boise State 2. Texas 3. Texas Tech 4. Louisville 5. USC 6. Oklahoma 7. Hawaii 8. Tulsa 9. Florida 10. Oregon 20. UTEP
40.8 ppg 40.3 ppg 38.6 ppg 38.1 ppg 37.6 ppg 37.4 ppg 36.4 ppg 35.9 ppg 35.4 ppg 34.8 ppg 32.3 ppg
Total Offense 1. Texas Tech 2. Louisville 3. Houston 4. Hawaii 5. USC 6. Texas 7. Florida State 8. Tulsa 9. Oregon 10. Boise State 32. UTEP
499.4 ypg 472.3 ypg 470.4 ypg 465.0 ypg 462.1 ypg 461.3 ypg 456.7 ypg 456.6 ypg 451.0 ypg 448.6 ypg 403.2 ypg
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Seven different players have rushed for 100 yards in a game under Price, and 11 players have had 100-yard receiving games.
he Price era has produced the school’s all-time leaders for passing (Jordan Palmer), receiving (Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jr.), all-purpose yards (Howard Jackson) and total offense (Palmer). UTEP has had two 1,000yard rushers under Price – Jackson in 2004 and Marcus Thomas in 2007.
“Our offense is exciting because we know we’re capable of scoring 40 or 50 points every time out.” – Tufick Shadrawy Senior Wide Receiver 2009utepFOOTBALL
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Hard-hitting defense U
TEP’s 3-3-5 defense is an attacking scheme designed to put speed on the field and harass the opposing quarterback.
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ast season the Miners scored multiple defensive touchdowns in back-to-back games (New Mexico State, UCF) for the first time in school history.
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TEP surrendered a season-low 201 yards to SMU a year ago, the second-fewest yards by a Division I opponent in the Mike Price era. UTEP forced six turnovers against UCF, also the second-best figure under Price. UTEP’s 31 points off turnovers versus the Knights tied for the most in a game in the modern era of Miner football.
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TEP had Conference USA’s second-leading tackler in 2008 in linebacker Adam Vincent, who was credited with 9.2 stops per game.
I
n its first season under defensive coordinator Osia Lewis, UTEP improved its total defense, rushing defense and scoring defense numbers from the 2007 campaign, while raising its sack total by seven.
“The 3-3-5 is an attacking defense that puts pressure on the offense the whole game. We blitz, blitz, blitz, we take chances and the final reward is success.” -- Anthony Morrow Junior Linebacker
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en different Miner defenders have earned All-Conference honors in the Price regime, including Robert Rodriguez, who was appointed the WAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2004.
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efensive end Robert Soleyjacks tied for second nationally in fumble recoveries last season with four. 2009utepFOOTBALL
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Going Miners in the NFL Pro
S
even former UTEP players are currently on NFL rosters, including center Robby Felix, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent in May, 2009.
Jon Dorenbos Philladelphia Eagles
Jordan Palmer Cincinnati Bengals
“Choosing to play football at UTEP proved to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It gave me the opportunity to play big-time Division I football as well as prepare me for situations that I’ll encounter throughout my life. It was important to me to pick a program that would teach me and put me in the best possible position to have success. Combining the administration, the coaching staff and my academic advisors, UTEP did just that. The fans, the boosters and the ‘locals’ all contributed to my very enjoyable career as a UTEP Miner!” – Jon Dorenbos (2000-02)
“Playing at UTEP was a great time in my life. I learned so much about work ethic, discipline, and of course X’s and O’s. It was such an advantage for me to play quarterback in such a fast-paced, spread the ball offense. I have definitely benefited from the experience during my transition to the NFL. In Mike Price’s offense, you make every type of throw and have a lot of freedom to spread the ball around. That is important to playing at the next level.” – Jordan Palmer (2003-06), Cincinnati Bengals
Robby Felix Baltimore Ravens
Thomas Howard Oakland Raiders Second-Round Draft Pick
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“I had tons of fun playing for the Miners. UTEP is a great place to grow up. My time at UTEP helped me get to the NFL by challenging me to work hard and push myself everyday. I owe much credit to the university.” - Robby Felix (2005-08) MINER PLAYERS CURRENTLY IN THE NFL Oniel Cousins, OL, Baltimore Ravens Quintin Demps, DB, Philadelphia Eagles Jon Dorenbos, LS, Philadelphia Eagles Robby Felix, OL, Baltimore Ravens Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jr., WR, Oakland Raiders Thomas Howard, LB, Oakland Raiders Jordan Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Oniel Cousins Baltimore Ravens Third-Round Draft Pick
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ince Mike Price came on board as UTEP’s head coach for the 2004 season, UTEP has had seven players picked in the NFL Draft and 16 more have signed free agent contracts.
Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jr. Oakland Raiders Third-Round Draft Pcik
BRian Young New Orleans Saints
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ormer Miner Brian Young played in the Super Bowl as a member of the St. Louis Rams in 2002.
Quintin Demps Philadelphia Eagles Fourth Round Draft Pick
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Going Miners in the NFL Pro
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hirteen Miner players have been chosen in the NFL Draft this decade. UTEP has had a player selected in eight of the last 10 years.
dON mAYNARD nfl Hall of Famer
pAUL sMITH
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TEP has had a total of 82 players drafted by NFL teams in its football history.
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on Maynard, who played for the Miners from 1955-57, had his jersey retired by the New York Jets and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Super Bowl champion Jets in 1969.
Marcus Thomas Cleveland Browns Charlie West Lorne Sam
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MOST NFL DRAFT PICKS SINCE 2005 (Conference USA, Mountain West, WAC and Texas schools only) Texas 25 Utah 13 Fresno State 12 Texas A&M 12 TCU 11 Texas Tech 11 Hawaii 10 San Diego State 10 New Mexico 8 UTEP 7 Boise State 7
zACH wEST
jOE wEST
cHRIS fRANCIES
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All-American NFL Hall of Fame Don Maynard Halfback | 6-0 | 175 1955-57 Colorado City, Texas
Before his professional days, Don Maynard was a All-Border Conference halfback and track star. He was a future draft pick of the New York Giants in 1957, but played only the 1958 season with the team before moving to Hamilton in the Canadian Football League In 1959. A year later, he became the first player to sign with the new American Football League’s New York Titans, a team that would later change its name to the Jets. The young New York team struggled for several seasons before they attained any level of respect. Maynard often had to improvise as one of his team’s constantly rotating crop of quarterbacks scrambled for his life. In 1965 quarterback Joe Namath arrived on the scene and the resulting chemistry that developed between the two proved to be the perfect mix. While Maynard was a frequent standout for the Jets, he had his biggest day in the 1968 AFL Championship Game that preceded the Jets’ stunning upset of Baltimore in Super Bowl III. In New York’s 27-23 victory over Oakland, Maynard caught six passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. His 14-yard grab in the first period gave the Jets the lead and his six-yard catch in the fourth period proved to be the game winner. Although he never led the league in receiving any one season, at the time of his retirement following the 1973 season, Maynard was one of only five players to record more than 50 receptions and more than 1,000 receiving yards in five different seasons. A four-time AFL All-Star, his 633 career catches for 11,834 yards were both pro records at the time. Maynard played 12 seasons with the Jets (1960-72), establishing club records for touchdowns (88), receptions (627), receiving yards (11,732), single-season receiving yards (1,434), single-season touchdowns (14) and single-game receiving yards (228). Maynard, whose jersey (No. 13) was retired by the New York Jets, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. Don Maynard’s Career NFL Statistics Rushing Receiving Year Team G Att Yds avg TD Rec Yds avg TD 1958 New York Giants 12 12 45 3.8 0 5 84 16.8 0 1959 Hamilton (CFL) 1960 New York Titans 14 0 0 0.0 0 72 1,265 17.6 6 1961 New York Titans 14 0 0 0.0 0 43 629 14.6 8 1962 New York Titans 14 0 0 0.0 0 56 1,041 18.6 8 1963 New York Jets 12 2 6 3.0 0 38 780 20.5 9 1964 New York Jets 14 3 3 1.0 0 46 847 18.4 8 1965 New York Jets 14 1 2 2.0 0 68 1,218 17.9 14 1966 New York Jets 14 0 0 0.0 0 48 840 17.5 5 1967 New York Jets 14 4 18 4.5 0 71 1,434 20.2 10 1968 New York Jets 13 0 0 0.0 0 57 1,297 22.8 10 1969 New York Jets 11 1 -6 -6.0 0 47 938 20.0 6 1970 New York Jets 10 0 0 0.0 0 31 525 16.9 0 1971 New York Jets 14 1 2 2.0 0 21 408 19.4 2 1972 New York Jets 14 0 0 0.0 0 29 510 17.6 2 1973 St. Louis Cardinals 2 0 0 0.0 0 1 18 18.0 0 NFL Career Totals 186 24 70 2.9 0 633 11,834 18.7 88
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Little All-Americans 1937 Ken Heineman, QB (NEA^, Collyer’s^) 1938 Ken Heineman, QB (NBC1, NEA2, Collyer’s^, AP^) 1939 Ken Heineman, QB (NBC1, NEA1, Collyer’s2, AP2) Barry Pennington, C (AP^) 1940 Owen Price, QB (Life1, NBC1, NEA^, Collyer’s^, AP^) 1941 Owen Price, QB (Life1, NBC1, NEA1, Collyer’s1, AP2) 1947 Fred Wendt, HB (UPI^, AP^) 1948 Fred Wendt, HB (UPI1, AP2) Raymond Evans, T (AP1) Ernest Keily, G (AP2) 1949 Ernest Keily, G (AP1)
Miner All-Americans
Ken Heineman
All-Americans 1957 Dick Forrest, E (AP^) 1965 Chuck Hughes, WR (Sport Extra1) Billy Stevens, QB (AP^) 1967 Fred Carr, LB (Sporting News1) Billy Stevens, QB (AP^) Charlie West, DB (Sporting News1) 1971 Tony Perea, LB (AP^) 1973 LaFreddie Coleman, CB (AP^) 1986 Albert Williams, LB (AP^) 1987 John Harvey, RB (AP^) Joe Terry, DE (AP^) 1988 Chris Jacke, PK (FWAA1) Tony Tolbert, DE (AP^) 1992 Ed Bunn, P (AP1, Walter Camp1, Football News1) 1993 Baron Wortham, LB (FWAA1, AP2) 1998 Brian Natkin, TE (Football News^) 2000 Brian Natkin, TE (AP1, Sporting News1, AFCA1, FWAA1, Walter Camp1 Football News1, Rivals.com1) Lee Mays, WR (Football News^) 2006 Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jr., WR/PR (AFCA1, AP2, CollegeFootballNews.com2) 2007 Quintin Demps, DB (SI.com^) Legend 1 – First Team. 2–Second Team. ^–Honorable Mention. AFCA: American Football Coaches’ Association. AP: Associated Press. Collyer’s: Collyer’s News Service. FWAA: Football Writers’ Association of America. Life: Life Magazine. NBC: National Broadcasting Company. NEA: Newspaper Enterprise Association. Sports Extra: Detroit Sports Extra.
Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jr.
By Number No. 1 Chris Jacke No. 7 Lee Mays No. 9 Quintin Demps No. 13 Chuck Hughes No. 14 Owen Price No. 15 Billy Stevens No. 17 Barry Pennington No. 21 Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jr. No. 22 John Harvey Fred Wendt No. 23 Ken Heineman No. 36 Tony Perea No. 40 Charlie West No. 41 LaFreddie Coleman No. 42 Bert Williams No. 54 Ernest Keily No. 56 Raymond Evans No. 57 Barron Wortham No. 80 Dick Forrest No. 85 Joe Terry No. 86 Fred Carr No. 98 Tony Tolbert
Consensus All-American Ed Bunn Punter | 6-2 | 181 1990-91 West Lake Village, Calif.
Ed Bunn was the first Miner to earn consensus AllAmerica honors, when he led the nation in punting in 1992. That season Bunn averaged 47.7 yards per punt after punting 41 times for 1,955 yards. He missed the last two games of the season with an injury, but still captured All-America honors from Walter Camp, Football News and the Associated Press. He became the third Miner to lead the nation in punting, joining Owen Price (1940) and Fred Wendt (1946). Bunn played just two seasons for the Miners, recording the second-highest career punting average in program history (44.5). He also boomed two of the 10 longest punts in school annals – 83 yards versus New Mexico (1991) and 73 yards versus BYU (1992).
Ed Bunn’s Career Statistics Year 1991 1992 Totals
G 12 10 22
Punts 63 41 104
Yards 2,675 1,955 4,630
avg Lng Bk In20 42.46 83 2 21 47.68 73 0 19 44.52 83 2 40
Miner All-Americans
By Position Back Ken Heineman Owen Price Fred Wendt Center Barry Pennington Defensive Back LaFreddie Coleman Quintin Demps Charlie West Defensive End Joe Terry Tony Tolbert Bert Williams Kicker Chris Jacke End Dick Forrest Flanker Chuck Hughes Guard Ernest Keily Linebacker Fred Carr Tony Perea Barron Wortham Quarterback Billy Stevens Tackle Raymond Evans Tailback John Harvey Wide Receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jr. Lee Mays
Consensus All-American Brian Natkin Tight End | 6-4 | 245 1997-2000 San Antonio, Texas
Brian Natkin became UTEP’s second consensus All-American and first unanimous All-American in 2000. Natkin was selected first team All-America eight times in 2000. He led all tight ends nationally in receptions (64) and yards (787), while converting 46 receptions (71.4 percent) for first downs that season. He was a semifinalist for the Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end. Natkin also earned honorable mention All-America honors in 1998, after notching 34 catches for 362 yards. He closed out his career with 172 catches for 1,934 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Brian Natkin’s Career Statistics
Year 1997 1998 1999 2000 Totals
G Rec 11 15 11 34 12 59 11 64 45 172
Yards 137 362 648 787 1,934
avg TD LG 9.13 0 17 10.65 3 45 10.98 4 35 12.30 4 27 11.24 11 45
avg/G 12.45 32.91 54.00 71.55 42.98
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ardin Simmons scored the game’s final 27 points to spoil the Miners’ first-ever bowl appearance.
Team Statistics hsu First Downs 21 Rushing Attempts-Yards 71-421 Passing Yards 90 Passes 7-18-2 Total Offense 89-511 Fumbles-Lost 1-1 Penalties-Yards 7-95 Punts-Yards 5-205 Punt Average 41.0 Punts Had Blocked 0 Punt Returns-Yards 2-0 Kickoff Returns-Yards 3-56
TCM 8 33-49 97 7-23-3 56-146 4-1 3-52 8-241 30.1 2 1-44 5-44
Individual Leaders Rushing – HSU: Addington 16-142; Cherry 19-83, 1 TD; Tyler 14-62, 2 TD; McKinney 4-61; Henrich 3-27; Mahuron 4-14; Raley 4-10; Emory 2-9; White 3-6, 1 TD; Boutwell 1-5; Frost 1-2. TCM: D. Balenti 7-30; Barrett 5-12; Perez 7-4; Hernandez 2-2; May 4-2; Moore 2-0; M. Balenti 6-(-1). Passing – HSU: Emory 2-5-1, 34 yards; Raley 1-2-0, 22 yards; Tyler 3-10-1, 18 yards; Cherry 1-1-0, 12 yards. TCM: May 4-5-0, 54 yards; Barrett 3-9-1, 43 yards; Moore 0-5-0; D. Balenti 0-2-1, Perez 0-2-1. Receiving – HSU: Fletcher 2-34; Addington 2-18; Yeary 1-22; Frost 1-8; Harris 1-8. TCM: Arnold 2-55; M. Balenti 1-15; Moore 1-13; Cashon 1-8; Perez 1-6; D. Balenti 1-0. Interceptions – HSU: Boutwell, Tyler, Harris. TCM: Moore, Perez.
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Virginia Texas College of Mines
21 12
B
1950 Sun Bowl
Going Bowling Texas Western Georgetown
T
A
Team Statistics WV First Downs 13 Rushing Yards 183 Passing Yards 122 Passes 7-16-1 Total Offense 305 Fumbles-Lost 1-0 Penalties-Yards 6-50 Punts-Yards 9-243 Punt Average 27.0 Punt Returns-Yards 3-25 Kickoff Returns-Average 3-27
Tcm 12 245 57 4-9-0 302 4-4 3-25 5-213 42.5 3-18 2-341
Ed Smith
W
est Virginia scored 21 unanswered points after the Miners put up the first touchdown of the game in the second quarter.
N
Individual Leaders Rushing – WV: Devonshire 14-78, 2 TD; Murphy 2-31; Zinaich 11-27; Bonfili 11-24; Malyk 1-18, Walthall 1-8; Morton 7-7; Richmond 1-6; Allen 2-6; Fought 1-(-6). TWC: Wendt 15-92; Fraser 9-91; Gabrel 18-71; Cargile 4-20; Bowden 3-1; Edmondson 1-0.
ational rushing leader Fred Wendt rambled for 92 yards on 15 carries – including a 60-yard score -- to pace College of the Mines.
Passing – WV: Walthall 7-16-1, 122 yards, 1 TD. TWC: Bowden 4-9-0, 57 yards. Receiving – WV: Cox 2-45, 1 TD; Devonshire 2-17; Lester 3-60. TWC: Bowden 2-30; Gabrel 2-27.
Fred Wendt
Team Statistics GU First Downs 13 Rushing Yards 40-82 Passing Yards 226 Passes 12-31-3 Total Offense 52-308 Fumbles/Lost 2-1 Penalties/Yards 7-65 Punts/Yards 10-330 Punt Average 33.0
Twc 14 59-348 24 5-9-0 68-372 2-2 11-95 5-180 36.0
Individual Leaders Rushing – GU: Conn 8-30; Kivas 8-20, 1 TD; Kitkowski 5-16; Preston 7-8; Barronowski 4-8; Mattingly 5-0, Deacon 2-0. TWC: Cargile 12-96; Gabrel 11-85, 2 TD; Hammond 8-57; Fraser 8-51; McCraw 6-33; Brewster 5-16; Campbell 4-10; Gooden 3-2; Williams 2-0. Passing – GU: Mattingly 8-20--3, 118 yards; Deacon 4-11-0, 108 yards, 2 TD. TWC: Brewster 5-9-0, 24 yards. Receiving – GU: Fornaciari 4-114; Conn 3-54; Noppinger 4-22; Schmidt 1-14; Losh 1-11; Kivas 1-9; Kitkowski; 1-2. TWC: Campbell 2-17, Wilkinson 1-6, McCraw 1-1.
T
he Miners punished the Hoyas by opening a 20-0 lead in the third quarter.
L
ee Cargil rushed for 96 yards to lead Texas Western’s ground attack, while Pug Gabrel added 85 yards.
37 14
T
exas Western, the national leader in rushing yards per game, ran for 348 yards in posting its first-ever bowl win.
oth teams compiled over 300 yards of offense, but College of the Mines had four costly fumbles.
T
he Cowboys rolled up 511 yards of offense while holding College of the Mines to 146 yards. n estimated crowd of 9,000 fans almost completely filled the concrete bowl and the temporary bleacher seats erected at the top of the stadium in the end zone.
1954 Sun Bowl Texas Western Southern Miss
33 20
Fred Wendt
1949 Sun Bowl
Going Bowling 1937 Sun Bowl H
Hardin-Simmons 34 Texas College of Mines 6
he Miners were heavy underdogs entering the game, with many sportswriters predicting them to lose by multiple touchdowns. Southern Miss had lost just one game all season, and boasted a victory over powerful Alabama.
Team Statistics USM First Downs 13 Rushing Yards 166 Passing Yards 145 Passes 8-26-0 Total Offense 311 Fumbles/Lost 4-3 Penalties/Yards 3-13 Punts/Yards 4-112 Punt Average 28.0
Twc 15 245 158 11-20-0 403 4-2 4-40 5-140 28.0
Individual Leaders Rushing – USM: Pepper 14-57; McElroy 11-50; Smallwood 5-45; Mason 5-24. TWC: Riley 12-112; Coleman 2-39; McCormick 4-28; Shinaut 2-19. Passing – USM: Jarrell 6-18-0, 134 yards, 1 TD; Davenport 1-8-0, 13 yards; Barfield 1-20, -2 yards. TWC: 11-17-0, 158 yards 2 TD; Whittenton 0-2-0; Corbell 0-2-0.
Dick Shinaut
T
he game was over quickly as Texas Western took a 30-0 advantage in the second period.
Receiving – USM: Waters 3-76; Wood 4-52, 1 TD; McElroy 1-13. TWC: Howle 4-76, 1 TD; Odell 5-43; Whittenton 2-39, 1 TD.
M
iner quarterback Dick Shinaut was named the first-ever Sun Bowl MVP after accounting for 19 of his team’s 37 points. 2009utepFOOTBALL
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1955 Sun Bowl
Going Bowling
Texas Western Florida State
47 20
T
exas Western enjoyed the biggest single-half offensive explosion in Sun Bowl history, taking a 34-7 advantage into the locker room. lorida State’s backfield included (current ESPN analyst) Lee Corso and Buddy Reynolds (a.k.a. actor Burt Reynolds). Corso left the game after just two carries for 50 yards when he collided with the Miners’ Bob Forrest on a fumbled punt return.
F
Team Statistics FSU twc First Downs 13 17 Rushing Yards 35-139 48-253 Passing Yards 155 149 Passes 12-21-2 8-15-0 Total Offense 56-294 63-402 Fumbles-Lost 3-2 2-2 Interceptions-Yards 0-0 2-3 Penalties 3-25 7-65 Punts Yards 6-160 4-176 Punt Average 26.6 44.0 Punts Returns-Yards 2-34 2-18 Kickoff Returns-Yards 8-145 4-180
T
he Miners’ Jesse Whittenton threw for three touchdowns and ran for two others to earn game MVP honors.
Receiving – TWC: Rutledge 3-88, 2 TD; Howle 2-35; Dick Forrest 1-19, 1 TD; Ward 1-11; Harman 1-(-4). FSU: Feamster 4-68, 1 TD; Graham 1-27; Odom 2-21, 1 TD; Leonard
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Going Bowling
George Washington 13 Texas Western 0
T
exas Western had the home field and a much faster team, but George Washington enjoyed a 20-pound per man advantage on average. 1957 TEam Photo
Jesse Whittenton
T
he Miner lineup featured future NFL Hall of Famer Don Maynard.
Don Maynard Team Statistics GWU First Downs 14 Rushing Yards 257 Passing Yards 61 Passes 4-9-0 Total Offense 318 Interceptions-Yards 3-35 Fumbles-Lost 3-2 Penalties-Yards 7-55 Punts-Yards 7-231 Punt Average 33.0 Kick Returns-Yards 1-18
Rusty Rutledge
Individual Leaders Rushing – TWC: Bob Forrest 5-72, 2 TD; Rutledge 6-56; Ward 5-31; Harman 6-25; Tevis 9-25; Coleman 2-14; Whittenton 8-13, 2 TD; Brown 4-7; Hedgecoke 1-5; Corbell 1-3; Settle 1-2. FSU: Corso 2-50; Reynolds 7-35; Prinzi 2-21; Metts 5-15; Graham 5-10; Swantic 4-8; Hoit 2-4; Griner 1-3; Massey 5-(-2); Odom 2-(-5). Passing – TWC: Whittenton 7-13-0, 3 TD, 138 yards; Corbell 1-1-0, 11 yards. FSU: Massey 8-17-2, 1 TD, 107 yards; Swantic 1-2-0, 1 TD, 43 yards; Prinzi 1-1-0, 6 yards; Rodrique 1-1-0, minus-1 yard.
1957 Sun Bowl
TWC 10 146 22 3-16-3 168 0-0 3-3 3-45 8-272 34.0 3-68
Jesse Whittenton
Individual Leaders Rushing – GWU: Austin 18-98; Spera 9-47, 1 TD; Claypool 12-43; Looney 6-38; Sommer 8-2; Frulla 3-10. TWC: B. Forrest 14-49; Maynard 6-24; Harman 4-22; Bevers 6-18; Laraba 5-12; Ward 3-13; Coleman 4-10. Passing – GWU: Looney 4-9-0, 61 yards, 1 TD. TWC: Laraba 1-9-2; B. Forrest 2-7-1, 22 yards.
A
near-capacity crowd of 15,000 was on hand for the game.
Receiving – GWU: Thompson 3-46; Harman 1-15. TWC: Bevers 1-16; Watkins 1-8; D. Forrest 1-0. Interceptions – GWU: Colna 1-13; Frulla 1-10, Claypool 1-12.
G
eorge Washington forced five Miner turnovers in posting the Sun Bowl’s first shutout since 1945.
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1965 Sun Bowl
Going Bowling
Texas Western TCU
Team Statistics TCU First Downs 18 Rushing Attempts-Yards 49-100 Passing Yards 148 Passes 15-28-3 Total Offense 77-248 Fumbles-Lost 4-3 Interceptions-Yards 3-10 Penalties 4-48 Punts-Yards 4-194 Punt Average 48.5 Punt Returns-Yards 3-32 Kickoff Returns-Yards 4-85
13 12
S
Passing – TCU: Nix 15-27-3, 148 yards; Landon 0-1-0, 0 yards. TWC: Stevens 2134-3-208. Receiving – TCU: Campbell 6-74; D. Smith 5-39, 1 TD; Ball 3-35; Post 1-9. TWC: Hughes 7-115, 1 TD; Anderson 4-45; Wallace 6-28; Yarbrough 2-13; Harrell 1-13; Davis 1-(-6).
Going Bowling UTEP 14 Mississippi 7
A
crowd of 28,630 witnessed the game, which marked the first capacity attendance for the bowl game in the Sun Bowl Stadium. The contest had been moved to the venue in 1963.
tevens completed 21 of 34 passes for 208 yards to lead the Miners, who received all but 12 of their 220 yards through the air.
T
o this day, UTEP has the most Sun Bowl wins of any institution with four.
Team Statistics Um Utep First Downs 6 16 Rushing Attempts-Yards 31-38 47-75 Passing Yards 71 201 Passes 12-23-1 16-35-1 Total Offense 54-109 72-276 Fumbles-Lost 4-3 0-0 Penalties 5-33 9-92 Interceptions-Yards 1-52 1-2 Punts-Yards 11-465 12-478 Punt Average 42.3 39.8 Blocked Punts 1 0 Punt Returns-Yards 8-75 6-25 Kickoff Returns-Yards 4-98 1-7
TWC 14 24-12 208 21-34-3 58-220 2-0 2-27 5-39 5-195 39.0 3-45 2-44
Individual Leaders Rushing – TCU: Post 22-76, Landon 15-28, D. Smith 5-0, Nix 7-(-4). TWC: Davis 14-41, Harrell 1-9, Yarbrough 1-1, Stevens 8-(-42).
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U
TEP quarterback Billy Stevens claimed the first of his two Sun Bowl MVP awards. He remains one of only two individuals to win the honor twice.
1967 Sun Bowl
Individual Leaders Rushing – UM: Hindman 15-53; Newell 10-(7), 1 TD; Bowen 6-(-8). UTEP: McHenry 13-73, 1 TD; White 17-72; Johnson 3-7; Dawson 3-(-26); Stevens 11-(-51).
Billy Stevens
L-R: James Fountain, Charlie West and Billy Stevens
T
he Miners trailed 7-0 heading into the final period before erupting for a pair of touchdowns in a seven-minute span. Larry McHenry’s four-yard run provided the winning points for UTEP.
Passing – UM: Newell 12-23-1, 71 yards. UTEP: Stevens 13-26-1, 155 yards, 1 TD; Dawson 3-9-0, 46 yards.
T
he Miners battled back from a 10-0 deficit to win, with the winning points coming on an 18-yard field goal by Joe Cook following a TCU fumble in the fourth quarter. Earlier in the game, Cook’s 21-yard field goal capped a 70-yard scoring drive by Texas Western.
Receiving – UM: Matthews 4-25; Haik 3-24; Bowen 2-16; Shows 2-8; Hindman 1-(-2); UTEP: Wallace 6-83; Karns 5-56, 1 TD; Jones 4-38; White 1-14.
Chuck Hughes
Interceptions – UM: McClure 1-52. UTEP: Epps 1-2.
Billy Stevens
S
un Bowl MVP Billy Stevens threw for 155 yards, and the Miners limited Southern Miss to 109 yards of offense. All-American Fred Carr forced a critical fumble late to lead the UTEP stop troops. 2009utepFOOTBALL
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1988 Independence Bowl
T
Going Bowling
Southern Miss UTEP
38 18
he Independence Bowl was UTEP’s ninth bowl appearance, but the first outside of El Paso.
2000 Humanitarian Bowl
Going Bowling Boise State UTEP
Crucial.com
38 23
B
art Hendricks had a big day for Boise State, running for two touchdowns, throwing for another and catching a late scoring pass.
A
fter a close first half in which Southern Miss had a 10-7 lead, the Golden Eagles scored three third-quarter touchdowns.
T
erry Walker was one of the Miners’ defensive leaders, picking off Southern Miss quarterback Brett Favre twice while recording six tackles.
U
TEP’s Reggie Barrett tied an Independence Bowl record for receptions with nine for 119 yards and a touchdown.
Team Statistics UTEP First Downs 19 Rushing Attempts-Yards 38-53 Passing Yards 308 Passes 23-44-0 Total Offense 82-361 Fumbles-Lost 3-0 Interceptions-Yards 2-34 Penalties-Yards 10-95 Punts-Yards 6-235 Punt Average 39.2 Punt Returns-Yards 4-(-9) Kickoff Returns-Yards 4-56 Sacks By: Number-Yards 0-0 Time of Possession 31:08
usm Team Statistics utep 17 First Downs 22 41-168 Rushing Attempts-Yards 44-118 157 Passing Yards 201 15-26-2 Passes 17-38-1 67-323 Total Offense 82-319 2-0 Fumbles-Lost 4-2 0-0 Penalties 4-35 5-45 Interceptions-Yards 1-0 6-193 Punts-Yards 5-244 32.1 Punt Average 48.8 3-108 Punt Returns-Yards 5-91 2-29 Kickoff Returns-Yards 5-66 3-24 Sacks By: Number-Yards 7-42 28:52 Time of Possession 32:55
bsu 18 29-175 258 18-30-1 59-433 2-0 6-59 1-5 7-298 42.6 3-15 6-118 5-24 27.05
Individual Leaders Individual Leaders Rushing – UTEP: Fuller 9-31; Dixon 8-26; Rushing – UTEP: Porter 26-134, 1 TD; Austin Menifee 5-13; Flores 2-3; Forest 1-1; Lopez 3-10; Cleveland 4-0; R. Perez 11-(-26). BSU: 1-(-1); Hegarty 11-(-10). USM: Gandy 22Forsey 10-68, 1 TD; Hendricks 13-57, 2 TD; 134, 2 TD; Bradley 9-29; Warnsley 3-8; Favre Malaythong 4-26; Edwards 1-22; Gilligan 7-(-3). 1-2. Passing – UTEP: Hegarty 14-27-0, 1 TD, 203 Passing – UTEP: R. Perez 17-38-1, 1 TD, 201 yards; Flores 9-17-0, 1 TD, 105 yards. USM: yards. BSU: Hendricks 17-29-1, 1 TD, 247 Favre 15-26-2, 1 TD, 157 yards. yards; Banks 1-1-0, 1 TD, 11 yards. Receiving – UTEP: Barrett 9-119, 1 TD; AdReceiving – UTEP: Mays 7-91; Natkin 4-69; kison 4-55; Housler 3-49; Fuller 3-27, 1 TD; Ray 4-26; Knapp 1-9; Tessier 1-6. BSU: Forsey Lopez 2-33; Dixon 1-6; Bailey 1-19. USM: 4-56; Swillie 4-50; Fanucchi 3-32; Swan 2-40; Tillman 2-44; Williams 2-28; Rowell 1-24; Putzier 2-35; Gilligan 1-17; Banks 1-17; HenJackson 3-15; Weeks 2-15; Warnsley 2-11,dricks 1 1-11. TD; Gandy 2-10; Hansford 1-10.
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T
he 2008 season marked the 20th anniversary of the 1988 bowl team.
T
railing 31-13 early in the fourth quarter, UTEP pulled within 31-23 with 7:45 remaining on a three-yard run by Chris Porter. Porter, who was named UTEP’s game MVP, rushed for 134 yards to lead both teams.
T
he temperature at kickoff was 26 degrees on the Broncos’ frozen blue turf.
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2004 EV1.net Houston Bowl
Going Bowling
Colorado UTEP
Going Bowling
33 28
T
he Miners couldn’t hang on to a 28-19 fourth quarter lead, as Joel Klatt threw for a couple of late touchdowns to rally the Buffaloes.
J
ordan Palmer and Jayson Boyd combined to set five UTEP bowl records. Palmer set marks for passing yardage (328), passing attempts (42), passing completions (22) and total offense (325), while Boyd had a career-high 140 yards receiving.
Team Statistics CU UTEP First Downs 23 19 Rushing Attempts-Yards 44-157 27-34 Passing Yards 333 328 Passes 33-24-0 42-22-2 Total Offense 77-490 69-362 Fumbles-Lost 0-0 1-1 Interceptions-Yards 2-1 0-0 Penalties-Yards 10-83 4-43 Punts-Yards 4-200 5-270 Punt Average 50.0 45.0 Punt Returns-Yards 2-2 2-11 Kickoff Returns-Yards 5-83 1-16 Sacks By: Number-Yards 2-8 3-21 Time of Possession 37:09 22:51 Individual Leaders Rushing – CU: Purify 22-80; Charles 7-51; Torp 1-22; Mackey 1-20; Vickers 3-4; Littlehales 1-minus 2; TEAM 2-minus 2; Klatt 7-(-16). UTEP: Jackson 16-37; Thomas 2-4; Chamois 2-1; Smith 1-1; Austin 1-0; Palmer 4-(-3); Marrow 1-(-6). Passing – CU: Klatt 24-33-0, 2 TD, 333 yards. UTEP: Palmer 22-42-2, 2 TD, 328 yards. Receiving – CU: Purify 6-41; Klopfenstein 5-134, 1 TD; Monteilh 4-34; Judge 2-50, 1 TD; Mackey 2-32; Sprague 2-16; Duren 2-10; Vickers 1-16. UTEP: Boyd 7-140, 1 TD; Higgins 7-122, 1 TD; Marrow 3-9; Francies 2-28; Jackson 2-12; Sears 1-17.
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T
he Buffaloes compiled 21 minutes of possession time to UTEP’s nine in the second half after trailing 21-13 at the midway point.
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2005 GMAC BOWL
Going Bowling Toledo UTEP
45 13
B
Going Bowling
ruce Gradkowski threw for 298 yards and five touchdowns, leading Toledo past UTEP in the GMAC Bowl.
U
TEP’s appearance at the GMAC Bowl marked the first time that the Miners played in back-to-back postseason games since 1955.
I
n his final collegiate game, UTEP receiver Chris Francies extended his streak of games with a reception to 43.
Team Statistics TOLEDO UTEP First Downs 25 16 Rushing Attempts-Yards 39-164 28-63 Passing Yards 304 192 Passes 19-32-2 17-41-2 Total Offense 71-468 69-255 Fumbles-Lost 1-1 1-0 Interceptions-Yards 2-37 2-16 Penalties-Yards 9-80 4-45 Punts-Yards 1-35 5-177 Punt Average 35.0 35.4 Punt Returns-Yards 1-4 1-1 Kickoff Returns-Yards 8-410 4-234 Sacks By: Number-Yards 3-28 0-0 Time of Possession 32:05 27:55
A
fter falling behind 21-3, the Miners closed the gap to 21-13 in the second quarter, but Toledo tallied the game’s final 24 points.
Individual Leaders Rushing – Toledo: Dawson 24-124; Parmele 5-19; Gradkowski 2-11; Broussard 5-8; Davis 1-4; Cochran 1-0; TEAM 1-minus-2. UTEP: Thomas 18-71; Higgins 1-15; Austin 4-3; Cruz 1-2; Palmer 4-minus-28. Passing – Toledo: Gradkowski 30-18-2, 5 TD, 298 yards; Cochran 2-1-0, 0 TD, 6 yards. UTEP: Palmer 14-33-1, 1 TD, 163 yards; Cruz 7-3-1, 0 TD, 29 yards; TEAM 1-0-0, 0 TD, 0 yards. Receiving – Toledo: Odom 5-97, 1 TD; Moore 4-84; Washington 2-38, 1 TD; Powell 2-38, 1 TD; Hopkins 2-17, 1 TD; Dawson 1-11; Allen 1-10, 1 TD; Davis 1-6; Parmele 1-3. UTEP: West 6-88; Higgins 2-30, 1 TD; A. Givens 2-26; Francies 2-23; Thomas 2-minus-2; Sears 1-13; Hunt 1-9; Mauch 1-5.
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U
TEP quarterback Jordan Palmer passed for 160 yards in the first half before exiting the game with a high ankle sprain.
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Athletic Excellence J.P. Hayes
Paul Stankowski
Tim Hardaway
Nate ARchibald
Don Haskins
Seth Joyner
Bob Beamon
1966 NCAA CHampions
Nolan Richardson 70 | 2009utepFOOTBALL
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Depth chart
2009 Notebook THIS IS SEASON NO. 92 The 2009 season will be UTEP’s 92nd of football. The Miners started playing in 1914. UTEP has appeared in 12 bowl games, including two under head coach Mike Price. The Miners have won two conference titles -- in 1956 as a member of the Border Conference, and in 2000 as a member of the Western Athletic Conference.
MINERS IN C-USA UTEP improved by two games in Conference USA play last season from 2-6 in 2007 to 4-4. The Miners were second in the league in turnover margin, as well as fourth in scoring offense, passing offense and passing efficiency. Individually, Kris Adams was fourth in scoring touchdowns, seventh in receiving yards per game and tied for eighth in scoring, Cornelius Brown was tied for eighth in passes defended, Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith was 23rd in tackles, Jeff Moturi was ninth in receptions per game, Kyle Petersen was fifth in punting, Robert Soleyjacks was first in fumble recoveries and Trevor Vittatoe was fourth in passing average and passing efficiency and sixth in total offense.
54 LETTERMEN, 16 STARTERS RETURNING UTEP welcomes back 54 letterwinners, including 25 on offense, 27 on defense and two kickers. The Miners lose 18 lettermen -- six on offense, 11 on defense and one kicker. UTEP returns 16 starters (eight offense/seven defense/one kicker), while losing eight starters (three offense/four defense/one kicker). Regular starters back on offense are WR Kris Adams, LT Mike Aguayo, RG Rod Huntley, WR Jeff Moturi, RT Will Osolinsky, LG Cameron Raschke, WR Tufick Shadrawy and QB Trevor Vittatoe. Defensive starters returning are RCB Cornelius Brown, Miner back Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith, RSLB Anthony Morrow, NT Steve Riddick, RE Robert Soleyjacks, LCB Melvin Stephenson II and Braxton Amy, who started nine games at SAM linebacker in 2007. Overall UTEP has 34 players returning who have started games at the collegiate level -- 20 on offense and 14 on defense.
VITTATOE THROWS SCHOOL-RECORD 33 TD PASSES Trevor Vittatoe had one of the top seasons by a UTEP quarterback in 2008, completing 246 of 418 passes for 3,274 yards and a school-record 33 touchdowns. He threw only nine interceptions all year, with three coming in the season opener at Buffalo and three in the season finale at East Carolina. Vittatoe, who was 13th in the NCAA in passing yards per game (272.8), threw for over 300 yards in four of the last six games, averaging 325.0 yards during that span. After only two seasons at UTEP, he ranks first in career passing yards per game (265.6), second in passing touchdowns (58), second in 300-yard passing games (eight), third in passing yardage (6,375), third in completions (470), third in passing attempts (825) and third in completion percentage (.570). He has thrown for more touchdowns (58) in a two-year stretch than any other player in UTEP history. Vittatoe joins Jordan Palmer as the only Miners to throw for 3,000 yards in two seasons.
ON THE OTHER HAND ... Offensive starters gone from last year’s team are C Robby Felix, TE Jamar Hunt and RB Terrell Jackson. Departed defensive starters are RS Josh Ferguson, LE James Olalekan and MLB Adam Vincent. The Miners lose their kicker (Jose Martinez), leading rusher (Jackson) and four of their top five tacklers. SQUAD COMPOSITION UTEP has a total of 113 players on its fall roster -- 25 seniors, 32 juniors, 20 sophomores and 36 freshmen. NINE ALL-CONFERENCE HONOREES RETURN UTEP has nine players returning who have earned All-Conference USA honors in their careers. Miner back Braxton Amy was an honorable mention All-League pick in 2007. WR Jeff Moturi was first team All-Conference USA in 2007 and honorable mention in 2008. OLs Mike Aguayo and Cameron Raschke, WR Kris Adams, DB Cornelius Brown, DB Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith, P Kyle Petersen and QB Trevor Vittatoe were all appointed honorable mention All-Conference USA following the ’08 campaign. DEMANDING SLATE IN ‘09 The Miners will play six of their first nine games against teams that went to bowls last season. UTEP kicks off the 2009 campaign with back-to-back home games versus Buffalo (Sept. 5) and Kansas (Sept. 12). The Miners will complete their non-conference slate with trips to I-10 rival New Mexico State (Sept. 19) and Texas (Sept. 26). UTEP’s first three Conference USA games are all against ‘08 bowl teams -- versus Houston (Oct. 3), at Memphis (Oct. 10) and against Tulsa (Oct. 21). Three of the Miners’ four games in the month of November are on the road in consecutive weeks against Tulane (Nov. 7), SMU (Nov. 14) and Rice (Nov. 21). UTEP has seven games scheduled versus teams that ended the 2008 campaign in bowls. Marshall, Memphis and UAB return to the Miners’ conference schedule for the first time since 2006. 28TH SEASON FOR PRICE UTEP’s Mike Price is 159-152 in his 28th season as a collegiate head coach, including 30-30 in his sixth year at the helm of the Miner program. He has coached seven bowl teams during a career
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that has taken him to Weber State, Washington State and UTEP, including two with the Miners (2004 Houston, 2005 GMAC). UTEP’s 30 wins under Price are the most for the Miners in a five-year span in the modern era of football at the school. 2008 IN REVIEW Following an 0-3 start, the Miners won five of their last nine games to finish 5-7. UTEP split its first 10 contests but closed out the year with losses at Houston (42-37) and East Carolina (53-21) to miss qualifying for a bowl by one victory. The Miners lost three games by five points or less to New Mexico State (34-33), Rice (49-44) and Houston. UTEP faced seven teams that ended the year in bowls (Buffalo, Texas, Southern Miss, Tulsa, Rice, Houston, East Carolina), and played an eighth game versus Louisiana-Lafayette that was bowl eligible at 6-6. FINAL 2008 NATIONAL RANKINGS UTEP ranked in the top 50 nationally last season in turnover margin (tied for 10th/1.00), passing offense (14th/284.2 ypg), passing efficiency (24th/142.56), scoring offense (25th/32.9 ppg), total offense (31st/406.5 ypg) and net punting (45th/36.0 avg.). Individually, WR Kris Adams was 34th in receiving yards per game (79.8) and tied for 67th in scoring (7.0 ppg), DB Cornelius Brown was tied for 96th in interceptions (0.3 avg.), WR Jeff Moturi was tied for 96th in receptions per game (4.3), Kyle Petersen was 19th in punting (43.0 avg.), and QB Trevor Vittatoe was 20th in passing efficiency (146.39) and total offense (270.3 ypg).
ADAMS AND MOTURI FORM DYNAMIC DUO Kris Adams and Jeff Moturi combined to make 101 catches for 1,613 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. After Moturi burst onto the scene in 2007 (65 receptions-891 yards-13 TDs), it was Adams’ turn to emerge in ‘08. He racked up 958 yards on 50 catches with 14 scores. Adams had five 100-yard receiving games in 2008, including in each of the last three contests. Adams’ 14 touchdown catches in ‘08 marked the second-best seasonal total in school history behind Lee Mays’ 15 in 2000. With 23 combined TD catches, Adams and Moturi tied for the nation’s fourth-top total among duos last season. Rice’s Jarett Dillard (20) and James Casey (13) had 33 TD catches combined, Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree (19) and Eric Morris (9) had 28 combined and Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham (14) and Juaquin Iglesias (10) had 24 combined. UTEP HAS BEEN EXPLOSIVE OFFENSIVELY UNDER PRICE UTEP has averaged 32.3 points, 284.8 yards passing and 403.2 yards of offense in 60 games under coach Mike Price. The Miners have had more 30-point games (38) and 40-point games (17) under Price than any coach in school history. UTEP is one of only five schools to finish in the nation’s top-30 in passing offense in each of the last five seasons (joining BYU, Hawaii, Houston and Texas Tech), and one of only seven schools to finish in the top-40 in scoring offense every year since 2004 (joining Boise State, Nevada, Texas, Texas Tech, Tulsa and USC). Here is a look at UTEP’s annual offensive national rankings under Price: Category Passing offense Scoring offense Total offense
2004 29 11 42
2005 9 33 31
2006 5 38 39
2007 26 26 36
2008 14 25 31
Offense
‘A’ Wide Receiver 6 Jeff Moturi 19 Evan Davis 5 James Thomas II
6-0 6-1 5-11
190 185 190
SR JR JR
Irving, Texas Los Angeles, Calif. Palestine, Texas
Left Tackle 71 Mike Aguayo 73 Britt Mitchell 75 Lance Evbuomwan
6-4 6-7 6-4
300 305 285
SR FR JR
Lakewood, Calif. Roscoe, Texas Mentone, Calif.
Left Guard 78 Cameron Raschke
6-4
SR
Kerrville, Texas
65 77
6-4 6-4
310 -OR315 285
JR FR
Lancaster, Texas Crosby, Texas
JR
Chandler, Ariz.
FR SR
Los Fresnos, Texas El Paso, Texas
JR SR SO
Arlington, Texas Keller, Texas Spring, Texas
Anthony McNac Paul Santillan
Center 79 Tanner Cullumber
6-4
63 72
6-3 6-3
280 -OR285 330
6-3 6-4 6-4
310 305 275
Eloy Atkinson Daniel Garcia
Right Guard 74 Rod Huntley 64 Colby Meek 60 Nathan McCage Right Tackle 54 Will Osolinsky
6-8
70 61
Alex Solot Deryck Beveridge
Tight End 36 Jonny Moore 85 Elijah Goldtrap 89 Geoff Amato
JR
Phoenix, Ariz.
6-8 6-8
280 -OR320 305
JR FR
Tucson, Ariz. Lakeside, Calif.
6-5 6-5 6-2
250 260 235
JR JR JR
San Antonio, Texas Los Angeles, Calif. El Paso, Texas
Quarterback 10 Trevor Vittatoe 15 Kyle Wright
6-2 6-1
5 11
5-11 6-4
James Thomas II Tim Curry
215 200 -OR190 215
JR SR
Bedford, Texas Santa Rosa, Calif.
JR FR
Palestine, Texas Elysian Fields, Texas
Tailback 3 Donald Buckram 20 Vernon Frazier 34 Jason Williams
5-10 5-7 5-10
195 165 210
JR SO JR
Copperas Cove, Texas Duncanville, Texas Tyler, Texas
‘X’ Wide Receiver 9 Tufick Shadrawy 84 Donavon Kemp 1 Jeken Frye
6-2 6-1 5-10
195 190 160
SR SO FR
Arlington, Texas DeSoto, Texas El Paso, Texas
‘Z’ Wide Receiver 2 Kris Adams 18 Russell Carr
6-3 6-2
JR SO
Fort Worth, Texas Chino Hills, Calif.
7
6-5
195 200 -OR230
JR
National City, Calif.
Pierce Hunter
Left End 90 Aaron King 99 Chris Moore
Miners Coast-to-Coast
Defense 6-4 6-2
250 260
SR SR
Houston, Texas Houston, Texas
Nose Tackle 95 Steve Riddick 93 Tory Robinson
5-11 6-3
275 285
SR SR
El Paso, Texas San Diego, Calif.
Right End 13 Robert Soleyjacks 46 Bernard Obi
6-2 6-2
250 235
JR SO
Amarillo, Texas Pearland, Texas
Left Side Linebacker 26 Roddray Walker 11 Anthony Morrow 42 Greg Holleman
6-1 6-0 6-0
220 220 215
SR JR SO
Schertz, Texas Fallbrook, Calif. Lubbock, Texas
Middle Linebacker 17 Brian Wilkins 8 Jeremy Springer
6-2 6-3
SR SO
Tustin, Calif. Los Fresnos, Texas
24
6-0
240 220 -OR225
SO
Perris, Calif.
6-1 6-2 5-11
220 215 230
SO JR JR
Missouri City, Texas Converse, Texas Port Arthur, Texas
Miner 23 Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith 6-2 29 Wiston Jeune 6-3
210 205
SR JR
Riverside, Calif. Malden, Mass.
Left Safety 1 Clarence Ward 14 Braxton Amy
190 210
SR SR
La Marque, Texas Richmond, Texas
Jamie Irving
Right Side Linebacker 52 Royzell Smith 38 Isaiah Carter 27 Eric Reynolds
Right Safety 2 DeShawn Grayson 28 Martel Strange
6-0 6-0 6-0 5-10
190 190
FR JR
Riverside, Calif. Palm Springs, Calif.
Left Cornerback 4 Melvin Stephenson II 21 Dustin Bell
5-10 5-11
185 180
SR SR
Grand Prairie, Texas Dallas, Texas
Right Cornerback 47 Cornelius Brown 30 Antwon Blake
6-0 5-10
200 180
SR SO
Houston, Texas Jacksonville, Fla.
Special teams Punter 98 Greg Hiett
6-5
15
6-4
Kyle Petersen
Kicker 20 Logan Barrett 39 Mike Scott 49 Kevin Lopez Kickoffs 20 Logan Barrett 15 Kyle Petersen Holder 15 Kyle Wright 9 Tufick Shadrawy
225 -OR235
SR
San Antonio, Texas
JR
Alta Loma, Calif.
6-1 6-1 6-0
175 150 180
FR SO SO
Kennedale, Texas El Paso, Texas El Paso, Texas
6-1 6-4
175 235
FR JR
Kennedale, Texas Alta Loma, Calif.
6-1 6-2
200 195
SR SR
Santa Rosa, Calif. Arlington, Texas
Kick Snapper 89 Geoff Amato 57 Matt Camilli
6-2 6-4
235 235
JR SO
El Paso, Texas Las Cruces, N.M.
Kickoff Returners 6 Jeff Moturi 3 Donald Buckram
6-0 5-10
190 195
SR JR
Irving, Texas Copperas Cove, Texas
Punt Returners 6 Jeff Moturi 21 Dustin Bell
6-0 5-11
190 180
SR SR
Irving, Texas Dallas, Texas
1 1 2 2
28 3
1 73
Arizona (3)
Tanner Cullumber (Chandler) Will Osolinsky (Phoenix) Alex Solot (Tucson)
California (28)
Mike Aguayo (Lakewood) Deryck Beveridge (Lakeside) Russell Carr (Chino Hills) Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith (Riverside) Chancey Dariso (Oceanside) Evan Davis (Los Angeles) Lance Evbuomwan (Mentone) Jamie Fehoko (Hayward) Martin Garcia (Covina) Elijah Goldtrap (Los Angeles) Landon Goodwell (West Covina) DeShawn Grayson (Riverside) Giovanni Guerra (West Covina) Pierce Hunter (National City) Jamie Irving (Perris) Anthony Morrow (Fallbrook) Leilyon Myers (Compton) Ken Paolinelli (Madera) Kyle Petersen (Alta Loma) Tory Robinson (San Diego) Josh Scott (Highland) Richard Spencer (Moreno Valley) Martel Strange (Palm Springs) Corey Trisby (San Diego) Christian Van Dyke (Fairfield) Chris Vassell (Sacramento) Brian Wilkins (Tustin) Kyle Wright (Santa Rosa)
1
1
Canada (1)
Brander Craighead (Ottawa, Ontario)
Florida (1)
Antwon Blake (Jacksonville)
Illinois (2)
Justin Hickman (Chicago) Drew Thomas (Chicago)
Louisiana (1)
Kevin Perry (Opelousas)
Massachusetts (1) Wiston Jeune (Malden)
New Mexico (1)
Matt Camilli (Las Cruces)
Ohio (1)
Brandon Miller (Cincinnati)
Oregon (1)
Elliott O'Bryan (Albany)
Texas (73)
Saul Adame (El Paso) Kris Adams (Fort Worth) Aubrey Alexius (Cypress) Geoff Amato (El Paso) Braxton Amy (Richmond) Jessie Arenas (El Paso) Eloy Atkinson (Los Fresnos)
1 1 Adam Ayala (Huntsville) Joe Banyard (Sweetwater) Logan Barrett (Kennedale) Dustin Bell (Dallas) Cornelius Brown (Houston) Joe Brown (El Paso) Donald Buckram (Copperas Cove) Marcus Calhoun (El Paso) Ray Calhoun (El Paso) Isaiah Carter (Converse) Sean Clark (Austin) Austin Contreras (El Paso) Tim Curry (Elysian Fields) James Davidson (Huntsville) Michael Farrar (El Paso) Vernon Frazier (Duncanville) Wayne Frazier (Refugio) Jeken Frye (El Paso) Daniel Garcia (El Paso) Sonny Garcia (Canutillo) Greg Hiett (San Antonio) Greg Holleman (Lubbock) Rod Huntley (Arlington) Donavon Kemp (DeSoto) Aaron King (Houston) Julio Lopez (El Paso) Kevin Lopez (El Paso) Nathan McCage (Spring) Andy McCloud (The Woodlands) Marlon McClure (Tenaha) Montreyle McCormick (Arlington) Anthony McNac (Lancaster) Colby Meek (Keller)
Carson Meger (Plano) Britt Mitchell (Roscoe) Chris Moore (Houston) Jonny Moore (San Antonio) Jeff Moturi (Irving) Ruben Munoz (El Paso) Mario Nunez (El Paso) Bernard Obi (Pearland) Charles Ofili (Houston) Jo Jo Ortiz (El Paso) Daniel Palmer (College Station) Cameron Raschke (Kerrville) Germad Reed (Lutkin) Eric Reynolds (Port Arthur) Steve Riddick (El Paso) Nick Sampson (Houston) Paul Santillan (Crosby) Mike Scott (El Paso) Tufick Shadrawy (Arlington) Austin Shaffer (Odessa) Royzell Smith (Missouri City) Robert Soleyjacks (Amarillo) Jeremy Springer (Los Fresnos) Melvin Stephenson II (Grand Prairie) Isaac Tauaefa (Lake Dallas) James Thomas II (Palestine) Trevor Vittatoe (Bedford) Roddray Walker (Schertz) Clarence Ward (La Marque) Greg Watkins (Katy) Craig Wenrick (Flower Mound) Jason Williams (Tyler) Lavorick Williams (Odessa)
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2009 Roster
No. Name
Numerical
No. Name 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 9 10 11 11 11 12 13 13 14 15 15 16 17 17 18 18 19 20 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 25 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 31 32 33 33 34 35 35 36 37 38
Clarence Ward Kris Adams DeShawn Grayson Donald Buckram Chancey Dariso Melvin Stephenson II Corey Trisby James Thomas II Christian Van Dyke Jeff Moturi Pierce Hunter Andy McCloud Jeremy Springer Justin Hickman Tufick Shadrawy Trevor Vittatoe Tim Curry Anthony Morrow Drew Thomas Nick Sampson Carson Meger Robert Soleyjacks Braxton Amy Kyle Petersen Kyle Wright Jo Jo Ortiz Ray Calhoun Brian Wilkins Russell Carr James Davidson Evan Davis Logan Barrett Vernon Frazier Dustin Bell Daniel Palmer Richard Spencer Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith Jamie Irving Saul Adame Brandon Miller Chris Vassell Roddray Walker Eric Reynolds Martel Strange Wiston Jeune Antwon Blake Marcus Calhoun Austin Contreras Landon Goodwell Sean Clark Giovanni Guerra Jason Williams Martin Garcia Leilyon Myers Jonny Moore Michael Farrar Isaiah Carter
74 | 2009utepFOOTBALL
2009 Roster
Alphabetical
Pos.
DB WR DB RB DB DB QB/WR QB/WR RB WR WR QB LB LB WR QB QB LB DB DB QB DL DB P QB DB DB LB WR DB WR K RB DB RB DB DB LB DB DB WR DB LB DB DB DB DB DB DL RB LB RB LB RB TE RB LB
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Cl.-Exp.
25 Saul Adame DB 5-10 185 JR-0L 2 Kris Adams WR 6-3 195 JR-2L 71 Mike Aguayo OL 6-4 300 SR-3L 48 Aubrey Alexius LB 6-0 200 FR-HS 89 Geoff Amato TE 6-2 235 JR-1L 14 Braxton Amy DB 6-0 210 SR-2L 55 Jessie Arenas LB 6-0 200 FR-HS 63 Eloy Atkinson OL 6-3 285 FR-RS 92 Adam Ayala DL 6-5 265 FR-HS 43 Joe Banyard RB 6-1 200 SO-0L 20 Logan Barrett K 6-1 175 FR-RS 21 Dustin Bell DB 5-11 180 SR-1L 61 Deryck Beveridge OL 6-8 305 FR-RS 30 Antwon Blake DB 5-10 180 SO-1L 47 Cornelius Brown DB 6-0 195 SR-3L 67 Joe Brown OL 6-1 265 FR-HS 3 Donald Buckram RB 5-10 195 JR-2L 31 Marcus Calhoun DB 6-0 165 FR-HS 17 Ray Calhoun DB 5-11 165 FR-HS 57 Matt Camilli LS 6-4 235 SO-0L 18 Russell Carr WR 6-2 200 SO-1L 38 Isaiah Carter LB 6-2 215 JR-2L 33 Sean Clark RB 5-6 190 JR-0L 31 Austin Contreras DB 5-10 190 JR-1L 58 Brander Craighead OL 6-6 265 FR-HS 23 Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith DB 6-2 210 SR-3L 79 Tanner Cullumber OL 6-4 280 JR-1L 11 Tim Curry QB 6-4 215 FR-RS 3 Chancey Dariso DB 5-10 185 JR-0L 18 James Davidson DB 6-2 215 FR-HS 19 Evan Davis WR 6-1 185 JR-2L 75 Lance Evbuomwan OL 6-4 285 JR-TR 37 Michael Farrar RB 5-7 200 SO-0L 59 Jamie Fehoko DL 6-2 280 JR-TR 20 Vernon Frazier RB 5-7 165 SO-1L 66 Wayne Frazier OL 6-3 315 FR-HS 83 Jeken Frye WR 5-10 160 FR-RS 72 Daniel Garcia OL 6-3 330 SR-0L 35 Martin Garcia LB 5-10 200 SR-0L 68 Sonny Garcia OL 6-4 260 FR-HS 85 Elijah Goldtrap TE 6-5 260 JR-2L 32 Landon Goodwell DL 6-2 245 SR-3L 2 DeShawn Grayson DB 6-0 190 FR-HS 33 Giovanni Guerra LB 6-0 215 SR-0L 9 Justin Hickman LB 6-3 285 SO-TR 98 Greg Hiett P 6-5 225 SR-1L 42 Greg Holleman LB 6-0 215 SO-1L 7 Pierce Hunter WR 6-5 230 JR-2L 74 Rod Huntley OL 6-3 310 JR-2L 24 Jamie Irving LB 6-0 225 SO-1L 29 Wiston Jeune DB 6-3 205 JR-TR 84 Donavon Kemp WR 6-1 190 SO-1L 90 Aaron King DL 6-4 250 SR-1L 80 Julio Lopez WR 5-11 175 FR-TR 49 Kevin Lopez K 6-0 180 SO-OL 60 Nathan McCage OL 6-4 275 SO-0L 8 Andy McCloud QB 6-2 200 FR-HS
Hometown (High School/Previous School)
El Paso, Texas (Clint) Fort Worth, Texas (Everman) Lakewood, Calif. (Los Alamitos) Cypress, Texas (Cy Springs) El Paso, Texas (Americas) Richmond, Texas (Foster) El Paso, Texas (Bel Air) Los Fresnos, Texas (Los Fresnos) Huntsville, Texas (Huntsville) Sweetwater, Texas (Sweetwater) Kennedale, Texas (Kennedale) Dallas, Texas (Wilmer Hutchins/Bakersfield College) Lakeside, Calif. (El Capitan) Jacksonville, Fla. (Thurgood Marshall) Houston, Texas (Forest Brook) El Paso, Texas (Chapin) Copperas Cove, Texas (Copperas Cove) El Paso, Texas (Austin) El Paso, Texas (Austin) Las Cruces, N.M. (Mayfield) Chino Hills, Calif. (Don Antonio Lugo) Converse, Texas (Judson) Austin, Texas (McNeil) El Paso, Texas (Americas) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Mother Teresa Catholic School/ Fork Union Military Academy) Riverside, Calif. (Rancho Verde) Chandler, Ariz. (Hamilton) Elysian Fields, Texas (Elysian Fields) Oceanside, Calif. (Oceanside) Huntsville, Texas (Huntsville) Los Angeles, Calif. (Oceanside) Mentone, Calif. (East Valley/Bakersfield JC) El Paso, Texas (Andress) Hayward, Calif. (Mt. Eden/College of San Mateo) Duncanville, Texas (Duncanville) Refugio, Texas (Refugio) El Paso, Texas (Irvin) El Paso, Texas (Franklin) Covina, Calif. (South Hills) Canutillo, Texas (Canutillo) Los Angeles, Calif. (Serrano) West Covina, Calif. (Rio Hondo Prep) Riverside, Calif. (Rancho Verde) West Covina, Calif. (South Hills/College of the Desert) Chicago, Ill. (Hubbard/College of DuPage) San Antonio, Texas (William Howard Taft) Lubbock, Texas (Monterrey) National City, Calif. (Bonita Vista) Arlington, Texas (Sam Houston) Perris, Calif. (Citrus Hill) Malden, Mass. (Malden/Moorpark JC) DeSoto, Texas (DeSoto) Houston, Texas (Elsik/Bakersfield College) El Paso,Texas (Montwood/New Mexico State) El Paso, Texas (Chapin) Spring, Texas (Klein Collins) The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands)
No. Name 86 39 65 64 13 25 73 99 36 11 6 76 35 41 46 87 97 16 54 22 40 82 15 78 61 27 95 93 12 77 98 39 9 45 52 13 70 22 8 4 28 91 11 5 4 5 25 10 26 1 44 81 17 34 88 15
Marlon McClure Montreyle McCormick Anthony McNac Colby Meek Carson Meger Brandon Miller Britt Mitchell Chris Moore Jonny Moore Anthony Morrow Jeff Moturi Ruben Munoz Leilyon Myers Mario Nunez Bernard Obi Elliott O’Bryan Charles Ofili Jo Jo Ortiz Will Osolinsky Daniel Palmer Ken Paolinelli Kevin Perry Kyle Petersen Cameron Raschke Germad Reed Eric Reynolds Steve Riddick Tory Robinson Nick Sampson Paul Santillan Josh Scott Mike Scott Tufick Shadrawy Austin Shaffer Royzell Smith Robert Soleyjacks Alex Solot Richard Spencer Jeremy Springer Melvin Stephenson II Martel Strange Isaac Tauaefa Drew Thomas James Thomas II Corey Trisby Christian Van Dyke Chris Vassell Trevor Vittatoe Roddray Walker Clarence Ward Greg Watkins Craig Wenrick Brian Wilkins Jason Williams Lavorick Williams Kyle Wright
Pos.
WR DB OL OL QB DB OL DL TE LB WR DL RB DL DL TE DL DB OL RB TE TE P OL DL LB DL DL DB OL LB K WR DL LB DL OL DB LB DB DB DL DB QB/WR QB/WR RB WR QB LB DB LB TE LB RB WR QB
Ht.
5-9 5-10 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-7 6-2 6-5 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-8 5-10 6-3 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-8 6-2 6-3 5-10 5-10 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-2 5-9 5-10 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-5 6-5 6-2 5-10 6-3 6-1
Wt. 160 180 315 305 195 200 305 260 250 220 190 270 225 210 235 205 285 190 280 210 235 225 235 310 240 230 275 285 200 285 210 150 195 285 220 250 320 200 220 185 190 260 175 190 195 190 200 215 220 190 220 235 240 210 200 200
Cl.-Exp. FR-HS FR-HS JR-2L SR-3L FR-HS JR-TR FR-RS SR-3L JR-2L JR-2L SR-3L FR-RS SO-TR FR-RS SO-1L FR-HS SR-0L SR-1L JR-2L SO-1L JR-TR FR-HS JR-2L SR-3L FR-HS JR-2L SR-3L SR-1L SO-1L FR-RS FR-RS SO-0L SR-3L FR-RS SO-1L JR-2L JR-1L FR-HS SO-1L SR-3L JR-1L FR-TR FR-RS JR-2L FR-HS JR-TR JR-0L JR-2L SR-1L SR-1L FR-RS FR-HS SR-3L JR-2L SO-TR SR-2L
Hometown (High School/Previous School)
Tenaha, Texas (Tenaha) Arlington, Texas (Arlington Martin) Lancaster, Texas (Lancaster) Keller, Texas (Keller) Plano, Texas (Plano) Cincinnati, Ohio (Withrow/Bakersfield JC) Roscoe, Texas (Roscoe/Oklahoma) Houston, Texas (Jersey Village) San Antonio, Texas (John Marshall) Fallbrook, Calif. (Union) Irving, Texas (MacArthur) El Paso, Texas (Eastwood) Compton, Calif. (Lynnwood/Palomar JC) Tornillo, Texas (Tornillo) Pearland, Texas (Pearland) Albany, Ore. (West Albany) Houston, Texas (Eisenhower/N.M. Military Institute) El Paso, Texas (Eastwood) Phoenix, Ariz. (North Canyon) College Station, Texas (A&M Consolidated) Madera, Calif. (Madera/Reedley College) Opelousas, La. (Houston Westbury Christian) Alta Loma, Calif. (South Hills) Kerrville, Texas (Tivy) Lufkin, Texas (Lufkin) Port Arthur, Texas (Memorial) El Paso, Texas (Chapin) San Diego, Calif. (Mt. Miguel/Southwestern College) Houston, Texas (Westfield) Crosby, Texas (Crosby) Highland, Calif. (Redlands East Valley) El Paso, Texas (Franklin) Arlington, Texas (Sam Houston) Odessa, Texas (Permian) Missouri City, Texas (Thurgood Marshall) Amarillo, Texas (Highland Park) Tucson, Ariz. (Rincon) Moreno Valley, Calif. (Rancho Verde) Los Fresnos, Texas (Los Fresnos) Grand Prairie, Texas (South) Palm Springs, Calif. (Cathedral City [Texas]) Lake Dallas, Texas (Lake Dallas/Air Force Prep) Chicago, Ill. (Ottawa Township) Palestine, Texas (Thurgood Marshall) San Diego, Calif. (Herbert Hoover) Fairfield, Calif. (Rodriguez/Texas Southern) Sacramento, Calif. (Christian Brothers) Bedford, Texas (Trinity) Schertz, Texas (Samuel Clemens/N.M. Military Institute) La Marque, Texas (La Marque/Santa Rosa JC) Katy, Texas (Cypress Springs) Flower Mound, Texas (Flower Mound) Tustin, Calif. (Tustin) Tyler, Texas (Robert E. Lee) Odessa, Texas (Permian/New Mexico State) Santa Rosa, Calif. (Cardinal Newman)
Numerical
39 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 52 54 55 57 58 59 60 61 61 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 95 97 98 98 99
Montreyle McCormick Mike Scott Ken Paolinelli Mario Nunez Greg Holleman Joe Banyard Greg Watkins Austin Shaffer Bernard Obi Cornelius Brown Aubrey Alexius Kevin Lopez Royzell Smith Will Osolinsky Jessie Arenas Matt Camilli Brander Craighead Jamie Fehoko Nathan McCage Deryck Beveridge Germad Reed Eloy Atkinson Colby Meek Anthony McNac Wayne Frazier Joe Brown Sonny Garcia Jessie Gonzalez Alex Solot Mike Aguayo Daniel Garcia Britt Mitchell Rod Huntley Lance Evbuomwan Ruben Munoz Paul Santillan Cameron Raschke Tanner Cullumber Craig Wenrick Kevin Perry Jeken Frye Donavon Kemp Elijah Goldtrap Marlon McClure Elliott O’Bryan Lavorick Williams Geoff Amato Aaron King Isaac Tauaefa Adam Ayala Tory Robinson Steve Riddick Charles Ofili Greg Hiett Josh Scott Chris Moore
DB K TE DL LB RB LB DL DL DB LB K LB OL LB LS OL DL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL OL OL TE TE WR WR TE WR TE WR TE DL DL DL DL DL DL P LB DL
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mike Price Introduced as UTEP's 24th head football coach on Dec. 21, 2003, Price has exceeded expectations by taking the Miners to heights not seen in many years.
F
ormer National Coach of the Year Mike Price has presided over the winningest five-year period in the modern era of UTEP football. The Miners have posted 30 victories over the last five seasons and annually ranked among the nation’s most prolific offensive teams. UTEP hadn’t posted 30 or more victories in a five-year period since going 31-17 from 1954-58. Under Price’s direction UTEP has appeared in a pair of bowl games, earned national top-25 rankings in the month of November twice and had 40 All-Conference selections. UTEP had three first team All-Conference USA picks following the 2008 season, tying for the top total in the league with Rice, Southern Miss, Tulsa and UAB. Center Robby Felix, kicker Jose Martinez and linebacker Adam Vincent were all honored, and Josh Ferguson was a second team All-Conference USA choice as a punt returner. The Miners recovered from an 0-3 start to finish 5-7 and a win shy of bowl eligibility. UTEP was 4-4 in Conference USA play with two losses by five points. The Miners fell 49-44 to Rice and had a 19-point lead at Houston late in the third quarter before the Cougars rallied for a 42-37 victory.
UTEP faced one of the most demanding schedules in school history last year, squaring off with seven teams that ended the season in bowls (Buffalo, Texas, Southern Miss, Tulsa, Rice, Houston, East Carolina). An eighth opponent, Louisiana-Lafayette, was bowl-eligible. The Miners went up against some of the most potent offensive teams in the land, facing seven teams ranked in the top-35 nationally in scoring offense: Tulsa (second), Texas (fifth), Rice (eighth), Houston (10th), LouisianaLafayette (24th), Southern Miss (31st) and Buffalo (34th). UTEP, meanwhile, ended the year rated 25th in the NCAA in scoring offense (32.9 ppg) and 31st in total offense (406.5 ypg). Leading the charge for the Miners was Vittatoe, who set a school record by throwing 33 touchdown passes. UTEP had an explosive receiving tandem in sophomore Kris Adams and junior Jeff Moturi, who teamed to make 101 catches for 1,613 yards and 23 touchdowns. Martinez was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award for the second year in a row and nailed a 64-yard field goal against UCF, the second-longest without a tee in NCAA history. He was tied for sixth in the nation in field goals (1.7 avg.) and 16th in scoring (8.8 ppg) at season’s end. Price’s young 2007 Miners finished 4-8, but were just eight points shy of being bowl-eligible as they dropped three games by a total of 11 points. Following a 4-2 start -- including a thrilling 48-47 win over eventual Conference USA Western Division champion Tulsa -- UTEP ended the season on a six-game losing streak. Four of the six losses came at the hands of teams that ended the year in bowls.
UTEP also dropped a tough 34-33 decision to rival New Mexico State in the Sun Bowl, a game in which the Miners lost their starting quarterback (Trevor Vittatoe), leading rusher (Terrell Jackson) and no. 2 receiver (Jeff Moturi) due to injuries. 76 | 2009utepFOOTBALL
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Other highlights from the 2007 campaign included UTEP knocking off New Mexico, which went on to post nine victories and shut out Nevada in the New Mexico Bowl. The Miners also set school records for total offense (5,074 yards) and kickoff return yards (1,327) while tying the school standard with five 40 point games. It was the most 40-point games for UTEP in 57 years.
Palmer ended his senior The season was chock- UTEP ended 2008 rated 25th in the NCAA in year rated sixth in the full of individual country in total offense scoring offense (32.9 ppg) and 31st in achievements. Quintin total offense (406.5 ypg). (292.4 ypg) and 15th Demps set an NCAA in passing efficiency record by recording two (149.60). He compiled 100-yard interception returns for touchdowns -- one at 88 touchdown passes and 11,084 yards passing during New Mexico State and another at UCF. Martinez was UTEP’s his Miner career. Palmer joined Higgins in the 2007 Under first-ever Lou Groza Award finalist. Moturi tied the school Armour Senior Bowl, where he was the leading passer for record by making a touchdown catch in 10 consecutive the South team. games. Marcus Thomas became only the fourth player in school history to score 100 points in a season, and Higgins became UTEP’s first All-American in six years in established a school standard with five straight 100-yard 2006, earning distinction by both the American Football rushing games. His 16 rushing touchdowns tied for the Coaches Association (AFCA) and the Associated Press. He most by a UTEP player since 1948. He also tied the school was second nationally in receiving yards (109.9 avg.) and record for most 100-yard rushing games in a season with third in all-purpose yards (156.1 avg.). Higgins was chosen seven. Vittatoe set school freshman records for passing the 2006 Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Year after leading the circuit in punt returns (23.4 avg.). yards (3,101) and passing touchdowns (25).
“
Coach Price treats everyone the same, whether you’re the starting quarterback or a walk-on. He gets to know you and helps you out any way he can. He promotes a friendly atmosphere and makes football fun.”
At year’s end, UTEP joined Southern Miss and UCF as the only schools with at least four first team All-Conference USA players. The Miners’ first team selections were Demps, Martinez, Moturi and offensive lineman OnielCousins.
– Jo Jo Ortiz, Junio r Defensive Back
“
Coach Price is a real players coach. He wants you to excel on the football field, but more importantly he wants you to succeed in the classroom and become the best person that you can be.”
78 | 2009utepFOOTBALL
The 2006 Miners were fifth in the nation in passing offense (312.8 ypg), 18th in passing efficiency (149.25), 38th in scoring offense (27.3 ppg) and 39th in total offense (370.4 ypg). Leading the aerial assault were Jordan Palmer and Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jr., who concluded their careers as UTEP’s all-time leading passer and receiver respectively.
-- Eloy Atkinson, Freshman Offensive Lineman
The Miners ranked 15th nationally in punt returns (13.6 avg.), 17th in turnover margin (0.75), tied for 20th in turnovers gained (29), tied for 21st in interceptions (18), 26th in passing offense (275.2 ypg) and scoring offense (33.6 ppg), 31st in passing efficiency (134.95) and 36th in total offense (422.8 ypg). Individually, Braxton Amy tied for 41st nationally in tackles (9.3 avg.). Demps was 15th in punt returns (13.3 avg.) and tied for 28th in interceptions (0.4 avg.). Martinez tied for 31st in field goals (1.4 avg.). Moturi was 47th in receiving yards per game (74.3). Thomas was ninth in scoring (9.8 ppg) and 26th in rushing (106 ypg). Vittatoe was 32nd in passing efficiency (135.87) and 43rd in total offense (247.4 ypg).
With the electric Higgins leading the way, UTEP was second in the country in punt returns (20.0 avg.) in 2006. UTEP led Conference USA by having five first team allleague selections in both the ‘06 media and coaches’ voting. The media honorees were Higgins (as a wide receiver and punt returner), linebacker Troy Collavo, Demps and placekicker Reagan Schneider. The coaches’ picks were Collavo, Demps, Higgins, Schneider and long snapper Aaron King. In the first two seasons under Price, the Miners racked up 16 wins and appeared in back-to-back bowl games for the first time in 50 years, while earning rankings in both top25 polls late in the season. The 2005 Miners rated ninth nationally in passing offense (300.6 ypg), 31st in total offense (422.8 ypg), and 33rd in passing efficiency (136.82) and scoring offense (31.8 ppg). In its first year as a member of Conference USA, UTEP led the league in passing offense and ranked second in scoring offense.
Ten Miners earned all-conference accolades in both 2004 and 2005. In 2004, linebacker Robert Rodriguez was chosen the Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Highlights from the 2005 season included UTEP setting a school record for consecutive home wins with nine. The Miners shattered school records for total home attendance (287,394) and average home attendance (47,899). UTEP has posted 19 victories in the Sun Bowl under Price, while averaging more than 41,000 fans in the 51,500-seat stadium. The Miners set the school season record for first downs (270) in 2005. Palmer was 16th in the country in total offense (287.8 ypg) and 25th in passing efficiency (140.54). Several other Miners rated among the nation’s best at their respective positions in 2005. Linebacker Thomas Howard was appointed the preseason defensive player of the year in the state of Texas by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine. He was chosen in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. Wide receiver Chris Francies was 46th in the NCAA in receiving yards per game (77.4). Linebacker Jeremy Jones was 14th in tackles (10.8 per game), and tied for 15th in forced fumbles (0.3 per game). Schneider was 21st in field goals per game (1.5) and tied for 36th in scoring (7.9 ppg), and Higgins was 43rd in punt returns (9.4 avg.). In his first season with the Miners Price, the 1997 National Coach of the Year, engineered the nation’s most amazing turnaround. UTEP posted an 8-4 record and earned a bid to the EV1.net Houston Bowl following three-consecutive two-win campaigns. Price was a finalist for numerous national coach of the year awards in 2004, including the Eddie Robinson Award and Paul “Bear” Bryant Award. He was tabbed the Region 4 Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), and was named the first-year coach of the year by Scripps and the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA). Not only did Price enjoy a great deal of success in his initial year at UTEP, but he also put the Miner football program on the national map. Writers from the Albuquerque Journal, Arizona Republic, Dallas Morning News, Denver Post, ESPN The Magazine, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News and USA Today paid visits to the UTEP campus during the season. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit and a GameDay crew led by Tom Rinaldi also checked in with the Miners. The achievements on the field were extraordinary. UTEP earned rankings in both national polls (Associated Press, ESPN/USA Today) for the first time in
“
Good coaching is an understatement. He does everything for the players’ best interest. He is definitely a players’ coach. He not only focuses on the talent on the field, but also emphasizes the importance of our education and family.
-- JOHNNIE LEE HIGGINS (2003-06) Oakland Raiders
school history. UTEP’s highest ranking was 23rd by the Associated Press on Nov. 14. The Miners were also listed in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) standings for the first time in 87 years of football. UTEP won seven straight games late in the season, tying the longest streak in school annals. The Miners also tied the school record for Western Athletic Conference road wins with three, including a 24-21 triumph at Fresno State on Oct. 9. It was the only home defeat of the season for Fresno State, a nine-game winner that beat Virginia in the MPC Computers Bowl. The Miners also routed Hawaii, another 2004 bowl participant, 51-20 in the Sun Bowl. The Miners rated 11th in the country in scoring offense (35.8 points per game), 14th in net punting (38.6 average), 20th in punt returns (13.4 average), 22nd in passing efficiency defense (108.7 rating), 26th in passing efficiency (138.0 rating) and 29th in passing (251.3 yards per game) in 2004. Individually, Bryce Benekos was seventh nationally in punting (44.1 average), DB Jahmal Fenner was 10th in punt returns (15.4 average), DB Adrian Ward was 16th in interceptions (0.4 average), RB Howard Jackson was 14th in allpurpose yardage (149.3 average) and 25th in rushing (98.9 yards per game), Schneider was 24th in scoring (8.1 points per game) and Palmer was 28th in passing efficiency (136.5 rating). First-team All-WAC selections included Benekos, Jackson, Ward, DL Chris Mineo and Rodriguez. Second-team honorees were Schneider, TE Jonas Crafts, WR Jayson Boyd, Higgins and Howard.
UTEP fans immediately embraced Price and his high-flying Miners. UTEP’s average home attendance more than doubled from 20,009 in 2003 to 41,209 in 2004. Price was the head coach at Washington State University from 1989-2002. During his tenure with the Cougars he compiled an 83-78 record, with three 10-win seasons and five bowl appearances. His last two teams at Washington State combined for a 20-5 record (13-3 in the Pac-10 Conference). Price’s 2002 unit was the Pac-10 co-champion with a 7-1 mark, and met Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl. Price was the head coach at Weber State from 1981-88, registering a 4644 record. His career record is 159-152 in 27 years of coaching, with three conference titles. The 2002 Cougars finished 10-3 under Price, including a 30-27 overtime victory over USC. Washington State ranked eighth nationally in rushing defense (87.2 ypg), 13th in passing offense (292.7 ypg), 16th in total offense (421.9 ypg) and 17th in scoring offense (33.2 ppg) at year’s end. The Cougars were second in the Pac-10 in total offense, third in total defense (342.5 ypg), and rated among the national leaders in sacks with 55. Quarterback Jason Gesser tallied a 146.44 passing efficiency rating, seventhbest in the country. He completed 236 of 402 passes for 3,408 yards with 28 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Rodriguez was tabbed the league defensive player of the year after leading the WAC in tackles for the third time in four seasons. Demps was named to the Scripps/FWAA Freshman All-America Team, and was a third team freshman AllAmerican by The Sporting News.
The Cougar defense was anchored by defensive tackle Rien Long, winner of the Outland Trophy and a first team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America. Long totaled 21.5 tackles for losses and 13 sacks in 2002.
The Miners also tied the school record with seven WAC Players of the Week during the season (four defense, two special teams, one offense).
Another standout for the Cougars was defensive back Jason David, who was second in the nation with 0.7 interceptions per game. 2009utepFOOTBALL
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Washington State was 10-2 in 2001, tying for second Weber State fashioned a 7-4 ledger in 1981, Price’s first place in the Pac-10. The Cougars beat Purdue 33-27 in year as a collegiate head coach. The Wildcats lost to the Sun Bowl in El Paso. Price was named the Pac-10 eventual I-AA champion Idaho State in triple overtime. Coach of the Year for the third time, and was one of three finalists for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. Price has had extensive experience coaching in postseason Nineteen Cougars earned All-Pac 10 recognition, and 14 All-Star games. He was the head coach of the West team were selected Academic in the 2003 East-West All-Pac 10. Senior During his 14 years at Washington State Shrine Game. He was Price coached five players who also the West head free safety Lamont Thompson was chosen a were selected in the first round coach in the 1998 of the NFL Draft. first team All-American Hula Bowl. He was the by the Associated Press associate head coach after rating second nationally in interceptions (0.73 per for the West team in the 1995 East-West Shrine Game, and game). the offensive head coach for the North team in the 1993 Kelly Tires Blue-Gray All-Star Football Classic. Price’s 2001 squad ranked 10th in the country in passing offense (300.9 ypg), 13th in scoring offense (35.2 ppg) He previously was an assistant coach at Washington State and 17th in total offense (438.6 ypg). (graduate assistant, 1969-70 and running backs, 197477), Missouri (quarterbacks and receivers, 1978-80) and The 1997 Cougars posted a 10-2 mark, the first 10-win Puget Sound (offensive coordinator, 1971-73). He coached season for Washington State in 68 years. Washington State in three bowl games as an assistant (1978 Liberty, 1979 tied for first place in the Pac-10 with a 7-1 record. Price was Hall of Fame, 1980 Liberty). tabbed the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year, Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year and The Sporting News Coach of the Year. Price played collegiately at Washington State (1965-66) The Cougars dropped a narrow 21-16 decision to eventual and Puget Sound (1967-68), seeing time at quarterback national champion Michigan in the Rose Bowl. and defensive back. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from the Puget Sound in 1969. Price guided Washington State to a 6-5 record in 1989, his He added a master’s degree in physical education from first season at the helm of the program after taking over Washington State in 1970. for Dennis Erickson. He was appointed the Pac-10 Coach of A native of Everett, Wash., Price was an all-conference the Year by The Sporting News that year. quarterback and three-year varsity letterwinner at Everett During his 14 years at Washington State, Price coached High School. five players who were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft – running back Steve Broussard (20th pick by Price is married to the former Joyce Taylor. They have three Atlanta in 1990), quarterback Drew Bledsoe (first pick by children – Eric, Aaron and Angie -- all with football ties. New England in 1993), linebacker Mark Fields (15th pick Eric played football at Weber State and coached under his by New Orleans in 1995), quarterback Ryan Leaf (second father at Washington State and at UTEP. Aaron played at pick by San Diego in 1998) and defensive back Marcus Washington State for two years, is co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks/kickers coach at UTEP. Angie graduated Trufant (11th pick by Seattle in 2003). from Washington State in 1997, and is married to a high Price orchestrated four winning seasons at Weber State, school president. including a 10-3 campaign in 1987. The Wildcats were Big Sky Conference co-champions that year, and reached the quarterfinals of the I-AA playoffs. 80 | 2009utepFOOTBALL
The Mike Price File Born April 6, 1946 (Denver, Colo.) Hometown Everett, Wash.
Education Everett High School, Everett, Wash. B.A. physical education Puget Sound, 1969 M.A. physical education Washington State, 1970 Wife Joyce Children Eric, Aaron, Angie Coaching Career Washington State, 1969-70 Puget Sound, 1971-73 Washington State, 1974-77 Missouri, 1978-80 Weber State, 1981-88 Washington State, 1989-02 UTEP, 2004-Present
Career Head Coaching Record Year School 1981 Weber State 1982 Weber State 1983 Weber State 1984 Weber State 1985 Weber State 1986 Weber State 1987 Weber State 1988 Weber State 1989 Washington State 1990 Washington State 1991 Washington State 1992 Washington State 1993 Washington State 1994 Washington State 1995 Washington State 1996 Washington State 1997 Washington State 1998 Washington State 1999 Washington State 2000 Washington State 2001 Washington State 2002 Washington State 2004 UTEP 2005 UTEP 2006 UTEP 2007 UTEP 2008 UTEP Totals 27 years
Overall W-L 7-4 4-7 6-5 5-6 6-5 3-8 10-3 5-6 6-5 3-8 4-7 9-3 5-6 8-4 3-8 5-6 10-2 3-8 3-9 4-7 10-2 10-3 8-4 8-4 5-7 4-8 5-7 159-152
Home W-L 5-1 3-2 4-1 3-3 3-3 3-2 5-1 4-2 3-2 1-4 2-3 5-1 4-1 3-2 3-2 3-2 6-0 2-4 2-5 1-5 5-1 6-1 5-1 5-1 3-3 3-3 3-3 95-59
Away W-L 2-3 1-5 2-4 2-3 3-2 0-6 5-2 1-4 3-3 2-4 2-4 3-2 1-5 4-2 0-6 2-4 4-1 1-4 1-4 3-2 4-1 4-1 3-2 3-2 2-4 1-5 2-4 61-89
Neut. W-L 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-4
Conference W-L 5-2 – 4th 2-5 – 7th 3-4 – 5th 3-4 – 6th 4-3 – 4th 2-5 – tie 6th 7-1 – tie 1st 4-4 – tie 4th 3-5 – tie 7th 2-6 – 9th 3-5 – tie 6th 5-3 – tie 3rd 3-5 – 6th 5-3 – 4th 2-6 – tie 8th 3-5 – tie 5th 7-1 – tie 1st 0-8 – 10th 1-7 – 10th 2-6 – tie 8th 6-2 – tie 2nd 7-1 – tie 1st 6-2 – 2nd 5-3 – 2nd West 3-5 – 5th West 2-6 - 5th West 4-4-4th West 92-102
Non-Conference W-L 2-2 2-2 3-1 2-2 2-2 1-3 3-2 1-2 3-0 1-2 1-2 3-0 2-1 2-1 1-2 2-1 3-0 3-0 2-2 2-1 3-0 3-1 2-1 3-0 2-2 2-2 1-3 57-37
Bowl Results –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– Copper (defeated Utah 31-28) –– Alamo (defeated Baylor 10-3) –– –– Rose (lost to Michigan 21-16) –– –– –– Sun (defeated Purdue 33-27) Rose (lost to Oklahoma 34-14) Houston (lost to Colorado 33-28) GMAC (lost to Toledo 45-13) __ __ - Bowl Record: 3-4
Head Coach Bowl History 1992 Copper Washington State 31, Utah 28 1994 Alamo Washington State 10, Baylor 3 1998 Rose Michigan 21, Washington State 16 2001 Sun Washington State 33, Purdue 27 2002 Rose Oklahoma 34, Washington State 14 2004 Houston Colorado 33, UTEP 28 2005 GMAC Toledo 45, UTEP 13 Prominent Players Coached Drew Bledsoe - Dallas Steve Broussard - Atlanta Oniel Cousins - Baltimore Quintin Demps - Philadelphia Mark Fields - New Orleans Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jr. - Oakland Thomas Howard - Oakland Ryan Leaf - San Diego Jordan Palmer - Cincinnati Marcus Thomas - San Diego Marcus Trufant - Seattle 2009utepFOOTBALL
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Bob Connelly enjoyed a successful partnership with Mike Price at Washington State earlier this decade before reuniting with him at UTEP for the 2008 season. With Connelly coaching the offensive line and calling the running plays, the 2008 Miners piled up 4,878 yards of offense and averaged 32.9 points per game. Anchoring the line was Robby Felix, who concluded a brilliant college career as a four-year starter at center and a first team All-Conference USA selection. He signed a free agent contract with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens in May of 2009. Injuries took their toll on the line late in the season, but Connelly adjusted accordingly. His patchwork unit still produced 37 points and 464 yards at Houston, as the Miners came within a touchdown of upsetting the Armed Forces Bowl champions. UTEP averaged 36.9 points and 427.5 yards versus Conference USA teams. The Miners had a season-high 277 yards rushing versus New Mexico State when quarterback Trevor Vittatoe went down with an ankle injury early and they were forced to implement an option attack behind shifty signal-caller James Thomas. Connelly has coached in the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl and Cotton Bowl. He has also coached numerous players who have gone on to the NFL, including current pros Wesley Britt (New England), Antoine Caldwell (Houston), Evan Mathis (Cincinnati), Justin Smiley (Miami) and Andre Smith (Cincinnati). Smith was the sixth player selected in the 2009 NFL Draft. Connelly joined the Miners after spending the 2007 season as offensive line coach at UCLA. Connelly helped the Bruins to a Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl appearance in 2007. Among UCLA's victims on the way to a six-win season were nationally ranked BYU, California, Oregon and Oregon State. He was offensive line coach at Alabama from 2003-06. The Crimson Tide appeared in three bowl games during this span, including the 2007 Independence Bowl, 2006 Cotton Bowl and 2004 Music City Bowl. In 2006, running back Kenneth Darby rushed for 835 yards, Smith earned first team Freshman All-America honors and Caldwell was named second team All-SEC.
Connelly was selected one of the nation's Top 25 recruiters by Rivals.com in 2005. Darby was second in the SEC in rushing and became only the fourth back in Alabama history to rush for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. Additionally, Caldwell and guard B.J. Stabler were both appointed to the SEC All-Freshman Team. A pair of Crimson Tide offensive linemen, Britt and Mathis, garnered All-SEC honors in 2004. Alabama finished the '04 campaign ranked 26th nationally in rushing (185.1 ypg) and second in the SEC in fewest sacks allowed. In 2003, Connelly's line led a rushing attack that produced 2,067 yards and two All-SEC linemen. Prior to coaching at Alabama, Connelly was the offensive line coach at Washington State in 2001 and 2002, where he worked under Price. The Cougars posted 10 wins each season, playing in the 2001 Sun Bowl and the 2003 Rose Bowl. The 2002 Cougars allowed just 24 sacks in 424 pass attempts while winning a share of the Pac-10 title. The 2001 squad surrendered 27 sacks in 434 attempts. Derrick Roche – a former UTEP graduate assistant -was a first team All-Pac-10 choice in 2001 and 2002, and Calvin Armstrong was a first team honoree in 2002. A graduate of Newman-Smith High School in Carrollton, Texas, Connelly attended Texas A&M-Commerce, where he was a four-year letterwinner and three-year starter in the offensive line. He was a three-time All-Academic selection, a two-time Academic All-America and garnered All-Conference honors as a junior and senior. He earned his bachelor of science degree in kinesiology and sports studies from Texas A&M-Commerce in 1994, and added a master's degree in health, physical education and recreation from the school in 1995. He started his coaching career as the offensive line and tight ends coach at Texas A&M-Commerce, while finishing his graduate degree. He spent the 1996 and 1997 seasons at Cisco Junior College, again coaching the offensive line and tight ends. He was a graduate assistant at Texas A&M in 1998, helping the Aggies to a Sugar Bowl berth. He coached the offensive line and tight ends at Cal State Northridge in 1999, and the offensive line at San Jose State in 2000. The Spartans rushed for 29 touchdowns in 2000, and the offensive line yielded just 11 sacks in 12 games. Connelly and his wife, Racquel, have two daughters, Taylor (9) and Paige (7).
“He’s probably the smartest football coach I have been around. He knows the way offenses work and how plays are run. He can coach technique as well as scheme. He’s really intense and wants everyone to do his best. He won’t accept anything less than you reaching your full potential. He has an open door policy and he always encourages us to come talk to him about any personal issues that we’re having. He wants us to feel like we’re part of his family.” – Will Osolinsky Junior Offensive Lineman
Osia Lewis • Defensive Coordinator • Second Season • Oregon State ’86
The architect of one of the nation’s top defenses at New Mexico, Osia Lewis (pronounced Oh-say) joined the UTEP staff for the 2008 season. The Miner defense made strides in its first year under the 3-3-5 scheme. UTEP lowered its total defense, rushing defense and scoring defense numbers from 2007, and also raised its sack total by seven from the previous year. The Miners had one of Conference USA’s top linebackers in Adam Vincent, who finished second in the league in tackles with 9.2 per game on his way to earning first team All-League honors. Prior to his first season with the Miners, Lewis coached a team of former college players – including several UTEP standouts – on a tour of Japan. Lewis coached the Lobos’ defensive line from 2003-05, and the linebackers in 2006 and 2007. New Mexico ranked 13th nationally in total defense in 2007, yielding 319.9 yards per game. The Lobos were also 14th in the country in scoring defense (19.0 ppg), 20th in pass defense (197.4 ypg), 26th in rushing defense (122.5 ypg) and 29th in passing efficiency defense (114.22 rating). The Lobos finished 9-4 in 2007 and secured their first bowl win since 1961, thumping Nevada 23-0 in the New Mexico Bowl. Not only did the Lobos produce the only shutout in the 32 bowls, but they also ended the Wolf Pack's streak of 329 consecutive games with a score - the longest active streak in college football. The Wolf Pack hadn't been blanked since suffering a 10-0 loss to Weber State on Sept. 27, 1980. Nevada had entered the New Mexico Bowl averaging 36.2 points and 488.9 yards of offense per game before being limited to 210 total yards by the Lobos. Among Lewis' protégés in 2007 was linebacker Cody Kase, who was chosen to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Team. Three Lobo defenders earned All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2007 -- end Tyler Donaldson and cornerback DeAndre Wright, who were both named to the first team, and end Michael Tuohy, who was a second team choice. Two members of New Mexico’s defensive unit were chosen in the 2009 NFL Draft – safety Glover Quin, who was a fourth round pick by Houston, and Wright, who went to the New York Giants in the sixth round. Lewis also helped the Lobos to bowl appearances in 2003 (Las Vegas), 2004 (Emerald) and 2006 (New Mexico). In 2006 lobo/safety Quincy Black - who was recruited by Lewis from Chicago - earned first team All-Mountain West Conference honors and was chosen in the third round of the NFL Draft by Tampa Bay. Donaldson and Wright each garnered second team all-league recognition.
Lewis was selected to participate in the 2005 NCAA Expert Coaching Program in Indianapolis. The program - which was held prior to the Black Coaches Association Convention - is designed to develop new and innovative coaching approaches by helping coaches develop sound talent evaluation and recruiting systems; strengthen their relationship with players; improve their understanding of practice and game-day strategy; and address off-field issues. New Mexico led the Mountain West Conference in sacks for the fifth year in a row in 2004. The Lobos were also first in the league in rushing defense (108.2 ypg), total defense (323.2 ypg) and scoring defense (18.7 ppg). New Mexico rated 17th nationally in rushing defense, 20th in scoring defense and 25th in total defense. Nose tackle Marcus Parker was appointed first team AllConference, and Tuohy earned third team Freshman All-America honors by The Sporting News. In 2003 New Mexico was fifth in the country in rushing defense with a stellar 86.1 ypg average, its lowest figure since stats became official in 1946. The Lobos were 28th in the NCAA in total defense (334.3 ypg). New Mexico also paced the MWC in rushing defense (86.6 ypg), scoring defense (19.7 ppg) and total defense (278.9 ypg) for league games only. Defensive end D.J. Renteria and safety Brandon Ratcliff were chosen first team All-League, while five Lobos (ends Daniel Kegler and Zach Rupp, linebackers Daniel Gawronski and Billy Strother, cornerback Gabriel Fulbright) were picked second team AllMWC. Lewis joined the Lobos on Jan. 3, 2003 after spending six years on the staff at Illinois. He coached the defensive line from 1997-2000, and the linebackers from 2001-02. Illinois was 10-2 in 2001, won the Big Ten title with a 7-1 mark and faced LSU in the Nokia Sugar Bowl. The Fighting Illini ended the year ranked 12th nationally by the Associated Press. Illinois middle linebacker Jerry Schumacher earned second team All-Big Ten honors in 2001 and 2002, leading the team in tackles, tackles for losses and sacks both years. He finished second in the Big Ten in 2002 with 122 tackles, including 12 for losses. In 2000, senior Fred Wakefield became the first Illinois defensive end to capture first team All-Big Ten honors since Simeon Rice and Kevin Hardy in 1995. Wakefield totaled nine sacks and 21 tackles for losses, and his career marks rank in the top-three in the Illinois record book.
Lewis tutored Wakefield and senior defensive end Rameel Connor during the 1999 campaign. The duo combined to produce 12 sacks and 120 tackles, including 26 for losses. In 1998, senior Jeff Weisse broke Simeon Rice's singlegame school record with six tackles for losses against Middle Tennessee State. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Lewis earned his bachelor's degree in Social Science Education from Oregon State in 1986 and his master's in Education from OSU in 1989. Lewis was a four-year letterman and a standout linebacker at Oregon State from 1982-85. He also played quarterback, safety and wide receiver for the Beavers. As a senior in 1985, he was named the team's Most Inspirational Player, served as team captain and earned All-Pac-10 and honorable mention All-America honors by the Associated Press. Lewis still holds school records for single-season defensive points, season fumble recoveries (four) and career fumble recoveries (eight). He continued his football career with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League and the Chicago Bruisers and New York Firebirds of the Arena Football League. In 1988, he was tabbed All-Arena League and participated in the Arena Bowl. Lewis was a graduate assistant in the OSU athletic department from 198788 before moving to Western Oregon State as an assistant football coach in 1989-90. He joined the Oregon State staff in 1991. Lewis and his wife, Darlene, have a son, Marvin, and a daughter, Kiana.
Coaching Staff
• Associate Head Coach/Co-Offensive Coordinator • Second Season • Texas A&M-Commerce ’94
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Bob Connelly
“Coach Lewis is a great motivator. He brings out the best in his players. If you didn’t know your potential when you arrived at UTEP, you will have definitely achieved it before you left here. He has pushed me to heights I never thought I’d reach, and continues to push me everyday.” – Landon Goodwell Senior Defensive Lineman
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Aaron Price was elevated to co-offensive coordinator at UTEP for the 2008 season. He coached the wide receivers and kickers in 2007 after directing the quarterbacks and kickers for the previous three seasons. With “A.P.” in his first season calling the plays in the passing game, Trevor Vittatoe set a school record for touchdown passes (33) while throwing for 3,274 yards. The Miners accumulated 4,878 yards as a team, and averaged 32.9 points per game. After Jeff Moturi emerged as UTEP’s big-play receiver in 2007, Kris Adams had a breakout campaign in 2008. Adams racked up 958 yards on 50 catches with 14 touchdowns, second-most by a wideout in Miner history. Moturi had another fine season, tallying 51 receptions for 655 yards and nine scores – giving UTEP a pass-catching tandem as lethal as any school in the country. Kicker Jose Martinez staked his claim as one of the greatest kickers in NCAA history by nailing a 64-yard field goal against UCF. He was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award after becoming UTEP’s first-ever finalist for the honor in 2007. A first team All-Conference USA honoree for the second year in a row, Martinez was 37-for-47 on field goals and 89-for-92 on PATs in two seasons with the Miners. In 2007 Price oversaw the progress of Moturi, a first team All-Conference choice who led the Miners with 65 catches for 891 yards and 13 touchdowns. Moturi tied the school record by making a touchdown reception in 10 consecutive games, and his 13 TD catches marked the second-best seasonal total in UTEP annals. UTEP also received productive years from receivers Lorne Sam (42 catches-589 yards), Joe West (41 catches-734 yards-6 TDs) and Fred Rouse (25 catches-379 yards) in 2007. As quarterbacks and kickers coach from 2004-06, Price was instrumental in the development of record-setting performers Jordan Palmer and Reagan Schneider.
Palmer owns every UTEP career passing and total offense record. He threw for a school standard 3,595 yards in 2006, ranking sixth nationally in total offense (292.4 ypg) and 15th in passing efficiency (149.60). Palmer was selected by Washington in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft and is currently with the Cincinnati Bengals, playing alongside his brother and former Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer. Schneider is the Miner all-time leader for kicking scoring (287 points), field goals (50) and PATs (137). He earned first team All-Conference USA accolades in 2006. Schneider was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award as a junior and senior. Price is in his 11th year working with his father, Miner head coach Mike Price. He also played for Mike Price at Washington State from 1991-93. He was the quarterbacks coach at Washington State from 2001-02. He was also a graduate assistant at Washington State from 1995-97, working with the punters, kickers and quarterbacks.
“A.P. is a hard-nosed coach. He covers all the small details and doesn’t pass anything up, so we get as much information as we can. He pushes us to get better each and every day and doesn’t let us slack at our position. While he can be hard on us at times, he gives us some leeway and some breaks here and there to help us get better. He is really upbeat and when he has new material to present, he wants us to learn it fast. He is a really good guy. You can talk to him man-to-man about things going on in your life and he doesn’t let your business out. He can be a friend to you as well as a coach.” – Trevor Vittatoe Junior Quarterback
He coached several players who went on to the NFL during his time in Pullman including kicker Rian Lindell, who is with the Buffalo Bills. Price spent two seasons at Idaho State University (1999-00), coaching the quarterbacks and kickers. In 1999 quarterback Kevin McCarthy set a school record with 23 touchdown passes and over 3,000 yards through the air. Shane Griggs threw for over 2,800 yards and 18 TDs in 2000. Earlier in his career Price was the special teams coach at Cal Poly (1994) and the quarterbacks/kickers coach at Missouri Western State (1998). He was Washington State's regular kicker for two years (1992-93). He hit three field goals against Arizona as a junior, including a 51-yarder and the game-winner from 47 yards with 31 seconds remaining. He also made a 22-yarder to beat Utah in the Copper Bowl, and a career-long 52-yarder versus Temple. He scored 77 points as a senior. Price was a perfect 26 for 26 on PATs as a senior and added 17 field goals, the second-best total in Cougar history. He was honorable mention All-Pac 10 and Academic All-Pac 10. In just three seasons at Washington State he scored 147 points. He was 57 for 59 on PATs and 30 for 50 on field goal tries. Following his collegiate playing career, he saw brief action with Edmonton of the CFL and Sacramento of the World League in 1994. Price earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from Washington State in 1994. His wife's name is Tiffany. They have two daughters, Andi and Blakeanne.
• Assistant Head Coach/Tight Ends • Sixth Season • Kent State ’79
Beginning his sixth season as a member of the UTEP staff, Jeff Woodruff was elevated to assistant head coach in 2007. He also serves as the Miners' tight ends coach. Woodruff has more than 25 years of coaching experience, including four as the head coach at Eastern Michigan University. He has coached in 14 bowl games. His prized pupil in 2008 was Jamar Hunt, who parlayed a solid senior season into a free agent signing with the Dallas Cowboys. Hunt was third on the team in catches (31) and receiving yards (367). Two other tight ends – Elijah Goldtrap and Jonny Moore – also scored touchdowns for the Miners last season. Woodruff coached the tackles and tight ends in 2007. Under his guidance, right tackle Oniel Cousins blossomed into a first team AllConference USA player and was chosen by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the NFL Draft. Cousins played an integral role in the line as UTEP set a school record with 5,074 yards of total offense. The Miners also tied a 57-yard old school record by scoring 40 points or more five times with the line paving the way. UTEP rated 26th nationally in scoring offense (33.6 ppg) and 36th in total offense (422.8 ypg). Tight ends Hunt and Jake Sears teamed to record 25 catches for 243 yards and three scores. Woodruff doubled as UTEP's safeties coach and special teams coordinator from 2004-06. During that span he oversaw the development of free safety Quintin Demps, a first team All-Conference player in 2006 and 2007 who is now with the Philadelphia Eagles. Demps was credited with 67 tackles and seven interceptions in 2006. He tied for fifth nationally in interceptions with 0.6 per game. Demps' running mate in the secondary, Joe Fleskoski, ranked second on the team in tackles with 75 in `06. UTEP was second in the country in punt returns in 2006 (20.0 avg.) led by Johnnie Lee Higgins Jr., who averaged 23.4 yards per return. Higgins was selected the C-USA Special Teams Player of the Year and is now a member of the Oakland Raiders. The Miners were also fourth in the NCAA in punt return coverage in 2006 (3.5 avg.).
UTEP's special teams were also special in 2005. UTEP ranked 36th nationally in punt returns. The Miners were also outstanding on coverage, yielding 4.2 yards per punt return (third-best in the country) and 19.9 yards per kickoff return (52nd-best). Demps and Fleskoski had a knack for making big plays in 2005. Demps came up with a huge interception to clinch a 44-41 double overtime win against Houston, and Fleskoski scored six of UTEP's 21 points on a 68-yard pick versus New Mexico. Demps was chosen the co-WAC Freshman of the Year in 2004. He was also selected a third team freshman All-American by The Sporting News after recording 58 tackles and two interceptions. He was honored as a freshman All-American by Scripps and the Football Writers Association of America. Demps scored two touchdowns as a rookie. Senior Mark Dowdy and sophomore Fleskoski also put up solid numbers from the safety position in 2004, teaming for 90 tackles. UTEP ranked 20th nationally in punt returns (13.4 avg.) in 2004 led by senior defensive back Jahmal Fenner, who was 10th with a 15.4 average. Woodruff was the head coach at Eastern Michigan from 2000-03 before coming to the Sun City. He was the running backs coach at Arizona from 1998-99 before landing his first collegiate head coaching position. His stint with the Wildcats included a Holiday Bowl appearance in 1998. That year Arizona was 12-1 and ended the year with a No. 4 national ranking following a 23-20 victory over Nebraska. Woodruff was the head coach at Cholla High School in Tucson, Ariz. from 1996-97. He spent 13 years on the staff at Washington. He was a graduate assistant from 1980-82, and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach as well as wide receivers coach from 1984-94. He was a part of the 1991 Washington squad that finished 12-0 and won the national title.
The Huskies were also selected to play in the 1992 Rose Bowl, marking the fifth time that Woodruff coached in the granddaddy of the bowl games. In 1983, he was the defensive backs coach at Nevada before returning to Seattle. A native of Ravenna, Ohio, Woodruff got his start in coaching at Kent State in 1979, where he was a graduate assistant working with the tight ends. He earned his bachelor's degree from Kent State in 1979. He lettered in football for the Golden Flashes and, as a senior, received the George J. Altman Award, presented to the top student from the school (of H.P.E.R.). Woodruff and his wife, Jill, have four children - Jared, Jessica, Jordan and Janessa.
Coaching Staff
• Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks/Kickers • Sixth Season • Washington State ’94
Jeff Woodruff
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Aaron Price
"Coach Woodruff has 30 years of coaching experience. He has been with championship programs and he knows what it takes to win. He is a down-toearth guy who relates well to the players. He is very open, and he can help you with any problem. He commands your attention, but he can be a really hilarious guy too." - Jonny Moore Junior Tight End
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• Running Backs/Punters/Recruiting Coordinator/ Special Teams Coordinator • Sixth Season • Washington State ’98
Jeff Banks wears four hats as a member of the UTEP staff. He coaches the running backs and punters, and also serves as the team's special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator. The Miners averaged 122 yards rushing per game in 2008 behind a balanced attack that saw four backs gain more than 100 yards for the season. Senior Terrell Jackson led the way by rushing for 451 yards. Punter Kyle Petersen continued his progression last season, raising his average from 40.7 yards to 43.0 yards. A member of Conference USA’s All-Freshman Team in 2007, he was an honorable mention AllLeague choice in 2008. Banks coached Marcus Thomas from 2004-07, who ended his stellar career as the Miners' fifth all-time leading rusher with 2,615 yards. Thomas is also third in school history in rushing touchdowns (26), fourth in 100-yard games (11) and seventh in all-purpose yards (3,660). He put together a banner senior campaign in 2007, ranking ninth nationally in scoring (9.8 ppg) and 26th in rushing (106 ypg). Thomas' 16 rushing TDs tied for the second-top seasonal total in school annals, and his seven 100-yard rushing games were a UTEP record. He participated in two postseason all-star games, the EastWest Shrine Game and the Hula Bowl. Banks coached a pair of 500-yard running backs in 2005. Late in the season, Thomas set a school record by rushing for 100 yards in four straight games. He ended the year with a team-leading 791 yards on 149 carries. Tyler Ebell, who began the year as the starting tailback before having his season cut short due to injury, still managed to earn third team All-Conference honors. He rushed for 536 yards, moving over the 2,000-yard mark for his career. Banks' first season coaching the Miner running backs and punters was quite a success. He mentored Bryce Benekos, who finished seventh in the nation in punting, as well as Howard Jackson, who was
25th in the country in rushing. Both players earned first team All-WAC honors under Banks' tutelage. Jackson ended his career as UTEP's second all-time leading rusher with 3,466 yards. Both Benekos and Jackson signed NFL free agent contracts at season's end. Banks had similar coaching assignments at Idaho State from 200103. With Banks on staff, Idaho State won a Big Sky Championship and had back-to-back eight-win seasons for the first time in 77 years. Banks tutored three All-Conference players in 2003 and helped running back Isaac Mitchell become the all-time touchdown leader in Idaho State history. Mitchell rushed for 1,851 yards from 2002-03. In his three seasons at Idaho State, Banks was part of a Bengal offense that averaged over 400 yards and 28 points per game. Idaho State ranked in the top-16 nationally in total offense each of his three seasons. Banks also tutored Eddie Johnson, who led Division I-AA in punting in 2001 and was taken in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. Banks began his coaching career as a graduate assistant under Mike Price at Washington State, mentoring the Cougars' kickers and punters from 1999-00. He supervised the progression of Kareem Anderson and Rian Lindell, who later enjoyed stops in the NFL. Lindell is currently with the Buffalo Bills. A two-year letterwinner as a punter at Washington State, Banks posted a 42.8-yard average as a junior and 43.4 as a senior. He led the Pac-10 in punting as a senior and registered a 53.0 average versus Boise State, earning him the national AT&T Long Distance Award for the week. He was selected to play in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. He started his collegiate career at Citrus College in Glendora, Calif., where he was a first team All-Conference kicker and punter. Banks played his prep ball at Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, Calif. He lettered in soccer as well as football. He was a member of Bishop Amat's state championship team, going 51-for-51 on extra point attempts. He and his wife, Kori, have a daughter, Sydnei, and a son, Tanner.
Coaching Staff
Jeff Banks
• Defensive Line • Second Season • USC ’93
“Coach Banks is really tough. He knows what he wants out of his players. We have our fun times when we can joke around, but once we get on the field it’s time to go to work. He is a perfectionist. He wants things to be done right the first time. He has taught me that there’s always something I can improve on. You can’t settle because there is always someone who can beat you out and take your spot.” -Vernon Frazier Sophomore Running Back
DeChon Burns begins his second season at UTEP after coordinating one of the top defenses in the NCAA FCS ranks at Texas Southern from 2006-07. The Miners increased their sack total from 16 to 23 during Burns’ first year in El Paso. The 23 sacks were divided amongst 15 players, including eight defensive linemen. Robert Soleyjacks tied for second in the nation in fumble recoveries with four, while adding 28 tackles and 2.5 tackles for losses. Bernard Obi was appointed to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team after tallying 15 tackles, including 2.5 for losses. Other D-Line standouts included Brandis Dew (4.5 TFL in only seven games), Landon Goodwell (32 tackles, four TFL), Aaron King (23 tackles, four TFL), Ja-Boy Leomiti (31 tackles, 4.5 TFL), James Olalekan (24 tackles, 3.5 TFL) and Steve Riddick (32 tackles, 4.5 TFL). Texas Southern finished 31st in tackles for losses in the Division Football Championship Subdivision in 2007, averaging seven per game. TSU was also 41st nationally in pass defense, yielding 190.7 yards per game. Headlining the Tiger defense was senior end Derrick Gray, who tied for first in the country in tackles for losses per game (2.2) and tied for eighth in sacks per game (0.9). In 2006 Texas Southern tied for sixth in the nation in turnovers gained (29) and interceptions (17), 18th in third down conversion percentage defense (32.8 percent), tied for 23rd in fumble recoveries (12), and tied for 31st in sacks (23).
Senior linebacker Vincent Davis was tied for 10th in the NCAA in sacks per game (0.9) and tied for 15th in tackles for losses per game (1.5), and senior safety Stacey Thomas was tied for 15th in tackles per game (10.4). Burns was the defensive line coach at TSU in 2004 and 2005 prior to being elevated to defensive coordinator. He started his college coaching career as a defensive graduate assistant under Steve Spurrier at Florida in 2001. The Gators posted a 10-2 mark that year and beat Maryland in the FedEx Orange Bowl, 56-23, to close out the campaign rated third nationally. Burns followed Spurrier to the NFL's Washington Redskins for the 2002 and 2003 seasons. His title was assistant defensive line coach/defensive quality control in 2002 and defensive assistant/ special teams in 2003. During the summer of 2004 Burns took part in the NFL's Minority Internship Program, working with the San Francisco 49ers as assistant linebackers coach. He was a member of USC's 1989 Rose Bowl team before suffering a neck injury that ended his collegiate career. He assisted the Trojan coaching staff during the 1990, 1991 and 1992 seasons.
Also an accomplished baseball player, Burns played center field for USC in 1992 and was in the Houston Astros' Developmental League in Merced, Calif. in 1994. He received his bachelor of arts degree in Communications from USC in 1993. Burns is fluent in Spanish. He and his wife, Enid, have two sons, Lorenzo (11) and Simeon (10), and a daughter, Jailyn (7). “I think the most important thing that coach Burns brought to the defensive line was the technique. We use our hands a lot and grab the wrist. It’s a different type of pass rushing, and it has helped us tremendously. Coach Burns cares for his family. We can come to his office anytime if we have a problem and he’ll help us out the best he can. He’ll bend over backwards for us and he makes sure that we’re doing what we need to do to stay on track.” -- Chris Moore Senior Defensive Lineman
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DeChon Burns
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Sir James Delgardo, Nate Draughon and Ferguson were inserted into the starting lineup for the first time and made the most of their opportunity, teaming to make 96 tackles with 22 pass breakups. Ferguson recorded two interceptions for 81 yards, scoring on a 62-yard pick versus Tulsa. A member of the UTEP staff since 2004, Jim Clark is in his Clark coached two of the best corners in the Western Athletic second season as the Miners’ safeties coach. He served as the Conference during his first year in the Sun City. Senior Adrian team’s cornerbacks coach for the previous four years. Ward earned first team All-Conference honors after totaling 59 Clark coached two of UTEP’s top four tacklers in 2008 – tackles and 12 pass break-ups. Senior Jahmal Fenner was an George Kelly, who finished with 65 stops despite starting only honorable mention All-WAC selection after amassing 47 stops four games, and Josh Ferguson, who was credited with 56 and eight deflections. Ward and Fenner combined to pick off takedowns. Ferguson also had 2.5 tackles for losses, eight pass nine passes as UTEP rated 22nd in the nation in passing efficiency break-ups and two forced fumbles while starting every game at defense (108.7 rating). Ward was selected in the seventh round right safety. Ferguson made 33 starts in a Miner uniform. of the 2005 NFL Draft by Minnesota. In addition, Anthony Morrow was so impressive while starting the first seven games of ’08 at left safety that he was moved to linebacker for the final five contests. Clark also coached Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith, who played the hybrid linebacker/safety position, a year ago. CromartieSmith was an honorable mention All-Conference USA pick after ranking second on the squad with 77 tackles. Clark’s prized pupil in 2007 was sophomore Cornelius Brown, who was credited with 50 tackles, four interceptions and nine pass break-ups in his first year as a starter. Brown was a big reason why UTEP concluded the season tied for 20th nationally in turnovers gained (29) and tied for 21st in interceptions (18). In 2006 Clark was instrumental in the development of Bryant Tisdale and Ferguson, who combined for 118 tackles, 13 pass break-ups and four interceptions. Clark's youthful cornerbacks made steady progress in 2005.
The Miners held five opponents to single-digit completions in 2004. Clark is in his second tour of duty with head coach Mike Price at UTEP. He was a member of Price's staff at Washington State in 2001 and 2002. He stayed with the Cougars in 2003 after Price accepted the head coaching position at Alabama. During his three years as a graduate assistant, Clark helped the Cougars to 30 victories and three bowl bids, including two bowl victories. He worked with the defensive backs. He was the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator at West Valley High School in Hemet, Calif., from 1993-95. He tutored a quarterback who led the state in pass attempts, completions, yards and touchdown passes in 1995. He also coached the quarterbacks at Mt. San Jacinto College in San Jacinto, Calif. from 1989-92, and Hamilton High School in Anza, Calif. from 1992-93. He received his first coaching assignment at his alma mater, Hemet (Calif.) High School, from 1985-89. He was in charge of the quarterbacks and defensive backs. Clark was a two-year starting quarterback at Mt. San Jacinto College. He received his bachelor's degree in social studies from Washington State in 2000. He earned a secondary education certificate a year later. He was a second team all-league quarterback and punter at Hemet High School. A two-year varsity letterwinner on the gridiron, he participated in golf and baseball as well. Clark has a daughter, Alexis, and a son, Mitchell.
Coaching Staff
• Safeties • Sixth Season • Washington State ’00
Kirk Davis • Speed, Strength & Conditioning • Eighth Season • Akron ‘98
Kirk Davis is in his 17th year in the strength and conditioning profession, and his eighth year in charge of the UTEP speed, strength and conditioning program. Davis and his staff develop programs tailor-made for each of UTEP's 16 Division I-A sports. They also oversee the state-of-the-art Vandenburg Strength and Conditioning Center in the Larry K. Durham Sports Center. Davis served as an assistant with the Miners during the 2002-03 athletic year prior to being elevated to the head position. He was involved in all facets of the strength and conditioning program as an assistant, including working specifically with the men's and women's basketball, women's soccer and track and field teams. A former member of the United States National Weightlifting Team, Davis is a member of the NSCA, where he is certified as a strength and conditioning specialist. He is also certified as a senior coach by USA Weightlifting and as strength and conditioning coach by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. He qualified for, and competed in, the 1996 Olympic Team Trails.
Davis was the first assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Akron for six years. He also had a four-year stint as a staff member at the Crystal Palace National Sports Center in London, England, working under the direction of the British National Team coach. During his career Davis has had a hand in developing numerous conference champions, All-Americans, a national champion and many professional athletes.
A native of New Philadelphia, Ohio, Davis served in the U.S. Air Force from 1987-91 and received his degree in athletic training from the University of Akron. He and his wife, Cheryl, were married in January 2009. Davis has three children -- Andrew, Annalexis and Abigail.
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Jim Clark
“Coach Clark has the best sense of humor and he’s so easy to get along with. At the same time, when it’s time to take care of business he knows how to turn our focus onto football. He’s helped break down the game for me and help me understand how the little things affect the big picture. He enjoys teaching and it has been a pleasure learning from him and developing a relationship with him.” – DeShawn Grayson Freshman Defensive Back
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A veteran receivers coach who has enjoyed success at every stop on his college resume, Guy Holliday is in his second year working with the Miner wideouts. UTEP had one of the top pass-catching duos in the country in 2008 with Kris Adams and Jeff Moturi. Adams reeled in 50 catches for 958 yards, and had the second-best touchdown reception total (14) in school history. Moturi contributed 51 receptions for 655 yards and nine scores. Adams and Moturi played a major role in the Miners setting a school record with 34 touchdown passes. Two other UTEP receivers – Evan Davis and Tufick Shadrawy – also reached the end zone over the course of the season. Holliday was the wide receivers coach at Cornell for the 2007 season. Under his direction, Zac Canty earned honorable mention All-Ivy League honors after registering 49 catches for 447 yards. Canty was Cornell's first AllConference wideout in four seasons. Holliday worked with a young wide receiver corps whose top 11 pass catchers were underclassmen. Holliday also coached the wide receivers at Mississippi State from 2003-06. His 2003 wideouts combined to make catches totaling 2,424 yards, the fourth-best single season total in school history. Justin Jenkins recorded 62 receptions, tied with NFL All-Pro receiver Eric Moulds for fourth place on the Bulldogs' single-season list. Holliday was the tight ends and receivers coach at Western Michigan from 2000-02. Under his tutelage, Mo Afariogun was a three-time All-Mid-American Conference tight end. He caught 39 passes for five touchdowns as a
senior. Holliday was also in charge of the special teams area at Western Michigan, with his kickoff and punt return units ranked among the conference's best. Holliday helped the Broncos to a 9-3 mark and the MAC Western Division title in 2000. Western Michigan won at Iowa that year and dropped a narrow 19-14 decision to Marshall in the league championship game. Holliday was offensive coordinator at Alabama State from 1995-99, directing a Hornets passing attack that ranked first in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. He was also offensive coordinator at Tuskegee from 1992-94.
The Golden Tigers rated second in Division II in scoring in 1992, averaging 38 points per game, and were in the national top 10 in passing offense for all four years. Holliday's coaching career began at Clark Atlanta University. Seventeen of Holliday's former players have signed professional contracts. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from Cheyney in 1987. Holliday and his wife, Pat, have a daughter, Skyler and a son, Justin.
Allen Johnson
Coaching Staff
Guy Holliday
“Coach Holliday has put life and football in perspective for me. As a football coach, he has taught me to be two steps ahead of the defense and to get to know the game better. He teaches lessons that can not only be used on the football field, but can also be applied to real-life situations.” -- Pierce Hunter Junior Wide Receiver
• Cornerbacks • Second Season • Texas A&M-Commerce ‘99
Allen Johnson is beginning his second season as cornerbacks coach at UTEP. Last year he coached an honorable mention AllConference USA player, Cornelius Brown, who led the Miners in interceptions (three), pass break-ups (seven) and blocked kicks (two). Johnson also coached Melvin Stephenson II, who contributed 38 tackles and seven pass deflections, and Clarence Ward, who tallied 31 stops and six break-ups. Johnson spent the 2007 season as the defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Midwestern State University, which had the top defense in the Lone Star Conference. MSU led the league in scoring defense (18.6 ppg), total defense (294.2 ypg) and rushing defense (93.9 ypg), and ranked third in passing defense (200.3 ypg). Johnson coached first team All-Conference cornerback Patrick Roberts and second team All-League safety Ryan Craven. The Mustangs posted an 8-3 record in 2007. Johnson served as a quality control assistant at Oklahoma State in 2006, helping the Cowboys to seven
wins and an Independence Bowl victory. Oklahoma State achieved national top-10 rankings in rushing offense (208 ypg, seventh), scoring offense (35.2 ppg, seventh), kickoff returns (24.6 avg., eighth) and tackles for losses (7.7 per game, eighth). He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Texas A&M-Commerce, his alma mater, in 1999 and 2000. He spent the next four years in the prep ranks at Gaither High School (Tampa, Fla.), Plant High School (Tampa, Fla.) and Newman Smith High School (Carrollton, Texas). Johnson worked at Blinn College in 2005, doubling as secondary coach and recruiting coordinator, where he was a part of an NJCAA playoff qualifier. His stellar collegiate playing career included stops at Kilgore (Texas) College and the University of Central Oklahoma before taking a detour in the U.S. Air Force. He spent his senior year at Texas A&M Commerce, earning AllLone Star Conference South Division honors and a trip to the 1999 Snow Bowl, which was the NCAA Division II senior all-star game at the time. Johnson also competed for the Texas A&M-Commerce track and field team and, off the
playing field, served as president of the school's StudentAthlete Advisory Committee. He earned his bachelor of science degree in Kinesiology and Health in 1999 before receiving a master's degree in the same field a year later. Johnson and his wife, Jennifer, have three daughters Olivia (13), Jayla (6) and Kyra (3).
“Coach Johnson always says, ‘Check your ego at the door.’ He has made everybody accountable. He wants the best out of every player. My game has improved tremendously since he got here. He gives us the tools to use, and we use the tools he gives us on the field. He’s really intense. He’s always into the game. He’s into the game even more than the players some of the time.” -- Cornelius Brown Senior Defensive Back
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• Wide Receivers • Second Season • Cheyney ’87
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• Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations • 13th Season • Rice ’78
Nate Poss joined the UTEP staff in March 1997 as director of football operations. Now the assistant athletic director for football operations, Poss' duties are wide-range, most importantly helping head coach Mike Price in the day-to-day operations of Miner football. Poss is responsible for organizing and implementing team travel, arranges and coordinates UTEP's preseason camp both in El Paso and Socorro, N.M., and is responsible for the Miner football players' summer job placement around El Paso. He also helps arrange community service appearances for Miner players and coaches, particularly with local schools and the Children's Hospital. The football team has annually ranked among UTEP's top sports programs in community service hours. A West Texas native, Poss also helps the coaching staff in other areas, including assisting with the training table, compliance, academics and recruiting weekends. He is also involved with the Miners Across Texas summer camps, helping arrange stadium sites, hotels and other logistics. Poss graduated from Big Spring High School in Big Spring, Texas, where he was named to the school's "Team of the Century" for football. His performance as a wide receiver and defensive back gained him a scholarship to Rice. At Rice, Poss played defensive back
for coordinator Charlie Bailey, former head coach of the Miners. Poss earned four letters (1973-76) and was in the starting lineup two years (1975-76) for the Owls. Upon receiving his B.A. in commerce and religion from Rice in 1978, Poss spent three years as sports editor of the Big Spring Herald and one year as editor of Big Time Sports magazine that served the Permian Basin. From 1984-88 Poss lived in Miami, Fla., where he was a marketing representative for the Fina Corp. In 1988 Poss returned to school at Sul Ross State University and worked on his master's degree in education, which he received in 1989. During his stay at Sul Ross, Poss served as running backs and defensive backs coach, as well as assistant basketball coach. Poss also coached in the Texas prep ranks at Kermit High School (1991), Greenwood High in Midland (1992-93) and Coronado High in El Paso (1994-96). He was president of the El Paso Coaches' Association in 1996-97. Nate's father, Delnor Poss, served as director of athletics at Midland Junior College for 17 years. In 1995 the elder Poss was honored as NJCAA Athletic Director of the Year. He has coached four national championship golf teams in the last 13 years at Midland College.
Offensive Program Coordinator
“Whether we’re traveling to Socorro, New Mexico for two-a-day camp or hitting the road during the season, Nate Poss always sets us up with the best hotels, the best food and the best accommodations. He’s a really good guy and he works very hard to give us the best possible experience away from El Paso.” -- Alex Solot Junior Offensive Lineman
The newest addition to the UTEP staff, Justin Carrigan comes aboard for the 2009 season as offensive program coordinator. Carrigan was a full-time coach at Midwestern State for the last four seasons, working as a graduate assistant in 2005 before being promoted to strength and conditioning/receivers coach. He also served as passing game coordinator for the Mustangs. He is the third member of the Midwestern State staff to join the Miners in the last year, joining cornerbacks coach Allen Johnson and graduate assistant Chad Raymond. Carrigan played at Angelo State University, where he was a two-time All-Lone Star Conference safety. He received the school’s Greg Stokes Award in 2000. He earned his degree in Kinesiology in 2003 and is pursuing his master’s in the same field. He married the former Heather West on June 14, 2008.
Chad Raymond Graduate Assistant Offense Chad Raymond joined the UTEP staff as an offensive graduate assistant for the 2008 season. Raymond served as an offensive GA/tight ends coach at Midwestern State University in 2007, where he worked with Miner cornerbacks coach Allen Johnson. As a member of the Midwestern State staff, Raymond was involved with all facets of the football operation including assisting with recruiting, coaches’ films and camps. Raymond played tight end at Cisco Junior College and Tarleton State University. He earned his bachelor’s of Business Administration degree from Tarleton State in 2006 and is working on his master’s in Kinesiology.
Robert Rodriguez Defensive Program Coordinator One of the greatest linebackers in UTEP history, Robert Rodriguez returned to El Paso as defensive program coordinator for the 2008 campaign. Rodriguez ranks fifth on the all-time Miner tackle chart with 443 stops, including 33 for losses. He led the Western Athletic Conference in tackles in three of his four seasons at UTEP. Rodriguez was appointed the WAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 after being credited with 121 tackles and 16 tackles for losses. Following his stint with the Miners (2001-04), Rodriguez spent time with the Carolina Panthers and the Tennessee Titans in the NFL (2005) before playing for Cologne in NFL Europe (2006) and Calgary in the CFL (2006-07). He was a prolific running back at Montwood High School in El Paso, earning All-City Offensive MVP honors as a senior when he rushed for 1,690 yards and 25 scores. Rodriguez is married to the former Holly Taylor, who played soccer for the Miners from 200003. He is pursuing a master’s degree in Leadership Studies.
Brian Zeches Graduate Assistant Defense A member of the UTEP staff since 2008, Brian Zeches is a graduate assistant working with the defense. Zeches was a defensive graduate assistant at New Mexico in 2006-07, where he worked with current Miner defensive coordinator Osia Lewis. He assisted with the Lobo secondary. A native of Pullman, Wash., Zeches started his collegiate career at Illinois (2001-02) before spending three seasons at Idaho State. He appeared in three games for the Bengals as a reserve quarterback his senior year (2005). He was a former walk-on who earned a scholarship. Zeches was a standout signal-caller at Pullman High School, earning All-State honors as a senior. He directed Pullman High to an 11-1 record and the state semifinals as a senior. Zeches was also a two-time All-League first baseman while a part of the Pullman baseball team. He is pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Administration at UTEP. Zeches’ father, Jim, played football at Cal State Northridge and is currently a scout for the Washington Redskins.
Coaching Staff
Justin Carrigan
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Nate Poss
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Coaching Staff
Coaching Staff
Donna Chandler
Mona Garrido
Dawn Hearn
Juergen Karp
Norma Posada
Sekou Walker
Donna Chandler has worked in the UTEP athletic department since 1998, starting in the business office before joining the football staff in September, 2005. She was a football volunteer from 1998-2005. Chandler is responsible for the reception area in the football offices. She also performs essential office duties to support assistant coaches and staff, and works with the players to provide complementary game tickets. Chandler compiles contact information for the players, assists Assistant Head Coach Jeff Woodruff as a liaison to NFL scouts and, on game day, helps the video staff. She received her bachelor’s degree in Finance from UTEP in 1999. She also graduated from Eastwood High School in El Paso.
Mona Garrido became a member of the UTEP football staff on March 24, 1982, and is beginning her 28th season with the Miners. As an administrative assistant, Garrido oversees, supervises, and delegates all facets of administrative day-to-day operations of the football office, football staff and Larry K. Durham Sports Center. She also serves as the personal assistant to coach Mike Price. She received a Distinguished Achievement Award in Service to the University in 1999. Garrido attended UTEP after graduating from Coronado High School in El Paso in 1976. She and her husband, Elias “Lee” Garrido, have been married for 28 years. They have a son, Nathan, who is majoring in Kinesiology at UTEP and serves as an equipment manager with the football team.
Dawn Hearn is entering her 22nd year as an athletic trainer for the UTEP football team. She started in 1988 as an assistant to David Binder. In April of 1995, Hearn was promoted to head athletic trainer. At the time she was one of only three females in charge of the training room at a Division I-A athletic program, and one of two in charge of football. Hearn supervises four full-time assistants, five graduate assistants and approximately 20 undergraduate student trainers at UTEP. Nearly 50 of her former workers are currently serving as athletic trainers. In December 1985, she graduated from Iowa State with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and minors in Athletic Training and Coaching. Upon passing the national exam, she became a certified athletic trainer in April, 1986. Hearn attended graduate school at Ohio University, where her graduate assistantship consisted of covering Jackson High School athletics. She graduated in June 1987 with a Master’s of Science Degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training, and spent three summers with the U.S. Volleyball Association. Hearn loves spending time during the summer months at Elephant Butte Lake on her boat with her two dogs -- a husky named Tequila and a golden retriever named Kahlua. Her hobbies also include fishing, skiing and camping.
Juergen Karp has served as UTEP’s video coordinator since 1997. He and his staff film practices and games for the UTEP coaching staff, while handling video exchange with opponents and providing tapes to referees and NFL scouts. A native of Hildesheim, Germany, Karp came to the United States after working in the medical field from 1990-97. He founded an American Football Club in his hometown, the Hildesheim Invaders, and was a starter and team captain from 1983-94. The first player in club history to have his jersey retired, Karp was a two-time MVP and twotime first team All-State selection. He was also a head coach and assistant coach with the team. Karp has two degrees from UTEP – a Bachelor of Science, which he received in 2003, and a Bachelor of Communication, which he added in 2007. He has a daughter, Ve-Denise, and a son, Eric Justin.
Norma Posada is in her 10th season as a member of the UTEP football staff. Posada works with assistant coach Jeff Banks on all aspects of the recruiting process, including arranging coaches’ travel, official recruit weekends and recruiting film. More importantly, she is responsible for yearly maintenance of the football office’s national recruiting database, Cyber Sports. Posada also provides daily administrative support to assistant coaches and other staff members. An El Paso native and Riverside High School graduate, Posada will receive her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from UTEP in the spring of 2010. She received the UTEP President’s Staff Scholarship Award in 2005. She and her husband, Mike, have been married for 15 years. They have two daughters – Cynthia Adame, a 2005 UTEP graduate who is currently in the school’s “Fast Track” nursing program, and Naomi Posada, who is nine years old.
Sekou Walker begins his seventh season as UTEP’s equipment manager. He and his staff are in charge of outfitting the Miner football team. Walker got his start in the UTEP equipment room as a student assistant while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Finance, which he received in 1992. Upon graduation, he served as assistant equipment manager for the Birmingham Barracudas in the Canadian Football League in 1995. Walker also was an equipment intern at Dallas Cowboys Training Camp in 1997. Walker and his wife, Jacqueline, have two daughters – Kyra (four years old) and Kaitlin (16 months old).
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Administrative Assistant
Head Athletic Trainer
Video Coordinator
Administrative Assistant
Equipment Manager
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WR | 6-3 | 195 | JR-2L Fort Worth, Texas (Everman)
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Honorable mention All-Conference USA ... led the Miners with 958 yards receiving and 14 touchdown receptions, and ranked second on the team in catches (50) ... averaged 19.2 yards per reception to rate first on the squad ...had the second-most touchdown receptions in a season in school history, the sixth-most receiving yards and the sixth-best yards per catch average ... ranked 34th nationally in receiving yards per game (79.8) and tied for 67th in scoring (7.0 ppg) ... rated fourth in C-USA in scoring touchdowns, seventh in receiving yards per game and tied for eighth in scoring ... already tied for eighth on the UTEP career touchdown receptions list with 14 and tied for ninth with five 100-yard games, all in 2008 ... posted 100+ yards in each of the last three games of the `08 season ... averaged 92.9 yards receiving with 12 touchdowns in eight C-USA games ... was UTEP’s leading receiver in eight of 12 games ... hit the century mark for the first time as a Miner with four catches for 128 yards (32.0 avg.) and a score against UCF ... recorded 126 yards on five receptions and a TD at Tulsa ... contributed five receptions for 145 yards versus SMU, while reaching the end zone three times ... compiled 111 yards on six catches with three touchdowns at Houston ... racked up 116 yards on nine receptions with a TD at East Carolina ... became the fourth Miner to have a pair of games with three touchdown receptions in a season, and the third to do so in back-to-back games ... scored at least once in eight of the last nine games, including nine TDs over the final four contests ... averaged over 20 yards per catch in six games (32.0 versus UCF and Rice, 29.0 versus SMU, 25.2 versus Tulsa, 23.5 versus New Mexico State, 23.0 versus Texas) ... reeled in his long catch of 85 yards against SMU and had a 74-yard reception versus UCF ... his 85-yard catch versus the Mustangs was the longest play from scrimmage for the Miners in the Mike Price era ... scored the game-winning touchdown in the second overtime at Southern Miss off a six-yard pass from Trevor Vittatoe ... received UTEP’s Bob Stull Most Improved Player Award.
Meet the miners
#2
2008 All-Conference USA
GETTING TO KNOW Kris Adams... 1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? Playoff system 2. What is your most embarrassing moment on the field? I got hit with a football in the head during a play when I was in high school. 3. 4. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" 4. One thing I want to do before I die…. Fly 5. If I could bring anything from my hometown to El Paso, it would be… My Family 6. If I could appear on the cover of a magazine it would be… Sports Illustrated
CAREER STATISTICS
Season 2007 2008 Totals
GP-GS 11-1 12-9 23-10
Rec. 5 50 55
Yds 49 958 1007
Avg. 9.8 19.2 18.3
TD 0 14 14
Long 15 85 85
Avg./Gm. 4.5 79.8 43.8
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kris ADAMS
and a long rush for 81 yards ... on defense totaled 34 solo tackles, including one for loss, as well as six interceptions, 13 pass break-ups and a fumble recovery ... led Everman High to the district title his senior year ... high school coach was Dale Keeling ... three-year letterwinner in basketball and fouryear letterwinner in track and field as a prep ... second team All-District choice in basketball as a 2006: Redshirted ... named to the Conference junior ... district champion and regional qualifier USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. in the long jump ... honor roll student ... member of the National Society of High School Scholars and PRIOR TO UTEP: Rated a top-100 player in listed in Who’s Who Among Academic Students. the Dallas/Fort Worth area by The Dallas Morning News ... first team All-District 15-4A wide PERSONAL: Parents are Adrian and Kristin receiver and cornerback as a senior at Everman Dorsey ... has one brother and one sister ... full High School ... registered 16 catches for 430 name is Kristofer Bryant Adams ... nicknames are yards (26.9 avg.) and five touchdowns in 2005 “Ace” and “The Future” ... born 9/4/87 (Fort Worth, ... also rushed 35 times for 367 yards (10.5 avg.) Texas) ... management major. and a score ... had a long reception for 76 yards 2007 (FRESHMAN): Recorded five catches for 49 yards ... played in all 12 games, making two starts ... established season highs for catches (two) and yardage (28) against Southern Miss ... had a 28-yard kickoff return versus Texas Southern.
Career Highs
Receptions Receiving Yards Yards Per Catch Long Reception Touchdowns
9, at East Carolina (11/28/08) 145, vs. SMU (11/15/08) 32.0, vs. UCF (9/27/08) & vs. Rice (11/1/08) 85, vs. SMU (11/15/08) 3, vs. SMU (11/15/08) & at Houston (11/22/08) 97
OL | 6-4 | 300 | SR-3L Lakewood, Calif. (Los Alamitos)
2008 (JUNIOR): Honorable mention All-Conference USA ... started nine games -eight at left tackle and one at left guard when injuries ravaged the Miner offensive line ... missed one game (Louisiana-Lafayette) with an ankle injury ... second-most productive player in the Miner offensive line in terms of plays and knockdowns, trailing only Cameron Raschke in both categories … was in for 650 snaps … credited with 31 knockdown blocks … graded out at 85 percent or better in five games (92 percent versus Tulane, 88 percent versus Southern Miss and New Mexico State, 85 percent versus UCF and Rice) … UTEP ranked 14th nationally in passing offense (284.2 ypg), 24th in passing efficiency (142.56), 25th in scoring offense (32.9 ppg) and 31st in total offense (406.5 ypg) ... the Miners scored 30+ points in eight of 12 games and 40+ points three times ... UTEP topped 30 points in eight of the last 10 games after getting off to a slow start with 30 points combined in season-opening losses to Buffalo and Texas ... the Miners averaged 36.5 points over the final 10 contests ... UTEP averaged 36.9 ppg and 427.5 ypg in C-USA play with 319.4 yards passing per game ... UTEP's 395 points marked the fourth-best seasonal total in school history and its 4,878 total offensive yards also ranked fourth in the record book ... the Miners set a school record with 34 touchdown passes, including 33 by Trevor Vittatoe ... UTEP had over 400 yards of offense in seven games, including a season-high 544 versus SMU.
2006 (FRESHMAN): Played in all 12 games as an 18-year old freshman ... started the last four contests of the season at left tackle.
PERSONAL: Parents are Javier and Lisa Aguayo ... has three sisters ... full name is Michael Anthony Aguayo ... nickname is “Big Mike” ... born 10/15/87 (La Palma, Calif.) ... electronic media major.
GETTING TO KNOW Mike Aguayo...
Meet the miners
#71
2008 All-Conference USA
PRIOR TO UTEP: First team All-League and All-CIF defensive player as a senior at Los Alamitos High School ... also a member of the Long Beach Press Telegram’s Dream Team and chosen All-OC Region by The Los Angeles Times ... helped Los Alamitos to a 12-2 record and berth in the state title game in 2004 ... played offensive tackle as a junior, and split time at three positions (offensive tackle, defensive tackle, defensive end) as a senior ... twoyear varsity letterwinner for coach John Barnes ... played baseball his freshman year at Los Alamitos (first baseman/pitcher) ... honor roll student as a prep.
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mike AGUAYO
2007 (SOPHOMORE): Honorable mention All-Conference USA by the coaches ... started all 12 games at left tackle for a Miner offense that rated 25th nationally in passing offense (275.2 ypg), 28th in scoring offense (33.6 ppg), 35th in passing efficiency (134.95) and 37th in total offense (422.8 ypg) ... UTEP also averaged 147.7 yards rushing, a considerable improvement from 2006 when the Miners gained only 57.6 yards per contest on the ground ... the Miners tied the school record by scoring 40 points or more on five occasions in 2007 ... that record hadn’t been equaled since first being set in 1950 ... the Miners compiled a school record 5,074 yards of offense in 2007 ... Marcus Thomas ran for 1,166 yards and tied the school standard with seven 100-yard rushing games ... Trevor Vittatoe established UTEP freshman records for passing yards (3,101) and passing touchdowns (25), and had the secondbest passing yardage total in the nation among freshman signal-callers ... the Miners scored in 29 of 32 quarters in Conference USA play, topping the 40-point mark versus East Carolina, Rice, SMU and Tulsa ... UTEP compiled over 400 yards of offense in eight of 12 contests.
1. What team do you root for on Sundays? San Diego Chargers 2. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "Family Guy" 3. Motto, quote, bible verse... “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 4. One thing I want to do before I die... Skydive 5. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Whenever I put something on I have to put it on my right side first. 99
DB | 6-0 | 210 | SR-2L Richmond, Texas (Foster)
#14
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2008: Missed the season after tearing his ACL in spring ball.
100
2007 (SOPHOMORE): Honorable mention All-Conference USA by the coaches ... led the Miners and tied for 41st nationally, averaging 9.3 tackles per game ... credited with 112 stops (80 solo) in 12 games ... added 3.5 tackles for losses (-25 yards), two sacks (-22 yards), three interceptions (42 yards), five pass break-ups and two quarterback pressures ... started the last nine games of the season ... rated sixth in Conference USA in tackles per game ... had double-digit stops in six games, including a career-high 16 (13 solo) at Texas Tech ... credited with 13 tackles at Tulane, and 10 on four occasions (New Mexico, at New Mexico State, East Carolina, Houston) ... had sacks at New Mexico State and at UCF ... picked off passes versus Tulsa, East Carolina and Southern Miss, including a season-long 28-yard return against the Golden Eagles ... broke up a pair of passes at Rice. GETTING TO KNOW Braxton Amy...
1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? I would automatically grant an extra year to a student-athlete if he/she missed a year due to injury. 2. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "Entourage" 3. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I have to headbutt Colby Meek (OL). 4. If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? “The Struggle for Health” played by a good-looking actor 5. Most prized possession is… Life
PRIOR TO UTEP: Honorable mention AllState choice by the coaches' association and the Associated Press as a senior at Richmond High School ... other senior honors included Houston Area MVP, District 24-4A Defensive MVP and team MVP ... registered 93 tackles and four interceptions (three for TDs) in 2004 ... also caught 20 passes totaling 429 yards and four scores on offense ... started at free safety and wide receiver, and played outside linebacker as a sophomore ... picked All-District and All-Area as a junior ... three-year varsity letterwinner for coach Mark Wiatrek.
Career Highs
Solo Tackles 13, at Texas Tech (9/8/07) Assisted Tackles 13, vs. Rice (11/4/06) Total Tackles 16, at Texas Tech (9/8/07) Tackles for losses 1.5, vs. Rice (11/4/06) & Tulsa (10/6/07) Sacks 1, at New Mexico State (9/15/07) at UCF (11/24/07) Interceptions 1, at UAB (11/10/06) vs. Tulsa (10/6/07) vs. East Carolina (10/13/07) vs. Southern Miss (11/17/07) Pass break-ups 2, at Marshall (11/18/06) at Rice (11/3/07) Fumble recoveries 1, at Marshall (11/18/06) QB hurries 2, vs. Tulsa (10/6/07)
PERSONAL: Parents are Nelson and Marilyn Amy ... has one brother ... full name is Braxton Ryan Amy ... born 7/10/87 (Houston, Texas) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
Sacks INT 0-0 1-10 2-22 3-42 Did Not Play 2-22 4-52
FF 0 0
FR 1 0
PBU 2 5
QBs 0 2
0
1
7
2
Meet the miners
Amy
2008 All-Conference USA
CAREER STATISTICS
Season GP-GS UT AT TT TFL 2006 10-5 18 34 52 3.5-10 2007 12-9 82 30 112 4.5-27 2008 Totals 22-14 100 64 164 8-37
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braxton
2006 (FRESHMAN): Chosen an honorable mention Freshman All-American by The Sporting News ... also selected to the Conference USA coaches and media All-Freshman Teams ... began the year as a reserve safety, but was inserted into the starting lineup at WILL linebacker late in the season ... credited with 41 stops (8.2 avg.) in five starting assignments with three tackles for losses, a fumble recovery, interception and two pass break-ups ... had double-digit tackles in his first two starts -- 10 at Tulsa and 15 versus Rice ... added 1.5 tackles for losses against the Owls ... posted a 10-yard interception at UAB ... recovered a fumble at Marshall ... credited with eight tackles in the season finale versus Memphis ... earlier in the year, picked up six tackles in a reserve role against New Mexico State.
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DB | 6-0 | 195 | SR-3L Houston, Texas (Forest Brook)
2008 (JUNIOR): Honorable mention All-Conference USA ... played in all 12 games and was a regular starter at right corner ... credited with 29 tackles ... led UTEP in interceptions (three for 21 yards), pass break-ups (seven) and blocked kicks (two) ... tied for eighth in C-USA in pass breakups and 14th in interceptions ... tied for 96th in the NCAA in picks with 0.25 per game ... picked off two passes for 21 yards and blocked a kick against UCF ... also blocked a kick at Houston ... recorded his season-high five tackles versus Rice, and also had a pair of pass deflections against the Owls ... also had two pass breakups versus UCF and Tulane ... posted four stops at Louisiana-Lafayette and had three in four games (Buffalo, New Mexico State, UCF, Tulsa) ... had a 21-yard punt return against UCF. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Honorable mention All-Conference USA by the coaches ... inserted into the starting lineup at left corner for the second game of the season at Texas Tech, where he stayed for the remainder of the year ... tabulated 50 tackles (38 solo), three tackles for losses, four interceptions (102 yards) and a fumble recovery ... tied Quintin Demps for the team lead with nine pass break-ups ... picked up his season-high eight stops at New Mexico State ... had seven tackles (six solo) against Houston and six at Texas Tech ... recovered a fumble versus Texas Southern ... had single interceptions against Texas Tech (43 yards), SMU (19 yards), East Carolina (20 yards) and Rice (20 yards) ... credited with two pass deflections versus New Mexico and SMU. CAREER STATISTICS
Season 2006 2007 2008 Totals 102
#47
GP-GS 12-0 12-10 12-11 36-21
UT 6 39 14 59
AT 4 10 15 29
TT 10 49 29 88
TFL 0-0 3-4 0-0 3-4
Sacks 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
INT 0-0 4-102 3-21 7-123
FF 1 0 0 1
FR 3 1 1 5
PBU 0 9 7 16
QBs 0 0 0 0
PRIOR TO UTEP: All-District 19-4A wide receiver and cornerback as a senior at Forest Brook High School ... also tabbed an All-Area cornerback in 2005 ... third team All-Greater Houston cornerback as a sophomore ... had 400 yards receiving, 130 rushing, 100 passing and 250 on kickoff returns as a senior ... also blocked 12 kicks his senior year ... four-year starter at corner and two-year starter at wideout ... also started four games at quarterback his senior year ... high school coach was Marshall White ... twoyear basketball letterwinner and four-year track and field letterwinner in high school ... regional qualifier in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays. PERSONAL: Mother is Johnnie Brown ... has two brothers and one sister ... full name is Cornelius Brown ... nickname is “Cornbread” ... born 2/26/88 (Houston, Texas) ... electronic media major.
Career Highs
Solo Tackles 6, vs. Houston (10/27/07) Assisted Tackles 4, at New Mexico State (9/15/07) vs. Rice (11/1/08) Total Tackles 8, at New Mexico State (9/15/07) Tackles for losses 1, at Texas Tech (9/8/07) at New Mexico State (9/15/07) vs. East Carolina (10/13/07) Interceptions 2, vs. UCF (9/27/08) Pass break-ups 2, vs. New Mexico (9/1/07) at SMU (9/29/07) vs. UCF (9/27/08) vs. Tulane (10/11/08) vs. Rice (11/1/08) Forced fumbles 1, vs. Tulane (10/14/06) Fumble recoveries 1, vs. SMU (10/7/06) vs. Tulane (10/14/06) vs. Rice (11/4/06) vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) at East Carolina (11/28/08)
GETTING TO KNOW Cornelius Brown... 1. Theme song? “Rock Star” by Nickelback 2. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Charles Woodson 4. Most prized possession is… Family 5. Motto, quote, bible verse “No pain, no progress.” 6. Movie I love to watch but embarrassed to admit to is… “Sex in the City” 7. If I could appear on the cover of a magazine it would be… Forbes
Meet the miners
2008 All-Conference USA
2006 (FRESHMAN): Made an immediate impact as a true freshman, playing in all 12 games ... recorded 10 tackles (six solo), three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble ... tied for third in Conference USA in fumble recoveries with 0.25 per game ... had a season-high three stops in the season finale against Memphis ... forced a fumble versus Tulane which he also recovered ... had fumble recoveries against SMU and Rice as well ... named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.
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Brown cornelius
103
DB | 6-2 | 210 | SR-3L Riverside, Calif. (Rancho Verde)
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UTEP ITEM: Named the Miners’ defensive captain for the 2009 season. 2008 (JUNIOR): Honorable mention All-Conference USA ... ranked second on the team in tackles with 77 (6.4 per game) ... also tallied two tackles for losses, one sack, two interceptions (for 25 yards), three pass break-ups and a quarterback hurry ... tied for 21st in C-USA in interceptions and 23rd in tackles ... started all 12 games at Miner back ... tied his career-high with 14 tackles at Houston ... made 12 stops in the season finale at East Carolina ... picked off a pass for 24 yards versus SMU ... also had an interception at Louisiana-Lafayette ... deflected two passes against UCF ... accumulated nine tackles versus Rice, eight at Buffalo and seven against New Mexico State ... season-high six solo stops came at Southern Miss, where he was credited with seven takedowns total ... registered a five-yard sack versus Texas. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Honorable mention All-Conference USA by the coaches ... started all 12 contests at strong safety ... ranked third on the team with 90 tackles (62 solo) ... also credited with three tackles for losses, two interceptions (21 yards), a fumble recovery and was second on the squad with seven passes deflected ... recorded a career-best 14 tackles, including 10 solo, at Texas Tech ... came up with 13 stops at Tulane ... had six tackles or more in eight of 12 outings ... finished the season strong with 36 tackles, including 2.5 for losses, over the final four games ... recovered a fumble at Rice ... had a 21-yard interception return versus Texas Southern and also picked off a pass against East Carolina ... broke up a season-high three passes at Rice ... also had two break-ups at Texas Tech. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Compiled 21 tackles, a half-sack (against Memphis) and a pass break-up (versus New Mexico State) in 12 games as a reserve ... had a season-best four stops at UAB ... contributed three tackles at Tulsa and against Memphis. 104
PRIOR TO UTEP: First team All-League defensive player as a senior at Rancho Verde High School ... put up 106 tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble in 2004 ... honorable mention All-League as a junior, totaling 36 stops and an interception for a touchdown ... split time at strong safety, free safety and cornerback during a three-year varsity career ... high school coach was Bill Holst ... three-year varsity letterwinner
CAREER STATISTICS
Season 2006 2007 2008 Totals
GP-GS 12-0 12-12 12-12 36-24
UT 8 65 33 106
AT 13 28 44 85
Career Highs
TT 21 93 77 191
TFL 0.5-2 3-3 2-7 5.5-12
PERSONAL: Parents are the late Sheryll Smith and the late Otis Smith ... has seven brothers and one sister ... brother, Terrelle Smith, plays for the Detroit Lions ... full name is Da’Mon Jonnel Cromartie-Smith ... born 2/17/87 (Riverside, Calif.) ... communication major.
Sacks 0-0 0-0 1-5 1-5
Solo Tackles 10, at Texas Tech (9/8/07) Assisted Tackles 10, at Houston (11/22/08) Total Tackles 14, at Texas Tech (9/8/07) at Houston (11/22/08) Tackles for losses 1, vs. Southern Miss (11/17/07) at UCF (11/24/07) & vs. Texas (9/6/08) Sacks 1, vs. Texas (9/6/08) Interceptions 1, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) vs. East Carolina (10/13/07) at Louisiana-Lafayette (11/8/08) vs. SMU (11/15/08) Pass break-ups 3, at Rice (11/3/07) Fumble recoveries 1, at Rice (11/3/07) QB hurries 1, vs. UCF (9/27/08)
INT 0-0 2-21 2-25 4-46
FF 0 0 0 0
FR 0 1 0 1
PBU 1 7 3 11
QBs 0 0 1 1
GETTING TO KNOW Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith... 1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? Wearing dark visors 2. What is your most embarrassing moment on the field? Getting clipped into the cheerleaders 3. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… My older brother, Terrelle 4. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Listening to gospel and talking to my mom 5. One thing I want to do before I die…. Meet the President
Meet the miners
#23
Cromartie-Smith
2008 All-Conference USA
in track and field ... competed in the 400, triple jump and long jump, as well as the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.
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Meet the miners
da'mon
2005: Redshirted.
105
WR | 6-0 | 190 | SR-3L Irving, Texas (MacArthur)
CAREER NOTES: Enters his senior year with 117 receptions for 1,553 yards and 22 touchdowns ... needs two receptions to tie Chris Marrow for 10th place on the UTEP career list ... needs 74 yards to tie J.J. Rowlett for 10th place in career receiving yardage ... already third in career touchdown catches behind Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jr. (32) and Lee Mays (28), and tied for ninth place in 100-yard games (five). 2008 (JUNIOR): Honorable mention All-Conference USA ... led the Miners with 51 receptions and rated second on the team in receiving yardage (655) and touchdown catches (nine) ... averaged 54.6 receiving yards per game ... ranked ninth in C-USA in receptions per game (4.3), 12th in receiving yards per game and 17th in all-purpose yards (86.8 avg.) ... tied for 96th in the country in catches per game ... started the season slow with 19 catches for 159 yards in the first five games, but really came on over the final seven contests with 32 receptions for 496 yards (70.9 ypg) ... scored eight of his nine touchdowns over the final seven games ... led the Miners in receiving for the first time in the sixth game of the season versus Tulane (four catches for 88 yards) ... also had UTEP’s top receiving yardage total against Rice, picking up his fifth career 100-yard game with five receptions for 109 yards (21.8 avg.) ... posted back-to-back 80-yard receiving games versus SMU (4-for-89) and Houston (6-for-81) ... had two multiple touchdown games -three against Rice and two at Louisiana-Lafayette ... his season-long 68-yard grab produced a touchdown versus Tulane ... led the Miners in kickoff return average (26.7) on 13 attempts for the season ... also averaged 6.7 yards on three punt returns ... had the longest kickoff return (58 yards versus Rice) and second-longest punt return (13
GETTING TO KNOW Jeff Moturi...
1. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Marvin Harrison 2. What team do you root for on Sundays? Indianapolis Colts 3. Most prized possession is…. My First-Team All-Conference trophy 4. One thing I want to do before I die…. Make an action movie with Jamie Foxx 5. Motto, quote, bible verse "You win some, you lose some. But you live to fight another day."
PERSONAL: Parents are Thomas and Margie Moturi ... has three brothers and two sisters ... full name is Zuriel Jeffrey Moturi ... nickname is “DBoy” ... born 4/4/86 (Irving, Texas) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
Meet the miners
#6
2008 All-Conference USA
senior for coach David Beaty ... tallied 46 catches for 995 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior ... had 29 receptions for 625 yards and 11 scores as a junior ... helped MacArthur High to a 10-1 record and district title his senior campaign ... two-year track and field letterwinner, competing in the 4x200 relay and the 200 meters.
Career Highs
Reception 12, vs. East Carolina (10/13/07) Receiving Yards 174, vs. Tulsa (10/6/07) Yards Per Catch 24.9, vs. Tulsa (10/6/07) Long Reception 78, vs. Tulsa (10/6/07) Touchdowns 3, vs. Rice (11/1/08) Rushes 1, at UCF (11/24/07) at Tulsa (10/18/08) vs. Rice (11/1/08) at Houston (11/22/08) Rushing Yards 17, at Tulsa (10/18/08) Yards Per Carry 9.0, at UCF (11/24/07) vs. Rice (11/1/08) Long Rush 17, at Tulsa (10/18/08)
CAREER STATISTICS
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jeff moturi
yardage ... had four 100-yard games on the year ... yards at Buffalo) by a UTEP player in 2008 ... rushed three compiled seven catches for 174 yards and two TDs times for 29 yards (6.7 avg.) over the course of the year ... versus Tulsa ... had 12 receptions for 113 yards and started all 12 games. a score against East Carolina ... his 12 receptions versus the Pirates tied the third-most in a game in 2007 (SOPHOMORE): First Team All-Conference the Miner record book ... reeled in 10 catches for 116 USA choice by the coaches and media ... tied for fourth yards in the season finale at UCF ... tallied 101 yards nationally in touchdown receptions (13) behind Texas on five receptions with a TD at New Mexico State ... Tech’s Michael Crabtree (22), Indiana’s James Hardy scored two touchdowns in three outings ... already (16) and Rice’s Jarett Dillard (14) ... tied for 49th in the tied for ninth place on UTEP’s career touchdown country in receiving yards per game (74.3) and tied for catches list with 13. 53rd in receptions per game (5.4) ... fifth in C-USA in both receptions and yards per game ... registered 65 catches for 2006 (FRESHMAN): Played in eight games 891 yards (13.7 avg.) and 13 TDs ... tied the school record ... picked up his first career catch (for seven yards) by making a touchdown catch in 10 consecutive games at UAB. ... his 13 touchdown receptions tied for the second-best seasonal total in UTEP history ... his 65 receptions rated PRIOR TO UTEP: Second team All-State fourth in school annals and his 891 yards ranked seventh wideout as a senior at MacArthur High School ... ... forty-four of his receptions were good for first down earned first team All-District honors as a junior and
Season 2006 2007 2008 Totals
GP-GS 8-0 12-12 12-12 32-24
Rec. 1 65 51 117
Yds 7 891 655 1553
Avg. 7.0 13.7 12.8 13.3
TD 0 13 9 22
Long 7 78 68 78
Avg./Gm. 0.9 74.2 54.6 48.5
Season 2006 2007 2008 Totals
Rush 0 1 3 4
Yds 0 9 20 29
Avg. 0.0 9.0 6.7 7.3
TD 0 0 0 0
Long 0 9 17 17
KOR 0-0 1-6 13-347 14-353
PR 0-0 0-0 3-20 3-20
All-Purpose 7 906 1042 1955 107
P | 6-4 | 235 | JR-2L Alta Loma, Calif. (South Hills)
#15
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Honorable mention All-Conference USA ... punted 46 times for 1,978 yards, an average of 43.0 per attempt ... ranked fourth in C-USA and 19th in the country in punting ... four of his punts resulted in touchbacks, 12 were fair caught and 16 landed inside the 20-yard line ... had 11 punts travel 50 or more yards on the year, including his season-long 60-yard boot at Houston ... averaged a career-best 51.7 yards on three punts (all inside the 20) at Louisiana-Lafayette ... was consistent, averaging 40 yards per punt or better in eight of 12 games ... established his career-highs for punts (eight) and yards (361) at Tulsa, averaging 45.1 yards ... averaged 49.8 yards on five punts at Houston with two touchbacks ... averaged 48.3 yards on three punts at Buffalo. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Appointed to Conference USA’s All-Freshman Team by the coaches and media ... served as UTEP’s primary punter, booming 51 kicks for 2,075 yards (40.7 avg.) ... ranked seventh in C-USA and 63rd nationally in punting ... four of his punts resulted in touchbacks, nine were fair caught and 12 landed inside the 20 ... averaged a season-high 47.5 yards on four punts against Texas Southern ... punted five times for 227 yards (45.4 avg.) at New Mexico State ... had four punts travel 50 yards or more on the year, including his season-long 59-yarder at Texas Tech ... rushed for 22 yards and a first down off a fake punt in the third quarter at SMU. GETTING TO KNOW Kyle Petersen... 1. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Troy Aikman 2. What team do you root for on Sundays? Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3. If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? “Greatness”, Paul Walker 4. Most prized possession is… My car “Peaches” 5. One thing I want to do before I die…. Play at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
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CAREER STATISTICS
Season 2007 2008 Totals
Punts 51 46 97
Yds 2075 1978 4053
Avg 40.7 43.0 41.8
Lg 59 60 60
TB 4 4 8
FC 9 12 21
I20 12 16 28
50+ 4 11 15
2006: Redshirted. PRIOR TO UTEP: National Top-10 punter by SuperPrep ... third team All-State punter by calhisports.com as a senior ... other 2005 honors included first team All-CIF Southern Section punter, first team All-CIF Southern Section Division VII punter, first team All-San Antonio League kicking specialist, first team All-San Antonio League Academic Team and first team All-San Gabriel Valley punter (by the San Gabriel Valley Tribune) ... listed as a five-star punter by Chris Sailer Kicking, a top-10 kicker in the United States (second on the West Coast) by Scouts Inc./ESPN, and the second-best kicker in Southern California by The Los Angeles Times ... tabbed a top-125 player in California by calhisports.com, and a top-125 player in the U.S. by maxemfinger.com ... rated a top-100 player in the West by Street & Smith’s ... also a calhisports.com 250 Hot List selection ... member of the United States Army All-American West Team, earning scholar-athlete of the game honors ... averaged 34.3 yards on 26 punts, and 57.9 yards on 87 kickoffs (54 touchbacks) as a senior ... junior honors included first team All-San Antonio League kicking specialist, first team All-San Antonio League academic team, second team All-CIF Division 7 kicker, second team All-San Gabriel Valley punter and second team All-State Underclassmen Team punter ... averaged 37.1 yards on 51 punts as a junior, as well as 52.2 yards on 62 kickoffs (22 touchbacks) ... high school coach was Steve Bogan ... earned All-League honors as a member of South Hill’s basketball and swimming teams ... also competed in baseball ... chosen South Hill’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year as a senior ... kicks with his right foot but writes with his left hand. PERSONAL: Parents are Michael and Marlaine Petersen ... has two brothers and three sisters ... uncles Bob and Harry Bishop played major league baseball for the San Francisco Giants ... full name is Kyle Christopher Petersen ... born 7/8/88 (West Covina, Calif.) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
Blk 0 0 0
Meet the miners
2008 All-Conference USA
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Petersen kyle
Career Highs
Punts 8, at Tulsa (10/18/08) Punting Yards 361, at Tulsa (10/18/08) Punting Average 51.7, at Louisiana-Lafayette (11/8/08) Long Punt 60, at Houston (11/22/08) Punts inside the 20 3, vs. UCF (9/27/08) at Louisiana-Lafayette (11/8/08) Touchbacks 2, at Houston (11/22/08) Fair Catches 4, vs. New Mexico (9/1/07) 50-Yard Punts 3, at Tulsa (10/18/08)
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Raschke
#78
09utepFootball
UTEP ITEM: Received his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology in May, 2009 and will play his senior season as a graduate student. 2008 (JUNIOR): Honorable mention All-Conference USA ... started all 12 games -- 11 at left guard and one at right guard when injuries decimated the Miner offensive line ... led all Miner offensive linemen with 60 knockdowns (five per game) … had 10 knockdowns in the Louisiana-Lafayette game alone … graded out at 84 percent or higher in five games (89 versus Buffalo, 88 at Southern Miss, 86 against New Mexico State, 85 versus Texas, 84 at Tulsa) … first among offensive linemen with 796 snaps … UTEP ranked 14th nationally in passing offense (284.2 ypg), 24th in passing efficiency (142.56), 25th in scoring offense (32.9 ppg) and 31st in total offense (406.5 ypg) ... the Miners scored 30+ points in eight of 12 games and 40+ points three times ... UTEP topped 30 points in eight of the last 10 games after getting off to a slow start with 30 points combined in season-opening losses to Buffalo and Texas ... the Miners averaged 36.5 points over the final 10 contests ... UTEP averaged 36.9 ppg and 427.5 ypg in C-USA play with 319.4 yards passing per game ... UTEP's 395 points marked the fourth-best seasonal total in school history and its 4,878 total offensive yards also ranked fourth in the record book ... the Miners set a school record with 34 touchdown passes, including 33 by Trevor Vittatoe ... UTEP had over 400 yards of offense in seven games, including a season-high 544 versus SMU ... earned Conference USA All-Academic honors and won the Kinesiology Major of the Year Exercise Sciences Award ... earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
2007 (SOPHOMORE): Started every game at left guard ... UTEP rated 25th nationally in passing offense (275.2 ypg), 28th in scoring offense (33.6 ppg), 35th in passing efficiency (134.95) and 37th in total offense (422.8 ypg) ... UTEP also averaged 147.7 yards rushing, a considerable improvement from 2006 when the Miners gained only 57.6 yards per contest on the ground ... the Miners tied the school record by scoring 40 points or more on five occasions in 2007 ... that record hadn’t been equaled since first being set in 1950 ... the Miners compiled a school record 5,074 yards of offense in 2007 ... Marcus Thomas ran for 1,166 yards and tied the school standard with seven 100-yard rushing games ... Trevor Vittatoe established UTEP freshman records for passing yards (3,101) and passing touchdowns (25), and had the secondbest passing yardage total in the nation among freshman signal-callers ... the Miners scored in 29 of 32 quarters in Conference USA play, topping the 40-point mark versus East Carolina, Rice, SMU and Tulsa ... UTEP compiled over 400 yards of offense in eight of 12 contests. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Started the first three games at left guard before suffering a seasonending knee injury ... named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. 2005: Redshirted.
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PRIOR TO UTEP: State Top 300 player by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ... honorable mention All-State selection by the Texas Sportswriters as a senior at Tivy High School ... also first team All-District 28-4A, first team AllArea and first team All-Hill Country ... first team All-District, first team All-Area and first team AllHill Country his junior year ... honorable mention All-District as a sophomore ... played offensive and defensive tackle during a three-year varsity career at Tivy High School ... part of a 13-1 team that was a regional finalist in 2002 ... high school coach was Mark Smith. PERSONAL: Parents are Donnie and Louada Raschke ... has one sister ... full name is Cameron Layne Raschke ... born 6/19/87 (Kerrville, Texas).
GETTING TO KNOW Cameron Raschke...
1. Theme song? “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by Scorpions 2. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “Millionaire Matchmaker” 3. If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? “Robby Felix's Understudy”, played by Robby Felix 4. One thing I want to do before I die…. Run a marathon 5. People say I look like… A fat Matthew McConaughey 6. Movie I love to watch but embarrassed to admit to is…. “The Notebook”
Meet the miners
OL | 6-4 | 31 0 | SR-3L Kerrville, Texas (Tivy)
cameron
09utepFootball
Meet the miners
2008 All-Conference USA
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UTEP ITEM: Selected the Miners’ offensive captain for the 2009 season.
QB | 6-2 | 215 | JR-2L Bedford, Texas (Trinity)
09utepFootball
CAREER NOTES: After only two seasons at UTEP, he has completed 470-of-825 passes for 6,375 yards with 58 touchdowns and 16 interceptions with eight 300-yard passing games ... on the Miner career charts, ranks first in passing yards per game (265.6), second in passing touchdowns, second in 300-yard passing games, third in passing yardage, third in completions, third in passing attempts and third in completion percentage (.570) ... has thrown for more touchdowns (58) in a two-year stretch than any other player in UTEP history ... he is also the only player in school annals to compile 25+ touchdown passes and less than 10 interceptions in two separate seasons ... Vittatoe joins Jordan Palmer as the only Miners to throw for 3,000 yards in two seasons. 2008 (SOPHOMORE): Honorable mention All-Conference USA ... set a school record by throwing 33 touchdown passes ... completed 246-of-418 attempts for 3,274 yards with only nine interceptions ... had the third-best seasonal passing yardage total in UTEP history ... had a passing efficiency rating of 146.39, fourth-best in school annals ... ranked 13th in the NCAA in passing yards per game (272.8), 20th in passing efficiency and 20th in total offense (270.3 ypg) ... rated fourth in C-USA in passing average and passing efficiency, and sixth in total offense ... his 33 touchdown passes ranked tied for sixth in the C-USA single-season record book ... averaged 310.1 yards passing and 309.8 yards of total offense in C-USA play, both third-best in the league ... threw for over 300 yards in four of the last six games, averaging 325.0 yards during that span ... after throwing three interceptions in the season opener at Buffalo, tossed just three picks over the next 10 games before finishing the season with three turnovers at East Carolina ... during the 10-game run, he had 30 touchdown passes against only three interceptions ... named the Conference USA Player of the Week for his performance at Southern Miss, in which he completed 25-of-43 passes for 266 yards and four scores ... led the Miners to a 40-37 victory over the Golden Eagles, finding Kris Adams for the game-winning six-yard score in the second overtime ... threw for a career-high 410 yards against SMU, hitting on 21-of-31 attempts ... the 410 yards passing ranks as the eighth-best single-game figure in the UTEP record book ... became only the fourth quarterback in UTEP history to have multiple 400-yard passing games, and the first to have two prior to his junior year ... tied his career-best with five touchdown passes at Louisiana-Lafayette ... in the process, he became the first signal-caller in UTEP history to toss five touchdown passes in a game as both a freshman and a sophomore ... completed 72.7 percent of his passes (24-of-33) versus the Ragin’ Cajuns ... passed for three or more touchdowns in eight straight contests -- a UTEP record -- before seeing the streak end in the final game at East Carolina ... over the last nine games, he threw for 31 scores -- an average of 3.4 TDs per outing ... completed 27-of-45 passes for 362 yards and four TDs at Houston ... threw for 313 yards (23-for-41) and two scores at East Carolina ... connected on 21-of-34 attempts for 306 yards and four TDs at Tulsa ... named UTEP’s Offensive MVP for the 2008 season … earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Honorable Mention All-Conference USA by the coaches and tabbed to the league’s All-Freshman Team ... established UTEP freshman records for passing yards (3,101) and passing touchdowns (25) ... ranked second nationally among NCAA Bowl Subdivision (FBS) freshmen in passing yardage behind Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford (3,121) ... ended the year rated 25th in the country in passing yards per 112
last seven games, including 290 against Southern Miss and 292 at UCF to close out the season. 2006: Redshirted ... named UTEP’s Offensive Scout Team MVP ... chosen to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. PRIOR TO UTEP: Team Texas first team quarterback as a senior at Trinity High School ... also a first team All-District 6-5A honoree and team MVP ... completed 75 of 129 passes for 1,999 yards with 20 touchdowns and only four interceptions as a senior ... also had eight rushing TDs for a 14-1 club that won the state title ... as a junior, completed 148 of 242 attempts for 1,972 yards with 14 TDs and five interceptions ... also added eight rushing scores ... three-year varsity letterwinner for coach Steve Lineweaver ... member of two district championship teams (2003, 2005) ... twotime Academic All-District pick.
Meet the miners
#10
2008 All-Conference USA
game (258.4), 31st in total passing yards, 32nd in passing efficiency (135.87) and 43rd in total offense (247.4 ypg) ... in the C-USA statistics, was fifth in passing yards per game and passing efficiency and sixth in total offense ... completed 224-of-407 attempts with only seven interceptions (averaged one pick every 58 pass attempts) ... threw for the fourth-most yards in a season by a UTEP signal-caller ... also ranked fourth in completions, fifth in yards per game, touchdowns and attempts, and sixth in passing efficiency on the Miner season passing lists ... had four 300-yard passing games, which already ties him for the fourth-top total in UTEP history ... completed 38-of-55 attempts for a seasonhigh 409 yards versus East Carolina ... the 409 yards marked the eighth-best seasonal figure in school annals ... the 38 completions against the Pirates were a school record, and the 55 pass attempts were the most by a Miner quarterback in 40 years ... attempted 57 passes at Rice two weeks later, the third-most in a game in the UTEP record book ... went 30-for57 for 373 yards and five touchdowns (third-most in a game in school history) versus the Owls ... appointed the C-USA Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 8 after completing 21of-27 passes for 319 yards and three scores in the Miners’ 4847 victory over Tulsa ... found Joe West for a 14-yard TD with 58 seconds remaining to give UTEP the come-from-behind triumph over the eventual C-USA Western Division champion Golden Hurricane ... completed 28-of-43 attempts for 308 yards at Tulane ... had 290 yards passing or more in six of the
Career Highs
Pass Attempts 57, at Rice (11/3/07) Pass Completions 38, vs. East Carolina (10/13/07) Passing Yards 410, vs. SMU (11/15/08) Passing Touchdowns 5, at Rice (11/3/07) at Louisiana-Lafayette (11/8/08) Interceptions 3, at Buffalo (8/28/08) at East Carolina (11/28/08) Yards Per Completion 19.9, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) Long Pass 85, vs. SMU (11/15/08) Rushes 8, at Texas Tech (9/8/07) Rushing Yards 31, at Texas Tech (9/8/07) Yards Per Carry 7.5, vs. Tulane (10/11/08) Long Rush 25, vs. Southern Miss (11/17/07) Rushing Touchdowns 1, at Houston (11/22/08)
09utepFootball
Meet the miners
trevorVittatoe
PERSONAL: Parents are Vernon and the late Kari Vittatoe ... father played basketball at Hardin-Simmons ... has one brother and one sister ... full name is Trevor Lee Vittatoe ... nickname is “Deisel” ... born 1/4/88 (Bedford, Texas) ... management major.
GETTING TO KNOW Trevor Vittatoe...
1. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Emmitt Smith because I used to be a running back 2. What team do you root for on Sundays? Dallas Cowboys 3. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” 4. Motto, quote, bible verse “True character is defined by what you do when nobody is watching.”
CAREER STATISTICS
Season 2007 2008 Totals
GP-GS 12/12 12/12 24/24
Effic 135.87 146.39 141.20
Comp-Att-Int 224-407-7 246-418-9 470-825-16
Pct .550 .589 .570
Yds 3101 3274 6375
TD 25 33 58
Lg 78 85 85
Avg/Gm 258.4 272.8 265.6 113
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Credited with one solo tackle versus SMU.
09utepFootball
2007 (FRESHMAN): Registered two tackles in the triumph against Texas Southern in his lone action of the year.
TE | 6-2 | 235 | JR-1L El Paso, Texas (Americas)
#89
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Played in 11 games mainly on special teams duty, where he recorded one solo tackle (versus Texas) ... also served as a reserve tight end and the Miners' backup kick snapper. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Did not see action.
PRIOR TO UTEP: First team All-District running back and punter as a senior at Clint High School in El Paso ... also garnered All-City honors at running back after compiling 786 yards on 78 carries with 23 touchdowns ... played in the El Paso County High School All-Star Game ... second team All-District running back as a junior, rushing 73 times for 550 yards with 13 TDs ... averaged 47 yards per punt as a senior ... three-year varsity letterwinner for coach Rosvel Martinez ... also competed in baseball, basketball and track ... regional qualifier in the 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, triple jump and 4x200 relay ... finished third in the 100 hurdles at the regional meet ... earned Academic All-State honors his senior year.
PRIOR TO UTEP: Played tight end and defensive end at Americas High School in El Paso ... first team All-District defensive end and second team All-Region as a senior, when he was also chosen the outstanding defensive end in the El Paso County High School All-Star Game ... first team All-City defensive end and second team All-District tight end as a junior ... sophomore honors included first team All-District defensive end and second team All-District tight end ... led Americas High with six sacks as a junior, and led the city with 11 sacks as a senior ... made four catches for 112 yards as a senior ... four-year varsity letterwinner for coach Jack Murphy.
PERSONAL: Lists rodeo as one of his hobbies ... parents are Saul, Sr. and Argelia Adame ... has two sisters ... full name is Saul Adame Rojas, Jr ... born 3/14/88 (El Paso, Texas) ... criminal justice major.
PERSONAL: Parents are Serge and Mary Amato ... has two brothers ... brother Brandon played football at Texas A&M Kingsville in 2002 and 2003 ... full name is Geoffrey Martin Amato ... he is left-handed ... born 10/14/87 (El Paso, Texas) ... criminal justice major.
GETTING TO KNOW Saul Adame...
1. What team do you root for on Sundays? Green Bay Packers 2. Most prized possession is…. My horses 3. Motto, quote, bible verse... "Be on your guard, stand firm in faith, be men of courage, be strong. " 4. If I could appear on the cover of a magazine it would be… Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine 5. What team do you root for on Sundays? Green Bay Packers 114
geoffamato
Meet the miners
#25
DB | 5-10 | 185 | JR-0L El Paso, Texas (Clint)
09utepFootball
Meet the miners
saul ADAME
GETTING TO KNOW Geoff Amato...
1. Theme song? “When I'm Gone” by Three Doors Down 2. What team do you root for on Sundays? Dallas Cowboys 3. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Always thank the Lord for blessing me with talent and health. 4. Game I am most looking forward to this season… Texas, Kansas, all of them! 5. One thing I want to do before I die… Make sure my family is financially set.
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09utepFootball
2008: Redshirted … earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. PRIOR TO UTEP: Rated the no. 129 offensive tackle in the country by Scout.com ... All-Metro Co-MVP and District 32-5A Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior at Los Fresnos High School ... also a unanimous first team All-Valley choice in 2007, as well as second team All-Region ... second team All-District and All-Valley pick his junior year ... three-year varsity letterwinner for coach Scott Ford ... saw action at right tackle and left tackle as a sophomore, and was a full-time starter at left tackle as a junior and senior ... helped Los Fresnos High to a 31-5 record over three seasons with back-to-back area, district and bi-district titles in 2006 and 2007 ... competed in track and field and powerlifting as a prep as well ... regional qualifier in the shot put his junior year ... second team Academic All-State honoree who was in the top 10 percent of his class academically. PERSONAL: Parents are Eloy, Sr. and Alma Atkinson ... has two brothers and one sister ... full name is Eloy Atkinson, Jr. ... born 1/24/90 (Brownsville, Texas) … pre-business major. GETTING TO KNOW Eloy Atkinson...
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1. What team do you root for on Sundays? Dallas Cowboys 2. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? SportsCenter 3. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Listen to music 4. Motto, quote, bible verse “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Phil 4:13 5. If I could bring anything from my hometown to El Paso, it would be… The Beach
#43
Meet the miners
#63
OL | 6-3 | 285 | FR-RS Los Fresnos, Texas (Los Fresnos)
joe BANYARD
PRIOR TO UTEP: Three-time All-State honoree while playing for head coach Kent Jackson at Sweetwater High School in Sweetwater, Texas ... talented running back whose career rushing totals eclipsed 3,200 yards and accounted for 64 TDs. PERSONAL: Full name is Joseph Aaron Banyard ... parents are Chris Cole and Holly Banyard ... has two brothers ... born 11/22/88 (Sweetwater, Texas) … multidisciplinary studies major.
GETTING TO KNOW Joe Banyard...
1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? Playoff system 2. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Walter Payton 3. What team do you root for on Sundays? Dallas Cowboys 4. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "House of Payne" 5. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Pray 6. One thing I want to do before I die… Skydive 7. If I could bring anything from my hometown to El Paso, it would be… My little brothers
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Meet the miners
eloy atkinson
RB | 6-1 | 200 | SO-0L Sweetwater, Texas (Sweetwater)
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2008: Redshirted.
#20
PRIOR TO UTEP: Earned third team All-State honors by the Texas Sportswriters and honorable mention All-State by the Associated Press following his senior year at Kennedale High School ... also tabbed first team All-District 12-3A and All-Area after converting on 33-of-36 extra points and 7-of-10 field goals (long of 49) in 2007 ... received Kennedale High’s Special Teams and Most Inspirational Player awards ... honorable mention All-State kicker as a junior, as well as first team All-District quarterback and second team All-Region kicker and quarterback ... finished 41-of-42 on extra points and 8-of-13 on field goals (long of 40) in 2006 ... first team All-District as a sophomore when he was a perfect 43-for-43 on extra points ... four-year varsity letterwinner for coach Richard Barrett, his father ... concluded his career 130-for-135 on extra points and 22-for-35 on field goals ... member of Kennedale High’s track and field team his freshman year, earning first team All-District recognition as a pole vaulter ... listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students. PERSONAL: Parents are Richard and Kim Barrett ... has an older brother, Bryan, who played football at Texas State ... full name is Logan Bryce Barrett ... born 6/27/89 (Fort Worth, Texas) … pre-business major. GETTING TO KNOW Logan Barrett...
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1. What is your most embarrassing moment on the field? Slipping and falling on a kickoff. 2. Theme song? “Now Is The Time” by Hatebreed 3. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "Family Guy" 4. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Say a prayer before every kick and point up at my grandpa. 5. One thing I want to do before I die…. Ride a bull
dustin bell
#21
DB | 5-11 | 180 | SR-1L Dallas, Texas (Wilmer Hutchins/Bakersfield College)
2008 (JUNIOR): Played in all 12 games, starting the season opener at Buffalo at the right cornerback position … ended the year with eight tackles, including six solos, plus an interception … credited with his season-high two stops in two games (at Tulsa, versus SMU) … picked off a pass against the Mustangs. PRIOR TO UTEP: Originally signed with the Miners as a wide receiver in the spring of 2006 before spending the 2006 and 2007 seasons at Bakersfield College … compiled 70 tackles and 10 interceptions in two years at Bakersfield … Bakersfield had the top-rated defense in the Western State Conference during the 2007 season, limiting the opposition to 256.3 yards per game … played his prep ball at Wilmer Hutchins High School in his hometown of Dallas, earning AllState and district MVP honors his senior year … had 93 catches for 1,770 yards and 27 touchdowns in his prep career, leading Wilmer Hutchins HS to district titles his sophomore and senior campaigns … also saw time at quarterback, primarily as a senior when he threw for 2,200 yards and 27 scores … All-District offensive and defensive player as a junior … chosen Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore … three-year varsity letterwinner for coach Mike Robinson … was also an All-District baseball and basketball player. PERSONAL: Parents are Roy and Lady Bell … has one brother and one sister … younger brother Derrius is a junior defensive back at SMU … full name is Dustin Deltoroy Bell … nickname is “Showtime” … born 4/18/87 (Dallas, Texas) … multidisciplinary studies major.
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Barrett
K | 6-1 | 175 | FR-RS Kennedale, Texas (Kennedale)
09utepFootball
Meet the miners 09utepFootball
logan
GETTING TO KNOW Dustin Bell...
1. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Deion Sanders 2. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “For the Love of D-Bell” (my reality show) 3. Game I am most looking forward to this season… SMU because my little brother is the starting corner for the Mustangs. 4. 14. Movie I love to watch but embarrassed to admit to is... Jason's Lyric 5. One thing I want to do before I die… Enjoy life
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#61
PRIOR TO UTEP: Rated the no. 132 offensive tackle in the country by Scout.com ... first team All-League and second team All-CIF offensive lineman as a senior at El Capitan High School ... chosen to Shaq’s Pig Pen as one of the top linemen in San Diego (one of nine players selected to the team) ... one of six team captains his senior year ... second team AllLeague pick and team MVP as a junior ... two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Ron Burner ... played left guard and right tackle as a junior, and center, left tackle and right guard as a senior ... also saw action at defensive tackle as a junior, and defensive end and defensive tackle as a senior ... posted 16 tackles as a senior and eight as a junior ... member of a 12-1 team in 2007 that was Grossmont North League Champion ... pitcher and first baseman on the El Capitan baseball team in ninth and 10th grade, chosen the team’s Most Dedicated Player both years ... involved with the sports medicine, ping pong and fishing clubs at El Capitan High. PERSONAL: Parents are Mark and Teri Beveridge ... father is a firefighter who previously played baseball in the Anaheim Angels organization ... has one sister, Sami, who played soccer at San Diego State before transferring to San Diego Christian College ... full name is Deryck Alan Beveridge ... nickname is “Bear” ... born 7/29/90 (San Diego, Calif.) ... undeclared major. GETTING TO KNOW Deryck Beveridge...
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1. What is your most embarrassing moment on the field? Running the wrong way after an interception 2. Theme song? “Double XL” by Keith Anderson 3. What team do you root for on Sundays? San Diego Chargers 4. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? Baseball Tonight 5. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I watch “300”
antwon
#30
blake
DB | 5-10 | 180 | SO-1L Jacksonville, Fla. (Thurgood Marshall)
Meet the miners
2008: Redshirted.
OL | 6-8 | 305 | FR-RS Lakeside, Calif. (El Capitan)
2008 (FRESHMAN): Appeared in 10 games as a reserve defensive back … tallied 11 stops, including nine solos, as a true freshman while adding three pass break-ups … tied his season-best with three tackles at Tulsa and at East Carolina … deflected three passes against the Pirates … posted two takedowns versus UCF. PRIOR TO UTEP: Rated the No. 123 cornerback in the country by Scout.com ... two-year starter for coach Dennis Brantley at Thurgood Marshall High School in Missouri City, Texas ... garnered All-District 23-5A honors as a senior ... captained a squad which posted a record of 7-3 and claimed a second-place finish in the district ... contributed 53 tackles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries ... honorable mention All-District as a junior after registering 48 tackles and a pair of picks ... helped lead Thurgood Marshall High to a district title and 8-4 record in 2006 ... member of every special teams unit ... lists a fumble recovery for a touchdown against Kempner his junior year as his biggest thrill in sports ... three-year letterwinner in track & field, competing in the 100, 200 and 400 meter races, in addition to being a member of the 4x100 relay unit. PERSONAL: Mother is Stephanie Blake ... full name is Antwon Valentino Blake ... born 8/9/90 (Jacksonville, Fla.) … pre-business major. GETTING TO KNOW Antwon Blake... 1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? Wearing colored visors 2. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… A Jacksonville Jaguar 3. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? Family Guy 4. If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? “The Man, The Legend” by Larenz Tate 5. Most prized possession is… My life
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deryck Beveridge
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2008 (SOPHOMORE): Ranked third on the team in rushing yards (348) and second in carries (75) … scored two touchdowns, one at Southern Miss and another versus Rice … also made 15 catches for 199 yards and returned 10 kickoffs for 170 yards … compiled 717 all-purpose yards to rate third on the squad behind Jeff Moturi and Kris Adams … played in 11 games, earning six starts … picked up the first 100-yard rushing game of his collegiate career against Tulane with 20 carries for 107 yards … ran for 59 yards on 12 attempts at Southern Miss … compiled 49 yards on nine rushes at Houston … rambled for 45 yards on seven carries versus SMU … his season-long 22-yard run came against Tulane … made his season-high three catches at Tulsa and versus SMU … had 64 yards receiving against the Golden Hurricane and 60 versus the Mustangs … compiled 173 all-purpose yards at Tulsa, including six kickoff returns for 107 yards (long of 28).
09utepFootball
2007: Redshirted after appearing in the first three games of the year ... rushed 14 times for 64 yards on the season while catching two passes for 18 yards.
#3
Career Highs
Rushes 20, vs. Tulane (10/11/08) Rushing Yards 107, vs. Tulane (10/11/08) Yards Per Carry 8.3, at Marshall (11/18/06) Long Rush 22, vs. Tulane (10/11/08) Rushing Touchdowns 1, at Southern Miss (10/4/08) vs. Rice (11/1/08) Receptions 4, vs. Tulane (10/14/06) Receiving Yards 94, at UAB (11/10/06) Yards Per Catch 47.0, at UAB (11/10/06) Long Reception 80, at UAB (11/10/06) Receiving Touchdowns 1, at UAB (11/10/06) Kickoff Returns 6, at Tulsa (10/18/08) Kickoff Return Yards 107, at Tulsa (10/18/08) Long Kickoff Return 28, at Tulsa (10/18/08) All-Purpose Yards 173, at Tulsa (10/18/08)
2006 (FRESHMAN): Pulled from redshirt for the final seven games of the season ... went on to rush for 76 yards on 21 carries (3.6 avg.) ... also caught 12 passes for 218 yards, a team-leading 18.2-yard average ... scored a touchdown off an 80-yard pass from Jordan Palmer at CAREER STATISTICS UAB -- the longest play from scrimmage for the Miners in 2006 Season GP-GS Rush Yds Avg. TD Long Avg./Gm. ... it was the second-longest reception by a freshman in school 2006 7-0 21 76 3.6 0 17 10.9 history ... had two catches for 94 yards against the Blazers 2007 Redshirted ... two receptions for 74 yards (long of 71) versus Memphis 11-6 75 348 4.6 2 22 31.6 ... three receptions for 31 yards at Marshall ... picked up his 2008 Totals 18-6 96 424 4.4 2 22 23.6 season-high four catches against Tulane ... rushed four times for a season-best 33 yards at Marshall ... gained 30 yards on the Season Rec. Yds Avg. TD Long Avg./Gm. KOR All-Purpose ground versus Tulane on seven attempts. 2006 12 218 18.2 1 80 31.1 0-0 294 2007 Redshirted PRIOR TO UTEP: Listed as a Texas Top-300 player by Dave 15 199 13.3 0 38 18.1 10-170 717 Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ... third team All-State 5A honoree 2008 Totals 27 417 15.4 1 80 23.2 10-170 1011 by the Texas Sportswriters as a senior at Copperas Cove High School ... also first team All-District 13-5A and first team All-Centex in 2005 ... rushed for 1,546 yards on 217 carries (7.1 avg.) with 26 touchdowns ... also caught seven passes totaling 58 yards, and returned four kickoffs for 83 yards (20.8 ... avg.) ... earned first team All-District and second team All-Centex honors GETTING TO KNOW as a junior ... member of a district championship team his junior year and 1. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be... a 13-1 squad as a senior ... played two years of varsity ball, seeing action Emmitt Smith at tailback, slot receiver and cornerback while also returning kicks ... high 2. What team do you root for on Sundays? school coach was Jack Welch ... ran track as well ... advanced to state in Dallas Cowboys the 4x200 relay as a freshman and junior, and in the 100 as a junior.
Donald Buckram
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PERSONAL: Parents are Donald, Sr. and Delia Buckram ... has one brother and one sister ... full name is Donald Ray Buckram, Jr. ... nicknames are “D-Buck” and “Don B.” ... born 2/9/88 (Fort Hood, Texas) ... electronic media major.
3. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "Hannah Montana" 4. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Extra stretches
matt
Camilli
#57
LS | 6-4 | 235 | SO-0L Las Cruces, N.M. (Mayfield)
2008 (FRESHMAN): Did not see action.
Meet the miners
Buckram
RB | 5-10 | 195 | JR-2L Copperas Cove, Texas (Copperas Cove)
2007: Redshirted. PRIOR TO UTEP: All-District defensive end, tight end and long snapper at Mayfield High School in Las Cruces ... second team All-State defensive end his senior year ... three-year varsity letterwinner for coach Michael Bradley ... member of two state title teams (2005, 2006) and three consecutive district championship units ... also lettered in baseball and golf as a prep ... led the team in home runs and batted over .500. PERSONAL: Parents are Moe and Lish Camilli ... has one brother ... full name is Matthew Angelo Camilli ... nickname is “MatsoFatso” ... born 2/15/89 (Albuquerque, N.M.) ... prebusiness major.
GETTING TO KNOW Matt Camilli... 1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? No holding and no boundaries 2. Theme song? “I Hate Doing Laundry” by Psychostick 3. What team do you root for on Sundays? Green Bay Packers 4. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I've got to have tall socks 5. Most prized possession is... Family and friends 6. Movie I love to watch but embarrassed to admit to is... "The Notebook"
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donald
123
2008 (FRESHMAN): Totaled two catches for 12 yards in seven games … had one reception each versus Texas and SMU … long catch of seven yards came against the Mustangs.
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2007: Redshirted. PRIOR TO UTEP: Named Calhisports.com Hot-250 Offensive Recruit ... rated 96th in California by SuperPrep.com ... listed as a top-28 wide receiver in the west by PrepStar.com ... three-year letterwinner and starter for coach Greg Setlich at Don Antonio Lugo ... scholar athlete during his senior and junior seasons ... two-year team captain ... first team AllMount Baldy League and team MVP as a senior ... caught 43 passes for 900 yards (20.9 ypc) and 10 touchdowns at wide receiver in 2006 ... at free safety, chalked up 114 stops (29 solo), three fumble recoveries and one interception ... scored five touchdowns during Don Antonio Lugo’s two playoff games as a senior ... first team All-CIF Division VII wide receiver and first team All-Mount Baldy League free safety as a junior ... Don Antonio Lugo’s Back of the Year in 2005 ... caught 24 yards for 450 yards (18.8 ypr) and four touchdowns as a junior ... passed for 400 yards (21-for-40) and three touchdowns in 2005 as well ... recorded 90 tackles, seven interceptions and two fumble recoveries (including a 60-yard TD) on defense ... worked his way into a starting role his freshman year ... lettered four times in basketball and track and field ... All-Mount Baldy League in basketball. PERSONAL: Parents are Preston and Robin Carr ... has one brother ... uncle, Dwight Pickens, played in the NFL and lettered at Fresno State ... full name is Russell Emmitt Carr ... born 12/27/88 (Chino, Calif.) ... criminal justice major.
GETTING TO KNOW Russell Carr...
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1. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Jerry Rice 2. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “Family Matters” 3. If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? “Beyond the Glory” played by Will Smith 4. One thing I want to do before I die… Be successful and give back 5. Motto, quote, bible verse. “God would never put you through something you couldn't handle.”
Carter
#38
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Had a productive sophomore campaign, racking up 29 tackles while coming off the bench for 10 games … added a half-tackle for loss, a quarterback pressure and a fumble recovery … opened the season by recording four takedowns at Buffalo … picked up his career-high eight stops at Louisiana-Lafayette … credited with five tackles each at Tulsa and versus Rice … recovered a fumble against New Mexico State.
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#18
lb | 6-2 | 215 | JR-2L Converse, Texas (Judson)
isaiah
2007 (FRESHMAN): Appeared in all 12 games as a true freshman ... tallied 13 tackles (nine solo), a half-sack (versus Houston), two quarterback hurries, a pass break-up and a forced fumble ... registered a season-high five stops at Tulane, where he started at SAM linebacker ... forced a fumble versus Texas Southern. PRIOR TO UTEP: Ranked as a Texas Top-20 Linebacker and Texas Top 300 by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ... three-year letterwinner and starter for coach Jim Rackley at Judson ... Associated Press Class 5A All-State honorable mention in 2006 ... first team All-District 26-5A and All-City by the San Antonio Express-News as a senior ... team captain ... Judson’s defensive MVP ... recorded 131 stops (66 solo), 14 tackles for losses, eight sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and a 93-yard interception return for a touchdown ... also had one pass break-up ... All-District 26-5A and All-Texas Junior Team, leading Judson to an 11-4 record in 2005 ... posted 145 tackles, three sacks, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and one interception as a junior ... member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. PERSONAL: Parents are Isaiah III and Wendy Renee Carter ... has one sister ... full name is Isaiah Carter IV ... nicknames are “The Carter” and “Beast” ... born 12/13/89 (San Antonio, Texas) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
CAREER STATISTICS Season 2007 2008 Totals
GP-GS 12-1 10-0 22-1
UT 9 15 24
AT 4 14 18
TT 13 29 42
GETTING TO KNOW Isaiah Carter...
1. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "Real World" 2. Game I am most looking forward to this season… Kansas 3. Most prized possession is… Family 4. One thing I want to do before I die… Play in the NFL 5. Movie I love to watch but embarrassed to admit to is... "Goofy Movie"
TFL 0.5-3 0.5-1 1-4
Sacks 0.5-3 0-0 0.5-3
INT 0-0 0-0 0-0
FF 1 0 1
FR 0 1 1
PBU 1 0 1
QBs 2 1 3
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russell Carr
wr | 6-2 | 200 | SO-1L Chino Hills, Calif. (Don Antonio Lugo)
Career Highs
Solo Tackles 5, at Louisiana-Lafayette (11/8/08) Assisted Tackles 3, at Tulane (11/10/07) vs. Rice (11/1/08) at Louisiana-Lafayette (11/8/08) Total Tackles 8, at Louisiana-Lafayette (11/8/08) Tackles for losses 0.5, vs. Houston (10/27/07) at Louisiana-Lafayette (11/8/08) Sacks 0.5, at Houston (10/27/07) Pass break-ups 1, vs. Southern Miss (11/17/07) Forced fumbles 1, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) Fumble recoveries 1, vs. New Mexico State (9/20/08) Quarterback hurries 1, vs. East Carolina (10/13/07) vs. Southern Miss (11/17/07)
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2008 (SOPHOMORE): Did not see game action while working with the scout team.
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PRIOR TO UTEP: Grabbed honorable mention All-District accolades as a senior for head coach Robert Wilcox at McNeil High School in Austin, Texas ... rushed for 750 yards while also registering 250 yards and four TDs as a receiver ... squad advanced to the semifinals of the area playoffs ... also lettered in track, competing in several sprint events.
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PERSONAL: Full name is Sean L. Clark ... parents are Leonard and Felicia Clark ... has one brother and one sister ... enjoys playing video games and working out in his spare time ... favorite athlete is Reggie Bush ... born 10/14/86 (Stuttgart, Germany) … electronic media major.
GETTING TO KNOW Sean Clark...
1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? Overtime 2. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Barry Sanders 3. What team do you root for on Sundays? New Orleans Saints 4. Most prized possession is... My Mom 5. One thing I want to do before I die… Win Conference USA 6. Motto, quote, bible verse... "Never shoulda, woulda, coulda. Get it done, no regrets."
Contreras
#31
Db | 5-10 | 190 | JR-1L El Paso, Texas (Americas)
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Appeared in three games ... credited with four tackles (three solos) on special teams ... notched his season-high three stops against UCF ... chosen recipient of the coaches' Dr. Natalicio Academic Award at season's end ... earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
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#33
austin
2007: Did not see action ... named to the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll ... received a C-USA Academic Medal for achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or better. PRIOR TO UTEP: All-District 1-5A and second team All-City inside linebacker as a senior at Americas High School in El Paso ... second team All-District and honorable mention All-City safety as a junior ... two-time honorable mention All-District quarterback (as a junior and senior) ... as a senior totaled 95 tackles, two fumble recoveries, an interception and a sack ... had a big game versus Coronado High School, recording 10 tackles and the game-winning interception ... as a junior amassed 50 tackles, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries on offense and added 800 yards of total offense with 10 touchdowns (four passing, six rushing) ... saw action at five positions (quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, safety) during a three-year varsity career for coach Jack Murphy ... also competed in track and field for three years as a sprinter and discus thrower ... three-time Academic All-District honoree ... member of the National Honor Society. PERSONAL: Parents are Richard and Martha Contreras ... has two brothers and one sister ... his father and brother Abel both attended UTEP ... full name is Richard Austin Contreras ... born 5/27/88 (El Paso, Texas) ... history major.
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Clark
rb | 5-6 | 190 | JR-0L Austin, Texas (McNeil)
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Meet the miners
sean
GETTING TO KNOW Austin Contreras... 1. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Troy Aikman and Deion Sanders 2. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? I Love Money II 3. People say I look like… Gerardo Rico Suave 4. If I could appear on the cover of a magazine it would be… Men's Health 5. 14. Movie I love to watch but embarrassed to admit to is... "Madagascar"
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#79
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Gained significantly more experience as the season went on ... played in eight of the last nine games ... served as Robby Felix's understudy at center before being thrust into a starting role for the final two games … also saw action at both guard positions … was on the field for all 83 plays at Houston … was in for 212 snaps on the season … credited with seven knockdown blocks. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Made his collegiate debut in the triumph against Texas Southern.
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2006: Redshirted. PRIOR TO UTEP: Earned All-State honors as a senior at Hamilton High School ... played four years of varsity ball, seeing action at defensive tackle as a freshman and sophomore, and offensive tackle as a junior and senior ... member of a pair of state title teams (2003, 2004) and state runner-up in 2005 ... high school coach was John Wrenn. PERSONAL: Father is Jeff Cullumber and stepmother is Tammy Cullumber ... mother is Suzanne Cullumber and stepfather is Ron Boomer ... has two brothers and one sister ... full name is Tanner Brooks Cullumber ... born 12/8/87 (Chandler, Ariz.) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
GETTING TO KNOW Tanner Cullumber...
1. Theme song? “Back in Black”-AC/DC 2. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… A safety 3. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "The Deadliest Catch" 4. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Rock out to AC/DC 5. If I could bring anything from my hometown to El Paso, it would be… My dad's cooking 128
tim
Curry 2008: Redshirted.
#11
Qb | 6-4 | 215 | FR-RS Elysian Fields, Texas (Elysian Fields)
PRIOR TO UTEP: Rated the no. 62 quarterback in the country and a three star prospect by Scout. com ... also ranked the no. 29 pro-style quarterback in the nation by Rivals.com ... Dave Campbell’s Texas Top-300 player ... highly decorated recruit who earned All-State honors by the Associated Press and the Texas Sportswriters as a senior ... other senior honors included All-District 19-2A Offensive MVP, All-East Texas, Texas 7 on 7 All-State Tournament Team and Harrison County Offensive MVP ... coached by Ted Patton at Elysian Fields High School in 2006 and 2007 ... completed 95-of-183 passes for 1,594 yards and 22 touchdowns with only six interceptions as a senior ... also rushed 116 times for 404 yards in 2007, including 15 touchdowns ... led Elysian Fields High to a runner-up finish in Class 2A Division II in 2007 ... first team All-District 19-2A and second team All-Region quarterback as a junior ... completed 63-of-141 attempts for 1,039 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior, while rushing 117 times for 446 yards and 10 scores ... four-year varsity letterwinner who began his prep career at Benton (La.) High School ... in addition to playing quarterback his sophomore, junior and senior years, he also earned playing time at safety as a freshman and wide receiver as a freshman and sophomore ... threw for 349 yards (39-of-74 passing) as a sophomore, and ran for 230 yards on 17 attempts ... completed 21-of-42 passes for 278 yards as a freshman, while rushing for 289 yards on 23 carries ... also a member of the baseball, basketball, golf, tennis and track and field teams during his high school years ... All-State golfer and All-District GETTING TO KNOW Tim Curry... 1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? basketball player ... honor roll student who The playoff system was also involved with student council and the 2. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Brett Favre PERSONAL: Parents are Chad and Barbara Curry ... has one brother and two sisters ... his grandfather, Carter Curry, played football at Southern Arkansas ... full name is Timothey Dylan Curry ... nickname is “T.C.” ... born 3/12/90 (Shreveport, La.) … kinesiology major.
3. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “Duck Commander” 4. One thing I want to do before I die... Hunt with Phil Robinson 5. Motto, quote, bible verse "You get what you put in" 6. Movie I love to watch but embarrassed to admit to is… “Lion King”
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Cullumber
ol | 6-4 | 280 | JR-1L Chandler, Ariz. (Hamilton)
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tanner
129
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2008 (SOPHOMORE): Worked with the scout team.
130
PRIOR TO UTEP: Two-year letterwinner who was a part of back-to-back CIF Championships at Oceanside High School (Oceanside, Calif.) for head coach John Carroll ... tabbed to the All-League team as a senior after registering 60 tackles, three interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries... team finished at 10-3 ... posted 50 stops, along with three FR and an interception during junior campaign ... squad compiled a flawless 13-0 mark ... also saw action on offense, racking up 418 yards on 38 carries during his career ... played in the San Diego Alex Spanos All-Star Classic ... was a three-year letterwinner in track ... member of the honor roll as a junior and senior. PERSONAL: Full name is Chancey Jamelle Dariso ... nickname is "Doritos" ... parents are Vernon and Wanda Dariso ... Vernon serves with the U.S. Marines ... has one brother ... born 1/2/88 (Jacksonville, Fla.) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
GETTING TO KNOW Chancey Dariso...
1. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" 2. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Eat a little bag of Sour Patch Kids 3. If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? “Swagga”, Jamie Foxx 4. Most prized possession is... Two championship rings 5. Motto, quote, bible verse “It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.”
evan
davis
#19
CAREER STATISTICS
Yds Avg. TD Long Avg./Gm. KOR 2008 (SOPHOMORE): Compiled 19 receptions for Season GP-GS Rec. 2007 10-0 1 11 11.0 0 11 1.1 1-30 217 yards and a touchdown … added one kickoff return 2008 12-5 19 217 11.4 1 37 18.1 1-13 for 13 yards … recorded at least one catch in 10 of the last Totals 22-5 20 228 11.4 1 37 10.4 2-43 11 games … had multiple receptions in eight contests, including a season-high three against New Mexico State … ended the season with his career-best 54 yards on two receptions at East Carolina, including a 37-yard score … played in all 12 games, earning five starting assignments.
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#3
Dariso
Db | 5-10 | 185 | JR-0L Oceanside, Calif. (Oceanside)
2007 (FRESHMAN): Reserve wideout played in 10 games, recording an 11-yard catch against Texas Southern ... also had a 30-yard kickoff return versus the Tigers. 2006: Redshirted. PRIOR TO UTEP: First team All-North County and second team All-CIF wideout as a senior at Oceanside High School ... registered 61 catches for 1,143 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2005 ... two-year varsity letterwinner for coach John Carroll ... played defensive back, safety and wide receiver as a junior, and strictly WR as a senior ... member of a 12-1, CIF and league title team as a junior ... helped Oceanside to another CIF championship with a 10-3 mark as a senior ... four-year letterwinner on Oceanside’s basketball and track and field teams ... competed in the 300 hurdles, long jump, 4x100 and 4x400 relays in track ... honor roll student. PERSONAL: Mother is Ethel Davis ... has two sisters ... full name is Evan Ivory Davis ... nickname is “Showtime” ... born 3/6/88 (Los Angeles, Calif.) ... advertising major. Career Highs
Receptions 3, vs. New Mexico State (9/20/08) Receiving Yards 54, at East Carolina (11/28/08) Yards Per Catch 27.0, at East Carolina (11/28/08) Long Reception 37, at East Carolina (11/28/08) Touchdowns 1, at East Carolina (11/28/08) Kickoff Returns 1, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) vs. UCF (9/27/08) Kickoff Return Yards 30, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) Long Kickoff Return 30, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07)
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chancey
wr | 6-1 | 185 | jR-2l Los Angeles, Calif. (Oceanside)
GETTING TO KNOW Evan Davis...
1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? Get up if you fall. 2. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Jerry Rice 3. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "Family Guy" 4. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Dance 5. Motto, quote, bible verse I"t's Game Time"
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#37
2008 (FRESHMAN): Member of the scout team who worked his way up to making the travel roster for the Louisiana-Lafayette game … had one carry for two yards against the Ragin’ Cajuns … also played in the SMU game and rushed for 19 yards on seven attempts with a long run of 10 yards … appointed UTEP’s Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year … earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
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PRIOR TO UTEP: Three-year letterwinner for Andress High School ... member of district championship teams as a sophomore and a junior ... AHS went a combined 31-6 during his three years.
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PERSONAL: Son of Michael Hope and Barbara Love ... has three sisters ... full name is Michael Anthony Farrar ... born 3/23/83 (Richmond, Va.) ... pre-business major.
GETTING TO KNOW Michael Farrar...
1. Theme song? “Win or Lose” by Mobb Deep 2. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Jerome Bettis 3. What team do you root for on Sundays? Pittsburgh Steelers 4. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "Desperate Housewives" 5. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Got to have my favorite playlist 6. If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? “Highs and Lows of a Life Well Lived” starring Omar Epps 7. One thing I want to do before I die…. Go to Germany
rb | 5-7 | 165 | so-1l Duncanville, Texas (Duncanville)
vernon
frazier
#20
2008 (FRESHMAN): Gained 176 yards on 31 carries, a 5.7 average … also had one reception and one kickoff return for 16 yards (at Houston) … had a two-game stretch versus New Mexico State and UCF where he rushed 18 times for 147 yards (8.2 ypc) … darted for 74 yards on 14 carries against the Aggies … added 73 yards on four tries versus UCF … reached the end zone on a 55-yard run against the Knights … picked up 19 yards on four rushes versus SMU … played in nine games, making his lone start against NMSU.
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farrar
rb | 5-7 | 200 | so-0l El Paso, Texas (Andress)
2007: Redshirted. PRIOR TO UTEP: Texas Top-20 Running Back and Texas Top-300 player by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ... rated an Area Top-100 player by The Dallas Morning News ... two-year letterwinner for coach Dan Schreiber ... first team All-District 8-5A running back ... named Community Champion by the Dallas Cowboys and Capital One ... rushed for 1,368 yards on 193 carries (7.1 ypc) and 15 touchdowns in 2006 ... also caught three passes, including a TD ... Duncanville’s leading scorer with 102 points ... returned five kickoffs for 150 yards (30.0 ypr), including a 98-yard TD ... rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns in his final home game his senior year ... honorable mention All-District 8-5A as a junior ... Duncanville’s MVP for final game of the 2005 season ... rushed for 645 yards on 98 carries (6.6 ypc) and 10 TDs ... caught one pass and one extra point ... tallied 75 yards on four kickoff returns (18.8 ypc) ... four-year standout on the Duncanville track and field team ... All-Region in the 4x100 and 4x200 in 2006 ... placed fifth at the state championships in the 4x200 in 2006 ... broke an eight-year school record GETTING TO KNOW Vernon Frazier... in the 4x200 as a junior ... community service volunteer ... 1. What is your most embarrassing moment on the field? member of the Spanish Club. I scored a touchdown and then slipped on the concrete. PERSONAL: Parents are Vernon Frazier and Tracy Simpson ... has four brothers and one sister ... father ran track at Grambling State ... full name is Vernon Lamane Frazier ... nickname is “Rook”... born 12/15/88 (Shreveport, La.) ... pre-business major.
2. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Barry Sanders 3. What team do you root for on Sundays? Philadelphia Eagles 4. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "The Boondocks" 5. People say I look like… Derek Luke
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michael
133
#83
wr | 5-10 | 160 | fR-rs El Paso, Texas (Irvin)
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PRIOR TO UTEP: Started one year as a quarterback for Irvin High School ... compiled 727 passing yards and five touchdowns ... rushed for 635 yards and nine scores ... earned All-District accolades as result ... also saw action as a defensive back ... All-District, AllCity and All-Regional in track & field ...
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PERSONAL: Son of William and Annette Randle ... undeclared major.
GETTING TO KNOW Jeken Frye...
1. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… My father 2. What team do you root for on Sundays? Philadelphia Eagles 3. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? SportsCenter 4. If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? “French Fries, Super Sized”, Shaquille O'Neal 5. Most prized possession is... My relationship with family 6. One thing I want to do before I die... Meet President Obama 7. Movie I love to watch but embarrassed to admit to is... “Lord of the Rings” 8. If I could appear on the cover of a magazine it would be… TIME
garcia
ol | 6-3 | 330 | sR-0l El Paso, Texas (Franklin)
#72
2008 (JUNIOR): Appeared in games versus Texas and SMU.
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frye
daniel
2007 (SOPHOMORE): Played first game of collegiate career against Texas Southern. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Scout team member. 2005: Redshirted. PRIOR TO UTEP: Second team All-State lineman as a senior at Franklin High School in El Paso ... also first team All-District 1-5A, leading Franklin to a 10-2 record ... participated in the El Paso County High School All-Star Game ... played center and offensive tackle over the course of a three-year varsity career ... high school coach was Tony Grijalva ... member of the track and field team as a freshman, throwing the shot put ... listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students. PERSONAL: Stepfather, Richard Adauto, is Executive Vice President for Advancement and Oversight at UTEP ... mother is Patricia Adauto ... has two brothers ... full name is Daniel Garcia ... born 8/12/87 (El Paso, Texas) ... marketing major.
GETTING TO KNOW Daniel Garcia...
1. What is your most embarrassing moment on the field? False start in my first play ever 2. Theme song? "Don't Stop Believing” by Journey 3. What team do you root for on Sundays? Carolina Panthers 4. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "The Simpsons" 5. Most prized possession is... My truck
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jeken
135
#35
Garcia
2008: Redshirted.
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PRIOR TO UTEP: Four-year letterwinner for head coach Steven Bogan at South Hills High School in West Covina, Calif. ... honored as a two-time All-League performer in addition to securing first team All-CIF, team MVP and CIF Defensive MVP accolades ... squad claimed a pair of CIF championships ... compiled 235 career tackles and four interceptions ... posted 120 stops, two picks and forced three fumbles as a senior on team which was 11-3 ... tallied 115 tackles and had two interceptions during junior season to help squad finish at 10-4 ... was one of the top 25 seniors for academics.
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PERSONAL: Full name is Martin A. Garcia ... nickname is “Mar” ... parents are Cisco and Denise Vasquez ... has two brothers ... enjoys spending time at the beach ... favorite athlete is Charles Woodson ... born 2/15/87 (West Covina, Calif.) … multidisciplinary studies major.
GETTING TO KNOW Martin Garcia... 1. Theme song? “Bodies” by Drowning Pool 2. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Jerry Rice 3. What team do you root for on Sundays? 49'ers 4. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "CSI" 5. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Listen to Lupe Fiasco 6. Most prized possession is… Championship ring 7. One thing I want to do before I die… Skydive
goldtrap
te | 6-5 | 260 | jR-2l Los Angeles, Calif. (Serrano)
#85
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Returned to tight end and snagged three receptions for 39 yards (13.0 avg.) and a TD … played in all 12 games … scored on a nine-yard catch at Tulsa … registered his long reception of 26 yards against Rice.
Meet the miners
martin
elijah
2007 (FRESHMAN): Contributed nine tackles (seven solo) as a reserve defensive lineman. 2006: Redshirted ... moved from tight end to the defensive line at the end of the season. PRIOR TO UTEP: Earned All-League, All-Area and All-CIF recognition as a tight end in 2005 ... tallied 21 catches for 305 yards (14.5 avg.) with two touchdowns on offense ... rated as Serrano High School’s leading percentage blocker every week ... posted 40 tackles, two sacks and an interception on defense ... All-League and All-Area tight end as a junior in 2004 as well ... had 19 receptions for 330 yards (17.4 avg.) and three touchdowns on offense, and contributed 13 tackles and a sack on defense ... split time at wide receiver, tight end and defensive end during a three-year varsity career at Serrano High School ... helped Serrano to a 14-0 mark and league title as a junior ... high school coach was Ray Maholchic ... competed in baseball (pitcher/first base) and basketball (forward) in high school as well ... earned honorable mention all-league honors on the hardwood.
PERSONAL: Parents are David and the late GETTING TO KNOW Elijah Goldtrap... 1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? Lele Goldtrap ... has one brother and one sister I'd allow tinted visors. ... cousin, Uriah Moena, played football at Hawaii 2. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… ... full name is Elijah Kavika Goldtrap ... born Jerry Rice 3/23/88 (Lancaster, Calif.) ... multidisciplinary 3. What team do you root for on Sundays? New York Jets studies major.
4. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “Family Guy” 5. If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? “Ups and Downs” played by Dante Basco.
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Lb | 5-10 | 205 | sR-0l Covina, Calif. (South Hills)
137
goodwell
#32
2008 (JUNIOR): Made an impact on both offense and defense … contributed 32 tackles, including four for losses, at linebacker … added 1.5 sacks, two pass break-ups, two quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery while playing in all 12 games – making three starts at right side linebacker … also utilized as a fullback in short-yardage situations … did not have any carries but did score a touchdown on a one-yard reception against Tulane … returned a kickoff for 10 yards at East Carolina … credited with his season-high five tackles in a trio of games (at Buffalo, versus New Mexico State, at Tulsa) … notched four takedowns against Tulane … picked up a sack at Buffalo and a half-sack at Tulsa … pressured the quarterback twice versus UCF … recovered a fumble at Buffalo … had a career-high 1.5 tackles for losses against Rice. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Accumulated six tackles, all solo, as a reserve. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Played in all 12 games as a reserve linebacker ... registered two tackles, including a half-sack ... moved to defensive line at the end of the season.
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2005: Redshirted.
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PRIOR TO UTEP: Chosen All-League MVP as a senior at Rio Hondo Prep School ... also All-CIF, All-Southern Section, All-Area and team defensive player of the year as a senior ... second team All-League and honorable mention All-Area as a junior ... played linebacker and tailback as a four-year member of the varsity team ... posted 131 tackles and an interception on defense as a senior ... offensive totals were 2,156 yards rushing (30 touchdowns) and 2,744 all-purpose yards ... scored six touchdowns on special teams as a senior ... registered 95 tackles, two interceptions, 1,149 yards rushing and 15 TDs as a junior ... high school coach was Ken Drain ... four-year member of the baseball team (first baseman) and spent three years on the basketball squad (center) ... earned All-League honors in both sports as a junior, and All-CIF in basketball ... headed a student council committee during his prep career. PERSONAL: Parents are Tim Goodwell and Barbara Price ... has one brother, Tim Jr., who played football at Memphis ... full name is Landon Eugene Goodwell ... born 12/30/86 (Pasadena, Calif.) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
CAREER STATISTICS Season 2006 2007 2008 Totals
GP-GS 12-0 11-0 12-3 35-3
UT 1 6 13 20
AT 1 0 19 20
TT 2 6 32 40
TFL 0.5-4 3-7 4-14 7.5-25
Sacks 0.5-4 0-0 1.5-10 2-14
INT 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
FF 0 0 0 0
GETTING TO KNOW Landon Goodwell...
FR 0 0 1 1
1. What team do you root for on Sundays? San Diego Chargers 2. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” as Kim's boyfriend 3. One thing I want to do before I die... Meet Barack Obama 4. Motto, quote, bible verse "God won't take me to what he won't take me through."
PBU 0 1 2 3
QBs 0 1 2 3
Career Highs
Solo Tackles 4, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) Assisted Tackles 4, vs. Tulane (10/11/08) Total Tackles 5, at Buffalo (8/28/08) vs. New Mexico State (9/20/08) at Tulsa (10/18/08) Tackles for losses 3, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) Sacks 1, at Buffalo (8/28/08) Pass break-ups 1, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) at Southern Miss (10/4/08) vs. Rice (11/1/08) Fumble recoveries 1, at Buffalo (8/28/08) Quarterback hurries 2, vs. UCF (9/27/08)
#2
deshawn GRAYSON
DB | 6-0 | 190 | FR-HS Riverside, Calif. (Rancho Verde)
Meet the miners
landon
PRIOR TO UTEP: Selected to play in the Southern California Bowl ... team MVP and earned first team AllLeague honors in leading Rancho Verde to a 9-3 record and a share of the Inland Valley conference crown as a senior ... garnered athlete and character awards from the league in doing so ... captured second team All-State and All-League honors as a sophomore, a year in which he was named the team’s most outstanding player ... former running back who switched to safety after suffering an ACL injury ... the injury forced him to miss his junior season ... earned three letters while competing in track and field, competing in the 100, 200, 4x100 relay and the long jump ... member of the honor roll and selected as the student of the month on one occasion. PERSONAL: Full name is DeShawn Lamar Grayson ... nickname is “D-Gray” ... has five brothers and four sisters ... born 1/11/90 (Riverside, Calif.) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
GETTING TO KNOW DeShawn Grayson...
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DL | 6-2 | 245 | sR-3l West Covina, Calif. (Rio Hondo Prep)
1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? Celebration 2. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be ... Barry Sanders 3. What team do you root for on Sundays? Tennessee Titans 4. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "Fresh Prince" 5. If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? “The Dream”, Will Smith 139
#33
greg
hiett
CAREER STATISTICS Season 2007 2008 Totals
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2008 (JUNIOR): Saw limited action, but did not have any statistics.
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#98
p | 6-5 | 225 | sR-1l San Antonio, Texas (William Howard Taft) Punts 6 5 11
Yards 257 206 463
Avg. 42.8 41.2 42.1
Long 53 46 53
TB 1 0 1
FC 2 3 5
I20 2 3 5
50+ 3 0 3
Blk 0 0 0
PRIOR TO UTEP: Three-year letterwinner for coach Steve Bogan at South Hills High School (West Covina, Calif.) ... squad won three straight league titles and a pair of CIF District Championships ... recorded 185 career tackles, 17 sacks, seven fumble recoveries and three interceptions in his decorated career.
2008 (JUNIOR): Punted five times for 206 yards (41.2 avg.) with a long of 46 … three of his punts were fair caught and three landed inside the 20-yard line … earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
PERSONAL: Mother’s name is Carmen Guerra ... has two brothers ... full name is Giovanni Gabriel Guerra ... nickname is “Gio” ... born 2/28/87 (Glendale, Calif.) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
2006 (FRESHMAN): Served as UTEP’s backup punter, but did not see game action ... named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.
GETTING TO KNOW Giovanni Guerra...
1. What team do you root for on Sundays? San Francisco 49ers 2. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "The Office" 3. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Talk to myself out loud 4. Most prized possession is… My memories 5. One thing I want to do before I die… Buy my mom a house 6. Motto, quote, bible verse “A man who will not die for something is not fit to live.” - MLK Jr. 7. If I could bring anything from my hometown to El Paso, it would be… In-N-Out Burger
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guerra
lb | 6-0 | 215 | sR-0l West Covina, Calif. (South Hills/College of the Desert)
2007 (SOPHOMORE): Appeared in three games (Texas Southern, Southern Miss, at UCF) ... averaged 42.8 yards on six punts ... saw the most extensive action of his collegiate career against the Golden Eagles and came up big with four punts for 193 yards, a 48.2-yard average ... three of his four punts versus Southern Miss traveled 50 yards or longer.
PRIOR TO UTEP: Second team All-District choice as a senior at William Howard Taft High School in San Antonio ... averaged 38.0 yards on punts as a sophomore, 39.0 as a junior and 40.0 as a senior ... part of two bi-district title squads, including a 10-4 club that was area and regional champion his senior year ... prep coach was Lee Bridges ... two-year letterwinner in basketball ... National Honor Society student who graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. PERSONAL: Parents are William Patrick and Young Hui Hiett ... has one brother and one sister ... born 1/16/87 (Mission Viejo, Calif.) ... kinesiology major.
GETTING TO KNOW Greg Hiett...
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What is your most embarrassing moment on the field? Getting hit in a really bad place What team do you root for on Sundays? New England Patriots What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "Family Guy" Game I am most looking forward to this season… All of them One thing I want to do before I die…. Travel the world
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giovianni
Career Highs
Punts 4, vs. Southern Miss (11/17/07) vs. Tulane (10/11/08) Punting Yards 193, vs. Southern Miss (11/17/07) Punting Average 48.2, vs. Southern Miss (11/17/07) Long Punt 53, vs. Southern Miss (11/17/07) Punts inside the 20 3, vs. Tulane (10/11/08) Touchbacks 1, vs. Southern Miss (11/17/07) Fair Catches 3, vs. Tulane (10/11/08) 50-Yard Punts 3, vs. Southern Miss (11/17/07)
141
#42
2008 (FRESHMAN): Posted 17 tackles in nine games of work … credited with 1.5 tackles for losses, a sack, quarterback hurry and a forced fumble … netted a season-high six tackles at Tulsa … had four stops at LouisianaLafayette and three versus Rice … registered his first career sack against UCF … forced a fumble at LouisianaLafayette and credited with a quarterback pressure versus SMU.
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2007: Redshirted.
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PRIOR TO UTEP: Texas Top-12 Athlete and Texas Top-300 by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ... three-year letterwinner and two-year starter for coach James Morton at Monterrey ... first team All-District 2-5A, All-City, All-South Plains and third team All-State running back as a senior ... played only running back as a senior, rushing for 889 yards on 82 carries (10.8 ypc) and nine touchdowns ... returned one kickoff for a 99-yard touchdown ... Monterrrey finished 11-2 and was the District, Area and Bi-District champion in 2006 ... second team All-District 2-5A and second team All-South Plains running back as a junior ... carried 49 times for 531 yards (10.8 ypc) and three TDs ... posted 96 tackles and eight sacks at linebacker in 2005 ... lettered once as a pitcher/outfielder in baseball and twice as a sprinter in track and field ... has run a 4.45 40-yard dash. PERSONAL: Parents are Greg and Katherine Holleman ... has one brother and one sister ... full name is Gregory Todd Holleman, Jr. ... he is left-handed … born 1/27/89 (Lubbock, Texas) ... criminal justice GETTING TO KNOW Greg Holleman... major. 1. What is your most embarrassing moment on the field? 2. 3. 4. 5.
Getting pancaked Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Ray Lewis What team do you root for on Sundays? Indianapolis Colts Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Listen to music Most prized possession is… Truck and family
#7
wr | 6-5 | 230 | jR-2l National City, Calif. (Bonita Vista)
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holleman
lb | 6-0 | 215 | so-1l Lubbock, Texas (Monterrey)
pierce
hunter
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Appeared in 11 games, garnering five receptions for 72 yards (14.4 avg.) … posted a career-long 26-yard catch at East Carolina … recorded two receptions for 23 yards (long of 21) at Southern Miss … reeled in a 17-yard catch versus UCF. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Recorded seven catches for 50 yards while playing in all 12 games ... had a nine-yard touchdown reception against Texas Southern ... top game was versus East Carolina when he reeled in two receptions for 16 yards, including his season-long grab of 11 yards ... had a 10-yard catch against Tulsa. 2006: Redshirted ... named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. PRIOR TO UTEP: Two-time first team All-League and first team All-County academic selection at Bonita Vista High School ... recorded 41 catches for 686 yards (16.7 avg.) and eight touchdowns as a senior, and 45 receptions for 777 yards (17.3 avg.) and 10 scores as a junior ... three-year varsity letterwinner for coach Carl Parric a senior ... played basketball all four years as a prep, earning All-League recognition as a sophomore and junior ... hon or roll student ... he is lefthanded.
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Meet the miners
greg
PERSONAL: Parents are Marty and Benelia Santos Hunter ... has one brother ... father played for the California Angels in major league baseball ... full name is Pierce Benjamin Santos Hunter ... born 1/18/88 (San Diego, Calif.) ... management major.
GETTING TO KNOW Pierce Hunter... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? Wear colored visors. What team do you root for on Sundays? San Diego Chargers Most prized possession is... Cell phone If I could appear on the cover of a magazine it would be… The Source with Keri Hilson One thing I want to do before I die... Achieve success.
Career Highs
Receptions 2 vs. East Carolina (10/13/07) at Southern Miss (10/4/08) Receiving Yards 26 at East Carolina (11/28/08) Yards Per Catch 26.0 at East Carolina (11/28/08) Long Reception 26 at East Carolina (11/28/08) Touchdowns 1 vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07)
CAREER STATISTICS Season 2007 2008 Totals
GP-GS 12-0 11-0 23-0
Rec. 7 5 12
Yds 50 72 122
Avg. 7.1 14.4 10.2
TD 1 0 1
Long 11 26 26
Avg./Gm. 4.2 6.5 5.3
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huntley
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Started the first six games at right guard before suffering a fractured tibia against Tulane, ending his season … saw time at both guard positions and was on the field for 314 snaps … produced 13 knockdown blocks for the year.
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2007 (FRESHMAN): Backed up Cameron Raschke at left guard.
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PRIOR TO UTEP: Listed as one of the top offensive linemen in the Midlands region by PrepStar ... first team AllDistrict 7-5A offensive lineman as a senior at Sam Houston High School ... earned second team All-District honors as a junior ... played quarterback and tight end as a sophomore, and left tackle as a junior and senior ... high school coach was George McFarland. PERSONAL: Mother is Sheila Franklin ... has three brothers and three sisters ... full name is Rodney Huntley ... born 11/19/86 (Arlington, Texas) ... criminal justice major. GETTING TO KNOW Rod Huntley... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… A quarterback What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "The Game" Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Pray One thing I want to do before I die... Run fast If I could appear on the cover of a magazine it would be… The King
irving
lb | 6-0 | 225 | so-1l Perris, Calif. (Citrus Hill)
#24
2008 (FRESHMAN): Appointed to the Conference USA Coaches’ All-Freshman Team … appeared in eight games as a true freshman, filling a reserve role at linebacker … ended the season with 10 tackles, including a half tackle for loss (against Tulane) … credited with his season-best three stops versus Tulane … had two tackles in three games (against UCF, at Tulsa, at Houston). PRIOR TO UTEP: Listed as one of the top 150 prospects in California/Hawaii/Nevada by SuperPrep magazine ... CIF and League Defensive Player of the Year, first team All-State and All-Riverside County choice as a senior at Citrus Hill High School ... selected to play in the Southern California Bowl ... totaled 70 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and a safety in 2007 en route to being appointed team MVP ... credited with 49 tackles and three sacks as a junior in being named Citrus Hill’s Defensive Player of the Year ... saw action at linebacker and strong safety as a junior and senior, and running back as a junior ... offensive stats his junior year included 20 carries for 169 yards and three TDs, and three catches for 60 yards with a pair of scores ... two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Doug Dubois ... member of a 14-0, CIF title team in 2007 ... threw the shot put as a member of Citrus Hill’s track and field team his junior year, taking second in the league ... honor roll student. PERSONAL: Parents are Marvin and Jessica Irving ... has one brother and one sister ... his brother Marvin played football at New Mexico and Adams State College ... full name is Jamie Marques Irving ... nickname is “J.I.” ... born 4/14/90 (Bellflower, Calif.) ... undeclared GETTING TO KNOW Jamie Irving... major. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Sean Taylor What team do you root for on Sundays? Detroit Lions Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Silence for at least 10 minutes Game I am most looking forward to this season… Kansas Motto, quote, bible verse "As long as you believe, anything is possible."
Meet the miners
ol | 6-3 | 310 | jR-2l Arlington, Texas (Sam Houston)
jamie
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Meet the miners
#74
rod
145
PERSONAL: Came to the United States from Haiti when he was 12 years old ... parents are Amizial Jeune and Rosena Joseph ... has one brother and one sister ... full name is Wiston Bobby Jeune ... last name is pronounced “June” ... GETTING TO KNOW Wiston Jeune... born 1/21/87 (St. Mark, Haiti) 1. What team do you root for on Sundays? ... multidisciplinary studies Baltimore Ravens major. 2. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "SportsCenter" Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I try to do positives. Do good. Most prized possession is... Happiness One thing I want to do before I die... Make sure I am safe with the Lord.
wr | 6-1 | 190 | so-1l DeSoto, Calif. (DeSoto)
donavon
kemp
#84
2008 (FRESHMAN): Earned playing time in all 12 games, including starting at Houston … tallied eight catches for 142 yards … ranked second on the squad in yards per catch (17.8) behind Kris Adams … snared a 53-yard reception from Trevor Vittatoe against Tulane – part of a two-catch, 66-yard night … caught a season-high three balls in the season finale at East Carolina … had 39 yards receiving versus the Pirates … posted two catches for 22 yards at Houston.
Meet the miners
PRIOR TO UTEP: Transferred from Moorpark Junior College, where he played free safety for two seasons ... earned second team All-Conference honors as a sophomore at Moorpark ... also team co-defensive player of the year and captain in 2007 ... ranked second on the team in tackles with 57 (40 solos-17 assists) in 2007, along with three interceptions (for 33 yards), three pass break-ups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery ... selected Moorpark’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2006 after undergoing thumb surgery ... coached by Jim Bittner at Moorpark ... Moorpark won 19 games during Jeune’s time on the roster ... three-year varsity letterwinner at Malden High School for coach Richard Cullen ... versatile player who saw action at cornerback, fullback and wide receiver throughout his prep career, while also handling kicks and punts ... All-League honoree his senior year who was also recipient of his team’s Will to Win Award ... team captain had three interceptions as a senior for a 9-2 squad that advanced to the league title game ... chosen Malden High’s Defensive Player of the Year his junior season ... four-year member of Malden’s basketball team, earning defensive player of the year and All-Star honors as a senior ... was also a part of the track and field team his junior year in high school.
3. 4. 5. 146
Jeune
db | 6-3 | 205 | jR-tr Malden, Mass. (Malden/Moorpark JC)
2007: Redshirted. PRIOR TO UTEP: Rated an Area Top-100 player by The Dallas Morning News ... two-year letterwinner and starter for coach David Meadows ... Scout.com honorable mention at the All-American Camp ... second team All-District 8-5A wide receiver in 2006 ... caught 16 passes for 267 yards (16.7 ypc) and two TDs as a senior ... returned eight punts for 340 yards (42.5 ypr) and one touchdown and 16 kickoffs for 254 yards (15.9 ypr) in 2006 ... led DeSoto to Bi-District and Area titles and the fourth round of the state playoffs on a squad that finished 10-4 as a senior ... 11 receptions for 244 yards (22.2 ypc) and two touchdowns as a junior ... DeSoto went 7-4 his junior year ... lettered three times in track and field, qualifying for the regional championships in the 4x100 relay as a junior ... favorite moment came during his junior year when he scored the winning touchdown on a trick member of the Eagle Program for Gifted Students, Peer Assist and Leadership ... DIOP and Youth Chosen Generation ... active with his church and Christian faith. GETTING TO KNOW Donavon Kemp... PERSONAL: Parents are Martin 1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? I'd install a playoff system. and Felecia Kemp ... has five brothers ... 2. People say I look like… cousin Michael Adams played football Greg from "Real World Hollywood" at Louisiana-Lafayette ... full name is 3. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be... Donavon Lavon Kemp ... nickname is Jerry Rice “D-Kemp” ... born 12/29/88 (Dallas, 4. What team do you root for on Sundays? Dallas Cowboys Texas) ... pre-business major. 5. Most prized possession is... My Bible
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#29
wiston
147
2008 (JUNIOR): Gave the Miners solid reserve playing time, accumulating 23 tackles, four tackles for losses, two sacks, three quarterback pressures and a forced fumble … credited with five assisted tackles, including a half-tackle for loss, and a quarterback hurry against Rice … amassed four assisted tackles at Houston and added three assists at East Carolina … his sacks came versus UCF and Tulane … registered a season-high two stops for losses against the Green Wave … forced a fumble versus the Knights. PRIOR TO UTEP: Originally committed to UTEP in the spring of 2005 before spending the 2006 and 2007 seasons at Bakersfield College ... two-time All-Western State Conference selection at Bakersfield College ... All-State honoree and honorable mention All-American by jcgridwire in 2007 ... posted 29 tackles in 2007, including eight for losses, with six sacks and an interception ... first team All-District 5A defensive player as a senior at Elsik High School in Houston ... also chosen Elsik’s defensive line MVP his senior year ... began playing football in 10th grade ... played tight end as a sophomore and junior, then started his senior year at tight end before moving to defensive end ... two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Bill Barron ... played basketball his freshman year (center/power forward), and competed on the track team as a sophomore (300 hurdles, 2x400 relay). PERSONAL: Mother is Victoria Brown ... has one brother and two sisters ... full name is Aaron Lee King ... nickname is “A.K.” ... born 4/9/86 (Sacramento, Calif.) … multidisciplinary studies major. GETTING TO KNOW Aaron King...
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#90
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Michael Vick What team do you root for on Sundays? Houston Texans What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “The Best Damn Sports Show Period” Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I look at myself in the mirror for a long time. Most prized possession is... The love of my family.
lopez
#80
wr | 5-11 | 175 | FR-tr El Paso, Texas (Montwood/New Mexico State)
PRIOR TO UTEP: Walked on at New Mexico State before transferring to UTEP ... two-year letterwinner at Montwood High School for head coach Chuck Veliz ... garnered first team All District and All-City as well as honorable mention All-State honors after registering 51 catches for 978 yards and eight TDs ... efforts helped lead MHS to an 8-3 mark and a district championship ... played in the El Paso County High School All-Star Game and was named the Price’s Give ‘Em Five Receiver of the Year ... tabbed second team All-District and honorable mention All-City in junior season after posting 27 receptions for 550 yards and six TDs ... served as team captain ... two-time Academic All-District selection and graduated in the top 10 percent of his class ... member of the National Honor Society. PERSONAL: Full name is Julio Alberto Lopez ... parents are Julio and Estela Lopez ... has four brothers ... enjoys lifting, video games and sports in his free time ... born 9/5/89 (El Paso, Texas) … multidisciplinary studies major.
Meet the miners
King
julio
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aaron
dl | 6-4 | 250 | sR-1l Houston, Texas (Elsik/Bakersfield College)
GETTING TO KNOW Julio Lopez...
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? I'd have a playoff system Theme song? “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Deion Sanders What team do you root for on Sundays? Dallas Cowboys What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "CSI"
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K | 6-0 | 180 | SO-0l El Paso, Texas (Chapin)
McCage
#60
2008 (FRESHMAN): Worked with the scout team … earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
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PRIOR TO UTEP: Lettered as a senior for head coach Darren Walker at Chapin High School in El Paso in 2007 ... contributed 51 points (39 PATs, 4 FGs) ... also served as punter, compiling 76 punts for 2,727 yards (35.9 avg.) ... season-long punt was 60 yards ... joined the football team following a request to try out for the squad ... also lettered with the soccer team for three years, earning All-District accolades each year.
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2007: Redshirted ... member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. PRIOR TO UTEP: Area Top-100 Prospect by the Houston Chronicle ... two-year letterwinner for head coaches Mike Konicki (senior year) and Ronny Feldman (sophomore and junior years) at Klein Collins HS in Spring, Texas ... two-year starter at left tackle ... first team All-District 16-5A offensive tackle in 2006 ... second team All-District 14-5A offensive lineman as a junior ... played defensive end before moving to the offensive side of the ball after his sophomore year of high school ... was coached on the offensive line by Frank Grimm ... joined the track and field team for the first time as a junior and won the District 14-5A title in the discus with a best of 151-11 ... raised in Valparaiso, Ind., McCage played Pop Warner Football for the Valparaiso Americans ... member of the National Honor Society.
PERSONAL: Full name is Kevin Gabriel Lopez ... nickname is “K-Dog” ... parents are Sixto and Redia Lopez ... dad is a chief in the U.S. Navy ... has one brother ... favorite athlete is Pele ... born 3/2/80 (Millington, Tenn.) ... undeclared major.
GETTING TO KNOW Kevin Lopez... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? Celebration rule Theme song? “El Mariachi” – by Antonio Banderas What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "George Lopez" Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Say a prayer If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? “The Dream”, Steve Carell People say I look like… Antonio Banderas
Meet the miners
Lopez
#49
ol | 6-4 | 275 | so-0l Spring, Texas (Klein Collins)
PERSONAL: Parents are Larry Joe and Denise McCage ... has two brothers and three sisters ... father played basketball at Rice ... uncle was a tight end at LSU ... full GETTING TO KNOW Nathan McCage... name is Nathan Ross McCage ... 1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? born 6/14/88 (Crown Point, Ind.) Holding 2. 3. 4. 5.
What is your most embarrassing moment on the field? I once tried to tackle someone already in the end zone. Theme song? “Through the Fire and Flames” by Dragonforce What team do you root for on Sundays? Indianapolis Colts What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “American Gladiators”
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kevin
nathan
151
McNac
2008 (SOPHOMORE): 2008 (SOPHOMORE): Played in all 12 games as a backup guard and was in for 161 snaps … was productive in limited stretches, grading out at 84 percent or better in four games (85 versus Buffalo and New Mexico State, 84 against Rice and SMU) … compiled 12 knockdown blocks for the season. 2007: Redshirted.
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2006 (FRESHMAN): Pulled from redshirt for the last nine games of the season ... started the final four contests at left guard.
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PRIOR TO UTEP: Rated a top-100 player in the Dallas/Fort Worth area by The Dallas Morning News ... three-year starter in the offensive line for the Lancaster High School varsity team ... played left guard as a sophomore and junior, and right guard as a senior ... two-time first team All-District 14-4A choice (2004, 2005) ... honorable mention All-State as a senior ... high school coach was Andrew Jackson ... honor roll student. PERSONAL: Parents are Edgar Anthony, Sr. and Gloria McNac ... has one sister ... full name is Edgar Anthony McNac ... born 6/6/88 (Dallas, Texas) ... electronic media major.
GETTING TO KNOW Anthony McNac... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Emmitt Smith What team do you root for on Sundays? Dallas Cowboys Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I always call my mom. Motto, quote, bible verse “To get it…got to go and get it…get it…got to get some more.” Movie I love to watch but embarrassed to admit to is... “Love and Basketball”
#64
ol | 6-4 | 305 | sR-3l Keller, Texas (Keller)
colby
meek
2008 (JUNIOR): Started eight of 12 games - four at right tackle and four at right guard ... also saw action at left guard and center over the course of the season … graded out at 86 percent against Tulane and Tulsa, and 84 percent versus UCF … compiled 11 knockdown blocks … was in for 472 snaps … UTEP ranked 14th nationally in passing offense (284.2 ypg), 24th in passing efficiency (142.56), 25th in scoring offense (32.9 ppg) and 31st in total offense (406.5 ypg) ... the Miners scored 30+ points in eight of 12 games and 40+ points three times ... UTEP topped 30 points in eight of the last 10 games after getting off to a slow start with 30 points combined in season-opening losses to Buffalo and Texas ... the Miners averaged 36.5 points over the final 10 contests ... UTEP averaged 36.9 ppg and 427.5 ypg in C-USA play with 319.4 yards passing per game ... UTEP's 395 points marked the fourth-best seasonal total in school history and its 4,878 total offensive yards also ranked fourth in the record book ... the Miners set a school record with 34 touchdown passes, including 33 by Trevor Vittatoe ... UTEP had over 400 yards of offense in seven games, including a season-high 544 versus SMU. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Backed up James Riley at right guard, playing in all 12 games. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Saw action in 11 games ... made his first career start at right tackle against Rice. 2005: Redshirted. PRIOR TO UTEP: Earned second team All-District 5-5A honors in 2004 while playing right tackle and right guard for Keller High School ... did not allow a sack while playing in a predominantly passing offense ... also served as the team’s deep snapper ... helped Keller High GETTING TO KNOW Colby Meek... School to an 8-3 record ... high school coach was 1. Theme song? Kevin Atkinson ... lettered twice in power-lifting “Walk” by Pantera 2. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… and track and field (throwing the shot put). PERSONAL: Parents are Jason and Dena Meek ... has one brother and one sister ... full name is Colby Wayne Meek ... born 6/30/87 (Fort Worth, Texas) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
3. 4. 5.
Meet the miners
#65
anthony
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Meet the miners
ol | 6-4 | 315 | jR-2l Lancaster, Texas (Lancaster)
Troy Aikman What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “Entourage” Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Lord's prayer. One thing I want to do before I die... I want to be happy and successful
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Mitchell
ol | 6-7 | 305 | fR-RS Roscoe, Texas (Roscoe/Oklahoma)
#73
2008: Redshirted.
chris
Moore
#99
2008 (JUNIOR): Compiled four assisted tackles in seven games … had his top performance at Houston when he tallied three stops and a pass break-up.
2007 (SOPHOMORE): Reserve right tackle made one start versus Texas Southern ... posted 12 tackles, including one for loss, with one quarterback pressure ... ranked first in Conference USA in fumble recoveries with three ... had a season-high three stops at Rice, along with two fumble recoveries ... credited with a tackle for loss at New Mexico State.
Meet the miners
Meet the miners
britt
dl | 6-2 | 260 | sR-3l Houston, Texas (Jersey Village)
2006 (FRESHMAN): Earned playing time in 10 games in his initial season in a Miner uniform ... contributed four tackles.
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PERSONAL: Mother is Cari Duda … born 6/9/89 ... undeclared major.
2005: Redshirted. PRIOR TO UTEP: State Top 300 player by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ... first team All-District 17-5A defensive end as a senior at Jersey Village High School ... ended the year with 65 tackles, nine tackles for losses, four sacks, one pass break-up and two fumble recoveries ... registered 2.5 sacks his senior year versus Cy-Creek High School ... honorable mention All-District as a junior, totaling 30 tackles, five tackles for losses, one sack, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery ... member of an 8-3 team that lost in the second round of the state playoffs his senior year, and part of a 7-4 squad as a junior ... three-year varsity letterwinner for coach David Snokhous ... played power forward and center on the Jersey Village basketball team as a sophomore and junior. PERSONAL: Parents are Archie and Dismas Moore ... full name is Christopher Lee Moore ... born 12/21/86 (Houston, Texas) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
CAREER STATISTICS Season 2006 2007 2008 Totals
GETTING TO KNOW Britt Mitchell... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? 10 minute quarters Theme song? “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash What team do you root for on Sundays? Oakland Raiders What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "King of the Hill" Game I am most looking forward to this season… Buffalo Most prized possession is... My grandpa's pocket knife One thing I want to do before I die... Go on a safari hunt
GP-GS 10-0 11-0 7-0 28-0
UT 2 8 0 10
AT 2 4 4 10
TT 4 12 4 20
TFL 0-0 1-1 0-0 1-1
Sacks 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
GETTING TO KNOW Chris Moore... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Theme song? “The A-Team” theme song Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Earl Campbell What team do you root for on Sundays? Houston Texans Game I am most looking forward to this season… Houston Most prized possession is... My radio
INT 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
FF 0 0 0 0
FR 0 3 0 3
PBU 0 0 1 1
QBs 0 1 0 1
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09utepFootball
PRIOR TO UTEP: Originally signed with the University of Oklahoma in the spring of 2008 before electing to transfer to UTEP … first team All-State in 2007 after receiving second team All-State honors in 2006 … twotime All-Area team member (2006, 2007) … ranked the no. 34 offensive tackle by ESPN, no. 45 by Scout.com and no. 68 by Rivals.com … totaled 64 pancake blocks his senior season although he missed four games due to injury/illness … graded at 97 percent on his blocking assignments in 2007 … anchored the line that blocked for an offense that averaged 455.5 yards per game … high school coach was Wes Williams.
Career Highs
Solo Tackles 2, at Rice (11/3/07) Assisted Tackles 3, at Houston (11/22/08) Total Tackles 3, at Rice (11/3/07) at Houston (11/22/08) Tackles for losses 1, at New Mexico State (9/15/07) Pass break-ups 1, at Houston (11/22/08) Fumble recoveries 2, at Rice (11/3/07) Quarterback hurries 1, vs. Tulsa (10/6/07)
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#36
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Had at least one catch in eight games, totaling nine receptions for 80 yards … scored a touchdown off a two-yard pass from Trevor Vittatoe in the season opener at Buffalo … established career-highs for catches (two) against New Mexico State and yardage (25) at Houston … in addition to his 25-yard reception versus the Cougars, had a 23-yard reception against UCF … made his first career start at Buffalo. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Third-string tight end did not have any catches.
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PRIOR TO UTEP: Listed as a Texas Top-300 player and one of the top 10 tight ends in the state by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ... rated one of the top tight ends in the Midlands region by PrepStar ... first team All-District 27-5A and first team All-City tight end as a junior at John Marshall High School ... posted 20 catches for 292 yards and two touchdowns ... injured his knee his senior year and played in only one game ... listed as a U.S. Army Top 400 Player in the Nation entering his senior season ... had seven receptions for 90 yards as a sophomore ... high school coach was Mike Carew ... two-year soccer letterwinner, seeing action at stopper and goalie.
156
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Theme song? “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Brett Favre What team do you root for on Sundays? Dallas Cowboys What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “The Office”/ “South Park” One thing I want to do before I die... Ride a bull
Morrow Season 2007 2008 Totals
GP-GS 11-4 12-12 23-16
UT 22 21 43
AT 9 23 32
TT 31 44 75
TFL 3.5-20 4-18 7.5-38
Sacks 2-18 2-15 4-33
INT 0-0 1-27 1-27
FF 1 1 2
FR 0 1 1
PBU 0 1 1
QBs 1 0 1
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Started every game, opening the season at left safety for seven contests before moving to right side linebacker for the final five … ranked sixth on the team in tackles with 44 … also contributed four tackles for losses, two sacks, an interception, pass break-up, forced fumble and fumble recovery … credited with at least five stops in five games, including his career-best of seven against Texas … had tackles for losses versus Buffalo, Texas and Southern Miss, and a half-tackle for loss against Rice … had a solid all-around game in the season opener at Buffalo with five stops, a sack and a fumble recovery … registered half-sacks versus Rice and SMU … ran for a touchdown off a 27-yard interception against New Mexico State. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Saw extensive action, tallying 29 tackles (21 solo), 3.5 tackles for losses (-20 yards), two sacks (-18 yards), a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry ... named to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team by league media ... made four starts at SAM linebacker ... achieved his season-high six tackles (five solo), along with a forced fumble, at Rice ... posted sacks in back-to-back games versus East Carolina and Houston.
2006: Redshirted.
GETTING TO KNOW Jonny Moore...
anthony
CAREER STATISTICS
#11
Lb | 6-0 | 220 | jr-2l Fallbrook, Calif. (Union)
Meet the miners
Moore
te | 6-5 | 250 | jR-2l San Antonio, Texas (John Marshall)
PERSONAL: Parents are John and Janice Moore ... has one brother ... full name is Jonathan Dennis Moore ... nickname is “Jonny” ... born 10/1/87 (Stevens Point, Wis.) ... criminal justice major.
2006: Redshirted. PRIOR TO UTEP: First team All-Avocado League running back as a senior at Fallbrook Union High School ... rushed 191 times for 1,174 yards (6.1 ypc) and 10 touchdowns in 2005 ... three-year varsity letterwinner ... played running back and cornerback as a sophomore, running back as a junior and running back/safety/outside linebacker as a senior ... posted 49 tackles and two interceptions on defense as a senior ... helped Fallbrook Union reach the CIF title game his sophomore year ... broke his ankle his junior season and played in only three games ... high school coach was Dennis Houlihan ... two-year member of the track and field team, running the 100, 200 and 4x100 relay. PERSONAL: He is left-handed ... parents are Anthony, Sr. and Kimberly Morrow ... has one sister ... full name is Anthony Lenorris Morrow, Jr. ... nickname is “Train” ... born 6/8/88 (Camp Pendleton, Calif.) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
Career Highs
Solo Tackles 5, at Rice (11/3/07) Assisted Tackles 4, vs. Rice (11/1/08) vs. SMU (11/15/08) Total Tackles 7, vs. Texas (9/6/08) Tackles for losses 1.5, at New Mexico State (9/15/07) Sacks 1, vs. East Carolina (10/13/07) vs. Houston (10/27/07) at Buffalo (8/28/08) Interceptions 1, vs. New Mexico State (9/20/08) Pass break-ups 1, vs. Rice (11/1/08) Forced fumbles 1, at Rice (11/3/07) vs. SMU (11/15/08) Fumble recoveries 1, at Buffalo (8/28/08)
GETTING TO KNOW Anthony Morrow... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
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Meet the miners
jonny
Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Eddie George What team do you root for on Sundays? San Diego Chargers What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “Real World” Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I always wear game bands on the same arm. Game I am most looking forward to this season… Texas
157
nunez
2008: Redshirted … earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
PERSONAL: Parents are Angel and Isabel Munoz … has one brother … full name is Ruben Esteban Munoz … lists former Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks DL John Randle as his favorite athlete … his biggest sports thrill was helping Eastwood High to a playoff appearance and 6-4 record his sophomore season … born 2/1/90 (El Paso, Texas) ... undeclared major. GETTING TO KNOW Ruben Munoz...
If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? I'd let the runner keep going if there is no contact. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Robert Smith What team do you root for on Sundays? Minnesota Vikings One thing I want to do before I die…. Travel Motto, quote, bible verse John 3:16
#41
2008: Redshirted PRIOR TO UTEP: Four-year letterwinner for head coach Athan Martinez at Tornillo High School in Tornillo, Texas ... grabbed All-District honors as both a wide receiver and linebacker as a junior and senior.
PRIOR TO UTEP: Saw action in the offensive and defensive line at Eastwood High School in El Paso, where he was a three-year letterman for coach Wade Ardoin … captured second team All-State honors as an OL his senior year … other senior honors included first team All-City (OL), All-District (OL) and Most Valuable OL at the El Paso County High School All-Star Game … honorable mention All-State OL as a junior … compiled 40 tackles and three sacks over the course of his prep career as well … lettered one year in basketball as a power forward … member of the National Honor Society as a senior, and tabbed Academic All-District as a junior.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 158
#76
DL | 6-0 | 210 | fR-Rs Tornillo, Texas (Tornillo)
Meet the miners
Munoz
dl | 6-0 | 270 | fR-rs El Paso, Texas (Eastwood)
mario
PERSONAL: Full name is Mario Nunez ... parents are Arturo and Anyelita Lopez ... has a brother and a sister ... enjoys working out in his free time ... cites the competition as his biggest thrill in sports ... born 4/8/86 (El Paso, Texas) ... undeclared major.
GETTING TO KNOW Mario Nunez... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? I'd change the championship to NCAA playoff format. What is your most embarrassing moment on the field? Forgetting my helmet. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Barry Sanders What team do you root for on Sundays? Dallas Cowboys Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Listen to music If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? “The One” and I'd play a super hero Most prized possession is… My car
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Meet the miners 09utepFootball
ruben
159
PRIOR TO UTEP: Rated the no. 91 defensive end in the country by Scout.com ... first team All-District 24-5A and first team All-Brazoria County defensive end as a senior at Pearland High School ... chosen team defensive MVP in 2007 after recording 92 tackles, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries ... two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Tony Heath, playing primarily defensive end and some defensive tackle ... led Pearland High to 22 wins over two years, including the state semifinals his junior season and a district title his senior campaign ... threw the shot put in the spring of 2008 in his first year as a member of Pearland High’s track and field squad. PERSONAL: Parents are Dr. Bernard Obi and Ify Obi ... has one brother and two sisters ... full name is Bernard Emeka Obi, Jr. ... nickname is “Obi” ... born 3/12/90 (Midland, Mich.) ... undeclared major. GETTING TO KNOW Bernard Obi...
What is your most embarrassing moment on the field? Losing a shoe while running. Theme song? “Here Comes the Boom” by Nelly Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Michael Strahan What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “The Game” One thing I want to do before I die... Skydive
charles
#97
ofili
dl | 6-3 | 285 | sR-ol Houston, Texas (Eisenhower/N.M. Military Institute)
2008 (JUNIOR): Played in three of the last five games, picking up one tackle against Rice.
Meet the miners
obi
2008 (FRESHMAN): Earned a spot on the Conference USA Coaches’ All-Freshman Team after appearing in nine games in his initial campaign with the Miners … credited with 15 tackles, including 2.5 for losses, with 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hurries … missed three contests with a shoulder injury … posted a season-high three tackles versus New Mexico State, SMU and at East Carolina … had a full sack against Rice and a half-sack versus NMSU … all three of his quarterback pressures came in the SMU game.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 160
bernard
2007 (SOPHOMORE): Made his lone appearance on the year at Tulane. PRIOR TO UTEP: Transferred to UTEP from New Mexico Military Institute ... primary run stopper for the NMMI defense in 2006 ... posted 28 tackles, four sacks, two pass break-ups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery despite being double-teamed frequently ... anchored an NMMI defense that allowed only four teams to rush for more than 100 yards ... earned second team All-Conference honors ... teammate of UTEP’s Roddray Walker at NMMI ... junior college coach was Jeff Lynn ... African American Student Alliance President at NMMI ... played his prep football at Eisenhower High School in Houston ... two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Darryl Phipps ... member of the 2004 district championship team ... involved with the Student Council, History Fair, band, Theater Arts, Student Venture and Texas Teen Ambassadors. PERSONAL: Parents are Kelvin and Troyette Anderson ... has one brother and two sisters ... full name is Charles Azuka Ofili ... nickname is “Supa man” ... born 1/4/86 (Milwaukee, Wis.) ... psychology major. GETTING TO KNOW Charles Ofili... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
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Meet the miners 09utepFootball
#46
dl | 6-2 | 235 | so-1l Pearland, Texas (Pearland)
Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Michael Irving What team do you root for on Sundays? Houston Texans/Dallas Cowboys What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "House" Most prized possession is... My UTEP Timberlands One thing I want to do before I die… Buy my mom a home 161
#16
PRIOR TO UTEP: Three-year standout at Eastwood High School for coach Wade Ardoin ... played on both sides of the ball, seeing action at safety, running back, receiver and quarterback ... honorable mention All-State free safety and third team All-District wide receiver as a senior ... 155 career tackles, to go with 10 interceptions, five fumble recoveries and two quarterback sacks ... had 45 catches, including two grabs for TDs ... rushed for 709 yards on 100 carries ... second team All-District accolades as a junior for QB and FS ... four-year letterwinner in track and field, earning All-State distinction in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays ... second team All-District performer in basketball ... member of the National Honor Society. PERSONAL: Parents are Joseph and Loretta Ortiz ... has two brothers and a sister ... his brother Jonathan played football at Western New Mexico ... full name is Joseph Anthony Ortiz, Jr. ... goes by “Jo Jo” ... born 10/8/86 (El Paso, Texas) ... multidisciplinary studies major. GETTING TO KNOW Jo Jo Ortiz...
What is your most embarrassing moment on the field? I fell during a pre-game warmup. Theme song? “Lost” by Coldplay Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Roy Williams What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “The Office” Motto, quote, bible verse Jeremiah 29:11
#54
will ol | 6-8 | 280 | jR-2l Phoenix, Ariz. (North Canyon)
osolinsky
Meet the miners
Ortiz
2008 (JUNIOR): Played in four games, but did not have any statistics on special teams … earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 162
jo jo
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Started eight of the last nine games in the Miner offensive line - four at right tackle and four at left tackle ... appeared in 11 of 12 contests overall ... graded out at 84 percent or better in seven contests (95 percent against Rice, 89 percent versus SMU and Louisiana-Lafayette, 87 percent against UCF, 86 percent at Southern Miss, 85 percent at Tulsa, 84 percent at Buffalo) … ranked third on the team in snaps (544) … had 19 knockdowns … UTEP ranked 14th nationally in passing offense (284.2 ypg), 24th in passing efficiency (142.56), 25th in scoring offense (32.9 ppg) and 31st in total offense (406.5 ypg) ... the Miners scored 30+ points in eight of 12 games and 40+ points three times ... UTEP topped 30 points in eight of the last 10 games after getting off to a slow start with 30 points combined in season-opening losses to Buffalo and Texas ... the Miners averaged 36.5 points over the final 10 contests ... UTEP averaged 36.9 ppg and 427.5 ypg in C-USA play with 319.4 yards passing per game ... UTEP's 395 points marked the fourth-best seasonal total in school history and its 4,878 total offensive yards also ranked fourth in the record book ... the Miners set a school record with 34 touchdown passes, including 33 by Trevor Vittatoe ... UTEP had over 400 yards of offense in seven games, including a seasonhigh 544 versus SMU. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Backed up Mike Aguayo at left tackle ... blocked kicks in consecutive games to end the season against Southern Miss and UCF. 2006: Redshirted ... named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. PRIOR TO UTEP: Listed as one of the top offensive linemen in the West by PrepStar ... first team All-State and first team All-Northwest Region defensive end as a senior at North Canyon High School ... honorable mention All-Desert Valley Region defensive end as a junior ... tallied 42 tackles, five sacks, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries as a senior ... as a junior, led the region in sacks (5.5) while adding 30 tackles and an interception ... two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Brian Cole ... played defensive end as a junior, then opened his senior year by seeing action at both offensive tackle and defensive end before breaking his hand midway through the season ... after breaking his hand, played solely defensive end the rest of the year ... led North Canyon High to a 14-0 mark GETTING TO KNOW ... and state championship in 2005 ... made the “play of the game” in the 1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? state championship, recovering a fumble by the opposing quarterback I'd make offensive linemen eligible receivers ... three-year letterwinner in track and field, throwing the shot put and 2. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… discus ... ran the hurdles his freshman year. Steve Young 3. What team do you root for on Sundays? PERSONAL: Parents are Bill and Rosemarie Osolinsky ... has one New York Giants sister ... cousin, Jimmy Fontenot, played football at LSU ... full name 4. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? is William Vincent Osolinsky ... nickname is “Oz” ... born 11/27/87 (San “30 Rock” Bernardino, Calif.) ... marketing major. 5. Most prized possession is... My old leather recliner
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Meet the miners 09utepFootball
db | 6-1 | 190 | SR-1l El Paso, Texas (Eastwood)
Will Osolinsky
163
2008 (FRESHMAN): Rushed for 132 yards on 41 attempts while playing in all 12 games as a true freshman … also made three catches for 17 yards … had his breakout game versus New Mexico State when he rambled for 64 yards on 14 carries … helped the Miners gain 277 yards on the ground that day while covering for the absence of injured quarterback Trevor Vittatoe … his season-long 12-yard rush came against the I-10 rival Aggies … had a 10-yard carry versus Rice, when he finished with 16 yards on three tries … compiled nine rushes for 19 yards against Tulane, and had two attempts for 14 yards versus Texas … snared two receptions for 17 yards (long of nine) against the Green Wave … scored the first touchdown of his college career off an eight-yard pass from Vittatoe versus Tulane. PRIOR TO UTEP: Played in the 2007 Max Emfinger High School All-American Bowl Game Classic ... fouryear letterwinner and starter for coach Jim Slaughter at A&M Consolidated ... second team All-District 13-5A and first team All-Central Texas as a senior ... rushed for 721 yards on 110 carries (6.6 ypc) and six touchdowns in 2006 ... also caught five passes for 102 yards (20.5 ypc) as a senior ... A&M Consolidated won the district in 2006 and finished 8-2 ... honorable mention All-District 13-5A as a junior ... gained 668 yards on 123 carries (5.4 ypc) and six touchdowns in six games as a junior ... A&M Consolidated went 11-3 and advanced to the semifinals of the state playoffs ... caught eight passes for 95 yards (11.9 ypc) and one touchdown in 2005 ... gained 568 yards on 82 carries (6.9 ypc) and five TDs as a sophomore ... favorite game was when he rushed for 164 yards against current Miner Donald Buckram’s team Copperas Cove as a junior ... also lettered in track four times, gaining All-Region honors as a junior ... member GETTING TO KNOW Daniel Palmer... of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and 1. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Unity. No talking and focus. 2. 3. 4. 5.
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#22
3. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be... Barry Sanders One thing I want to do before I die... I want to be the NFL's all-time leading rusher Motto, quote, bible verse "No progress without struggle." What team do you root for on Sundays? San Diego Chargers
PERSONAL: Mother is Edith Bess ... has two brothers and one sister ... full name is Daniel Raynard Palmer ... nickname is “DP” ... born 6/16/89 (College Station, Texas) ... undeclared major.
eric
reynolds
#27
lb | 5-11 | 230 | JR-2L Port Arthur, Texas (Memorial)
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Contributed seven stops in 10 games of action … racked up a career-high four tackles against UCF … added two stops, including one for loss, at Houston.
Meet the miners
Palmer
rb | 5-10 | 210 | so-1l College Station, Texas (A&M Consolidated)
2007 (FRESHMAN): Had three tackles in a reserve role. PRIOR TO UTEP: Earned first team All-District 22-5A honors as a wide receiver in a 2005 season that was impacted by Hurricane Katrina ... Memorial High School played only three games due to the disaster ... second team All-District selection as a junior and honorable mention All-District as a sophomore ... saw time at wide receiver and deep snapper in two and a half years on the varsity squad ... also saw action at free safety as a senior ... led Memorial High to 17 wins from 2003-04 ... high school coach was Dean Colbert ... competed in track and CAREER STATISTICS field as a prep, running the 200 and Season GP-GS UT AT TT TFL Sacks INT FF FR PBU QBs 4x100 relay. 2007 8-0 2 1 3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 2008 Totals
10-0 18-0
6 8
1 2
7 10
1-2 1-2
0-0 0-0
0-0 0-0
GETTING TO KNOW Eric Reynolds... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Theme song? “Fresh Prince” by Will Smith What team do you root for on Sundays? Philadelphia Eagles What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "Fresh Prince" Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Jam to music One thing I want to do before I die... Have a family
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
PERSONAL: Parents are Eric, Sr. and Marie Reynolds ... has one brother and one sister ... cousin, Will Gulley, played football at Houston ... full name is Eric Lee Reynolds, Jr. ... born 11/22/87 (Port Arthur, Texas) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
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daniel
Career Highs
Solo Tackles 3, vs. UCF (9/27/08) Assisted Tackles 1, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) vs. UCF (9/27/08) Total Tackles 4, vs. UCF (9/27/08) Tackles for losses 1, at Houston (11/22/08)
165
#95
2008 (JUNIOR): Started every game at nose tackle … led all Miner defensive linemen with 32 tackles … also had 4.5 tackles for losses, 1.5 sacks, a pass break-up, forced fumble and four quarterback pressures … had a big game in the season finale at East Carolina, where he was credited with a career-best nine tackles and 1.5 tackles for losses … responsible for five assisted tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage, versus Texas … posted four tackles and two quarterback hurries, including a half-sack, against Rice … deflected a pass at Houston to go with three stops and a sack. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Made seven starts at right tackle ... amassed 29 tackles on the season, including three for losses ... also had 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hurries ... recorded a season-high eight tackles against New Mexico ... had four stops versus Houston and UCF ... credited with 1.5 sacks against the Cougars and added a tackle for loss at Rice. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Reserve defensive lineman played in 11 games ... posted five tackles on the season, including three at New Mexico.
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2005: Redshirted ... received the Miners’ defensive scout team award.
166
PRIOR TO UTEP: District 1-4A defensive MVP as a senior at Chapin High School ... also tabbed honorable mention All-State by the Texas Sportswriters and first team All-West Region after tallying 119 tackles and seven sacks ... led Chapin High to an 11-1 mark his junior year, contributing 95 stops and 15 sacks ... twotime first team All-District and first team All-City player at Chapin ... honorable mention All-District as a sophomore ... three-year varsity letterwinner for coach Daren Walker ... competed in wrestling for one year, and track and field for four years ... regional qualifier in the shot put in 2005 ... involved with the Optimist Club and Youth Leadership during his high school years.
CAREER STATISTICS
Season 2006 2007 2008 Totals
GP-GS 11-0 11-7 12-12 34-19
UT 2 18 12 32
AT 3 11 20 34
TT 5 29 32 66
TFL 0-0 3-10 4.5-16 7.5-26
Sacks 0-0 1.5-6 1.5-11 3-17
INT 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
GETTING TO KNOW Steve Riddick... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Julius Peppers What team do you root for on Sundays? Tennessee Titans What television show would you like to make a cameo on? Las Vegas One thing I want to do before I die... Travel to every continent Motto, quote, bible verse "No sacrifice, NO VICTORY!"
FF 0 0 1 1
FR 0 0 0 0
PBU 0 0 1 1
QBs 0 3 4 7
Career Highs
PERSONAL: Parents are Ronnie and Debra Riddick ... has one sister ... full name is Steven Wesley Riddick ... born 4/15/87 (Wuerzburg, Germany) ... accounting major.
Solo Tackles 4, vs. New Mexico (9/1/07) at East Carolina (11/28/08) Assisted Tackles 5, vs. Texas (9/6/08) at East Carolina (11/28/08) Total Tackles 9, at East Carolina (11/28/08) Tackles for losses 1.5, vs. Houston (10/27/07) at East Carolina (11/28/08) Sacks 1.5, vs. Houston (10/27/07) Pass break-ups 1, at Houston (11/22/08) Forced fumbles 1, vs. UCF (9/27/08) Quarterback hurries 2, vs. Rice (11/1/08)
tory
robinson
dl | 6-3 | 285 | sR-1l San Diego, Calif. (Mt. Miguel/Southwestern College)
#93
2008 (JUNIOR): Played in 10 games … finished the season with 12 tackles, including one for loss and a half-sack … credited with his UTEP-best two tackles on five occasions (versus UCF, versus Tulane, at Tulsa, versus Rice, at East Carolina) … registered half-tackles for losses against the Knights and the Pirates, and a half-sack versus UCF.
PRIOR TO UTEP: Earned first team All-Foothill Conference honors at Southwestern College (Calif.) in 2007 ... voted the league’s defensive lineman of the year ... posted a team-high seven sacks in ‘07 along with 40 tackles, including six for losses ... durable, high-energy player who was a two-year starter and missed only one game ... team finished 3-6, but emerged victorious in three of its final four games ... included was a victory over previously unbeaten Antelope Valley, in which Robinson registered a pair of sacks to key the upset ... two-year letterwinner at Mt. Miguel High School in San Diego ... garnered second team All-League honors as a senior. PERSONAL: Son of Mark and Sanitra Robinson ... father is a navy chef and mother is a makeup artist ... has two brothers and one sister ... full name is Tory Tranaine Robinson ... born 11/26/87 (Amarillo, Texas) … multidisciplinary studies major.
GETTING TO KNOW Tory Robinson... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Meet the miners
riddick
dl | 5-11 | 275 | sR-3l El Paso, Texas (Chapin)
09utepFootball
Meet the miners
steve
Theme song? “I'm Black and I'm Proud” by James Brown Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Charles Haley What team do you root for on Sundays? San Diego Chargers Game I am most looking forward to this season… NMSU 8. One thing I want to do before I die... Make the world a better place
167
#12
2008 (FRESHMAN): True freshman amassed 19 tackles in his first year as a Miner … appeared in nine games and also had a half-tackle for loss and deflected pass … accumulated a season-high six stops with a break-up at Houston … took down three ball carriers versus Rice … two-stop effort against Tulane included a half-tackle for loss. PRIOR TO UTEP: Three-year letterwinner for coach Corby Meekins at Westfield High School ... picked up first-team All District 16-5A honors as a senior ... posted 60 tackles and a team-high five interceptions ... returned three of the picks for touchdowns ... one of those returns was a 102-yard scamper ... earned a pair of District Player of the Week honors ... his efforts helped the squad forge a 10-3 record and lay claim to the regional championship ... picked up second team All-District accolades as a junior after recording 52 stops ... team finished with a record of 13-1 and was runner-up at the state tournament ... a standout performer in track and field as well, competing in the 100 and 200 meters, 4x100 and 4x200 meter relays ... earned four letters in track and has competed in the Junior Olympics since the age of nine ... named an elite runner by USA Track and Field ... compiled more than 100 medals in his track career. PERSONAL: Son of Leon and Tami Sampson ... has one brother ... full name is Nick Deleon Sampson ... born 10/30/89 (Houston, Texas) … electronic media major.
GETTING TO KNOW Nick Sampson... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What team do you root for on Sundays? Arizona Cardinals What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "Spongebob" Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I like to relax and listen to music. Motto, quote, bible verse "Let's ride." If I could appear on the cover of a magazine it would be… GQ
#77
ol | 6-4 | 285 | fR-rs Crosby, Texas (Crosby)
paul
santillan
2008: Redshirted … earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. PRIOR TO UTEP: Rated an area top-100 player by the Houston Chronicle ... first team All-District, All-Region and All-Area offensive tackle as a senior at Crosby High School ... second team All-District honoree as a junior ... also saw time at the defensive end spot during his prep career ... two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Kevin Flanigan ... helped Crosby High to 13 wins from 2005-06 ... basketball and track standout as well ... regional qualifier in the shot put and discus ... took eighth place in the shot put at the Junior Olympics and first place in the discuss at the Texas AAU Meet ... lettered in powerlifting as well ... also played in the band, including performing at halftime in his uniform for some games ... involved with student council, Hispanic Team Leadership and the FCA in high school ... honor roll student ... first team Academic All-District as a junior and senior, and chosen to the All-Region Academic Team as a senior. PERSONAL: Full name is Paul Augustin Santillan ... last name is pronounced Sahn-tee-ahn ... nickname is “Pino” ... parents are Ruben and Martha Santillan ... has one brother ... born 9/11/88 (Monterrey, Mexico) ... international business major.
Meet the miners
sampson
db | 6-0 | 200 | so-1l Houston, Texas (Westfield)
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Meet the miners 09utepFootball 168
nick
GETTING TO KNOW Paul Santillan... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… William “The Fridge” Perry What team do you root for on Sundays? Oakland Raiders What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “George Lopez” One thing I want to do before I die Score a touchdown Motto, quote, bible verse "Everything can be done with God and with God's help."
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scott
#98
09utepFootball
2008: Redshirted. PRIOR TO UTEP: Garnered All-League, All-County and all CIF honors as a senior ... his efforts helped Redlands East Valley High post a record of 12-1 and advance to the semifinals of the state tournament ... selected to play in the Southern California Bowl ... three-year letterwinner for coach Kurt Bruich, starting every game during his junior and senior seasons ... cites a two-interception game, including one for a TD, against Norco High in the quarterfinals of the state tournament as his biggest thrill in sports ... four-year letterwinner in track and field, completing in the shot put, discus, high jump, hurdles and 100 meters. PERSONAL: Son of Lauren and Ruth Scott ... has a brother and a sister ... full name is Josh Scott ... nickname is “The Gooch” ... born 6/19/90 (San Bernadino, Calif.) ... history major.
GETTING TO KNOW Josh Scott... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
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Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Ed McCaffrey What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “South Park” Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I tape my wrists halfway up my forearm If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be? “Eastside Pride” Game I am most looking forward to this season… Kansas
mike
#39 scott
k | 6-1 | 150 | so-0l El Paso, Texas (Franklin)
2008 (FRESHMAN): Did not see action … earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Meet the miners
josh
2007: Redshirted ... named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll ... received a C-USA Academic Medal for achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or better. PRIOR TO UTEP: Finished 7-for-13 on field goals, with six attempts over 40 yards, as a senior at Franklin High School in El Paso ... was also 19-for-20 on extra point attempts ... earned first team All-City honors by the El Paso Times (as a kicker) and was a first team All-District 1-5A pick (as a punter) his senior year ... first team All-City kicker and second team All-State 5A by the Associated Press as a junior ... ranks third in Texas high school history with 79 consecutive PATs made ... was a perfect 59-for-59 on PATs as a junior ... averaged 38 yards on punts as a junior and senior ... three-year varsity letterwinner for coach Tony Grijalva ... member of back-to-back bi-district title teams in 2004 and 2005 ... Franklin High was district and area champions his junior season ... four-year golf letterwinner in high school ... graduated in the top 10 percent of his class.
GETTING TO KNOW Mike Scott...
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Brett Favre What team do you root for on Sundays? Houston Texans What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “Amazing Race” One thing I want to do before I die... Travel the globe If I could appear on the cover of a magazine it would be… Forbes
PERSONAL: Parents are Tim and Jocelyn Scott ... his father is a UTEP graduate ... has one brother ... full name is Michael Paul Scott ... born 2/28/89 (El Paso, Texas) ... pre-business major.
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Meet the miners
lb | 6-4 | 210 | fR-rs Highland, Calif. (Redlands East Valley)
171
#9
2008 (JUNIOR): Rated fourth on the squad in receiving yards (284) and fifth in receptions (20) … averaged 14.2 yards per catch with three touchdowns … reeled in four receptions in three games – at Southern Miss, versus Rice and at Louisiana-Lafayette … recorded his career-best 73 yards on three catches (long of 40) against SMU … had four receptions for 66 yards at Southern Miss and four receptions for 63 yards at Louisiana-Lafayette … reached the end zone versus Texas, UCF (via a fumble recovery), Southern Miss and Louisiana-Lafayette … played in 11 games, starting on seven occasions. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Saw action in every game, earning a start against Southern Miss ... had one catch for seven yards at SMU.
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2006 (FRESHMAN): Had one catch for four yards at Houston ... played in six games on the season. PRIOR TO UTEP: Earned All-District honors his senior year at Sam Houston High School in Arlington ... had 45 receptions for 675 yards and seven TDs in 2005 en route to being named Sam Houston’s Most Improved Player ... two-year varsity letterwinner for coach George McFarland ... also competed in track and field for three years, competing in the triple jump (best of 46-8) and long jump (best of 22-10) ... district champ and regional qualifier in the triple jump. PERSONAL: Parents are Tufick, Sr. and Elizabeth Shadrawy ... has two sisters ... full name is Tufick Shadrawy, Jr. ... nicknames are “Tuff” and “T-Shad” ... he is lefthanded ... born 3/10/87 (Grand Prairie, Texas) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
areer Highs
eptions 4, at Southern Miss (10/4/08) vs. Rice (11/1/08) at Louisiana-Lafayette (11/8/08) eiving Yards 73, vs. SMU (11/15/08) ds Per Catch 24.3, vs. SMU (11/15/08) g Reception 40, vs. SMU (11/15/08) chdowns 1, vs. Texas (9/6/08) at Southern Miss (10/4/08) at Louisiana-Lafayette (11/8/08)
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CAREER STATISTICS Season 2006 2007 2008 Totals
GP-GS 6/0 12/1 11/7 29/8
Rec. 1 1 20 22
Yds 4 7 284 295
Avg. 4.0 7.0 14.2 13.4
TD 0 0 3 3
Long 4 7 40 40
Avg./Gm. 0.7 0.6 25.8 10.2
GETTING TO KNOW Tufick Shadrawy...
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? Celebrations What is your most embarrassing moment on the field? A dropped ball against Southern Miss Theme song? Charlie Boy – “Bumpa Grill” Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Michael Irvin What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "College Hill"
shaffer 2008: Redshirted.
#45
PRIOR TO UTEP: Dave Campbell’s Texas Top-300 player and first-team All-District 3-5A as a senior at Permian High School ... coached by Darren Allman at Permian ... captained a team that went 12-1 and secured the school’s first district championship since 1995 ... voted district MVP and tabbed to the 5-A dream team ... selected a third-team All-State defensive lineman by Scout.com ... as a junior, was selected first team All-District ... chosen Permian’s best defensive lineman ... squad compiled a 9-4 record during his junior season and was area champs ... saw some action at tight end ... a regional qualifier for power lifting ... member of the honor roll and a Texas scholar. PERSONAL: Full name is Austin Corey Shaffer ... son of Richard and Kathleen Shaffer ... born 11/27/89 (Fort Riley, Kan.) ... criminal justice major.
GETTING TO KNOW Austin Shaffer...
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “Reno 911” Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I wear the same armbands every game. Most prized possession is... My family One thing I want to do before I die... Own my own boat Motto, quote, bible verse “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13 People say I look like… Bobby Hill from “King of the Hill”
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shadrawy
austin
dl | 6-3 | 285 | fR-rs Odessa, Texas (Permian)
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Meet the miners
wr | 6-2 | 195 | sR-3l Arlington, Texas (Sam Houston)
tufick
173
#52
soleyjacks CAREER STATISTICS
2008 (FRESHMAN): Appeared in seven games, making four starts at right side linebacker, before his season was cut short in sustaining a broken collarbone at Tulsa … was productive when he was on the field, collecting 25 tackles and 2.5 tackles for losses … had a season-best five stops versus New Mexico State and Tulane, adding a tackle for loss in each game … posted four takedowns against Texas and at Southern Miss … three stops versus UCF included a half-tackle for loss.
Season 2007 2008 Totals
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GETTING TO KNOW Royzell Smith... 1. 2. 3. 4.
174
If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? Overtime rule What television show would you like to make a cameo on? ESPN Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Listen to Young Jeezy Motto, quote, bible verse... "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, said the Lord that hath mercy on thee." – Isaiah 54:10
AT 5 16 21
TT 16 28 44
Career Highs
PRIOR TO UTEP: Listed as one of the top defensive back prospects in the Midlands region by PrepStar ... co-District 205A Defensive MVP and first team All-Greater Houston choice as a senior at Thurgood Marshall High School ... played outside linebacker as a junior and inside linebacker as a senior ... had 128 tackles, 19 quarterback hurries, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, two pass break-ups and a fumble recovery his senior year ... part of a 9-1, district title team his senior year ... two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Dennis Brantley ... ran track for four years as a prep, competing in the 200 and 4x200 relay ... member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. PERSONAL: Parents are Royzell Smith III and June Woods ... has one brother ... full name is Royzell Smith ... nickname is “Ro” ... born 2/25/88 (Atlanta, Ga.) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
UT 11 12 23
Solo Tackles 3, vs. New Mexico (9/1/07) at Southern Miss (10/4/08) Assisted Tackles 6, at Tulsa (10/18/08) Total Tackles 6, at Tulsa (10/18/08) Tackles for losses 1, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) at UCF (11/24/07) vs. UCF (9/27/08) vs. SMU (11/15/08) Pass break-ups 1, at New Mexico State (9/15/07) vs. Rice (11/1/08) Forced fumbles 1, vs. UCF (9/27/08) Fumble recoveries 1, vs. New Mexico State (9/20/08) vs. UCF (9/27/08) at Louisiana-Lafayette (11/8/08) vs. SMU (11/15/08) Quarterback hurries 2, at Texas Tech (9/8/07) vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07)
2007: Redshirted.
GP-GS 12/12 12/10 24/22
TFL 2-3 2.5-8 4.5-11
Sacks 1-2 0-0 1-2
#13 INT 0-0 0-0 0-0
FF 0 1 1
FR 0 4 4
dl | 6-2 | 250 | jR-2l Amarillo, Texas (Highland Park) PBU 1 1 2
QBs 4 1 5
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Started the last 10 games at right end … tabulated 28 tackles, including 2.5 for losses, for the season … chipped in with a pas s break-up, quarterback hurry, forced fumble and teamleading four fumble recoveries (for 32 yards) … tied for second in the nation in fumble recoveries behind Oregon’s Nick Reed, who had five … paced Conference USA in fumble recoveries … recorded a career-best six tackles, all assisted, at Tulsa … had four stops each at Southern Miss and at Houston … credited with tackles for losses versus UCF and SMU and a half-tackle for loss at East Carolina … had one of his better games against the Knights when he forced and recovered a fumble … also recovered fumbles versus New Mexico State, Louisiana-Lafayette and SMU, and had a 24-yard return for a touchdown against the Aggies … broke up a pass versus Rice. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Started all 12 games at right end ... tabulated 15 tackles, including two for losses, with one sack, one pass break-up and four quarterback hurries ... had his season-high four takedowns at Tulane ... posted three stops against New Mexico ... added a sack at UCF ... also had a tackle for loss versus Texas Southern. 2006: Redshirted.
PRIOR TO UTEP: Four-time All-District 7-2A honoree (twice on offense, twice on defense) at Highland Park High School in Amarillo ... four-year varsity letterwinner for coaches Bryan Welps and Victor Soliz ...played defensive end and tight end as a freshman and sophomore, and running back/defensive end as a junior and senior ... also saw some time at linebacker and defensive tackle his senior campaign ... rushed for 866 yards on 112 carries (7.7 avg.) with eight touchdowns as a senior ... also had 20 catches for 302 yards (15.1 avg.) and a score, and completed all three of his pass attempts for 86 yards and a TD ... compiled 86 tackles on defense ... ran for 1,400 yards GETTING TO KNOW ... on 246 attempts (5.7 avg.) as a junior ... added seven receptions for 69 yards and racked 1. Theme song? up 114 tackles ... member of a district title team as a sophomore ... posted two catches for “Amazing” by Kanye West 53 yards at his tight end position ... sophomore defensive totals were 95 stops, including 10 for losses, along with four sacks, 16 quarterback pressures and seven pass break-ups 2. What team do you root for on Sundays? ... two-time All-District basketball player ... also ran track, competing in the high jump, Oakland Raiders 4x200 and sprint relays ... ran a leg on Highland Park’s 2005 district champion 4x200 3. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? relay unit ... two-time Academic All-District selection ... member of the FCA.
Meet the miners
smith
robert
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Meet the miners
royzell
lb | 6-1 | 220 | so-1l Missouri City, Texas (Thurgood Marshall)
Robert Soleyjacks
4. 5.
“College Hill” Most prized possession is... My keys and cell phone One thing I want to do before I die... Go to Panama Bay
PERSONAL: Parents and Rodolfo and Justina Soleyjacks ... has two brothers and one sister ... brother, R.J., played football at West Texas A&M ... full name is Robert Bermillo Soleyjacks ... born 6/12/88 (Oceanside, Calif.) ... pre-business major.
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2008 (FRESHMAN): Played in three games as a reserve quarterback before moving to linebacker for spring ball … did not have any statistics … earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
2007 (FRESHMAN): Saw action in four games on the year.
2007: Redshirted ... named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll ... received a C-USA Academic Medal for achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or better.
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PRIOR TO UTEP: Decorated offensive lineman during a two-year varsity career at Rincon High School ... listed as one of the top offensive linemen in the West by PrepStar ... first team All-State 4A player by arizonavarsity.com and PrepAZ.com as a senior ... other senior honors included second team All-State (all levels) by PrepAZ.com, first team All-Sonoran Region, first team All-South Arizona by the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson Citizen, and honorable mention All-State by the Arizona Republic ... honorable mention All-Sonoran Region as a junior ... helped Rincon High School to its first playoff appearance in 17 years as a senior ... high school coach was Matt Johnson ... also a member of Rincon’s baseball and track and field teams ... threw the shot put and discus. GETTING TO KNOW Alex Solot... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
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springer
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Took on a greater role in the Miner offensive line as the season wore on, ultimately starting the last five games when injuries took their toll ... started once at right guard and four times at right tackle … despite only starting five games, finished the season with 20 knockdown blocks … was on the field for a total of 361 snaps.
2006: Redshirted.
#8
jeremy
Theme song? “One” by Metallica What team do you root for on Sundays? Arizona Cardinals Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I always put my right shoe on first. Most prized possession is... Brett Favre signed poster Movie I love to watch but embarrassed to admit to is… “The Sandlot”
PERSONAL: Parents are Alan and Barbara Solot ... has one brother ... uncle, David Bounds, played football at Clemson and grandfather, Jesse “Red” Bounds, played football at Tulane ... full name is Alexander Ian Solot ... born 5/28/88 (Tucson, Ariz.) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
PRIOR TO UTEP: Made the most out of his only year as the first-string quarterback at Los Fresnos High School ... completed 202 of 366 passes for 3,489 yards with 42 touchdowns and eight interceptions as a senior ... also rushed 123 times for 632 yards and 15 scores while compiling 4,121 yards of total offense ... earned district player of the year honors and honorable mention All-State by the Associated Press ... other senior honors included Valley Morning Star Most Valuable Player and Valley Offensive Player of the Year by The Monitor ... member of a 12-1 squad in 2006 that was a regional semifinalist as well as bi-district and area champs ... earned Player of the Week honors in the state of Texas for his performance against La Joya High School in the area championship game, throwing for 280 yards and six TDs and rushing for 80 yards and two scores ... played primarily receiver as a junior, posting 44 catches for 700 yards and nine TDs en route to being tabbed first team All-District ... three-year starter at Los Fresnos High School (wide receiver as a sophomore and junior, quarterback as a senior) while playing for coach Scott Ford ... also competed in basketball and track and field for three years each ... All-District selection in basketball ... ranked eighth in his class of 420 academically ... listed in Who’s GETTING TO KNOW Jeremy Springer... Who Among American High School Students 1. What is your most embarrassing moment on the field? and a National Honor Society member. Getting a punt blocked. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Troy Aikman What team do you root for on Sundays? Dallas Cowboys What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "George Lopez" One thing I want to do before I die... Be able to see my future kids be successful
Meet the miners
solot
lb | 6-3 | 220 | so-1l Los Fresnos, Texas (Los Fresnos)
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Meet the miners
#70
alex
ol | 6-8 | 320 | jR-1l Tucson, Ariz. (Rincon)
PERSONAL: Full name is Jeremy Shane Springer ... parents are Donald and Kim Springer ... twin brother, Justin, is a linebacker at Kansas ... born 2/22/89 (Harlingen, Texas) ... management major. 177
2008 (JUNIOR): Made seven starts at left corner while appearing in all 12 games … tallied 38 tackles, a half-tackle for loss, two picks and five pass break-ups … intercepted passes at Tulsa and against SMU … deflected two passes – a career-high – versus the Mustangs … tied his career-best with eight stops, including seven solos, at Houston … had five tackles at East Carolina and four at Buffalo … overall 24 of his 38 tackles were charted in road games … registered a half-tackle for loss against Tulane.
Career Highs
Solo Tackles 8, vs. Tulsa (10/6/07) Assisted Tackles 3, at Buffalo (8/28/08) at East Carolina (11/28/08) Total Tackles 8, vs. Tulsa (10/6/07) at Houston (11/22/08) Tackles for losses 1, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) Interceptions 1, at Tulsa (10/18/08) vs. SMU (11/15/08) Pass break-ups 2, vs. SMU (11/15/08)
2006 (FRESHMAN): Appeared in 11 games as a true freshman ... recorded three tackles.
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Melvin Stephenson II
3. 4. 5.
I always rooted for whatever team Deion Sanders was on. Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I tell myself I'm the best in front of the mirror. One thing I want to do before I die... I want to do everything Motto, quote, bible verse I'm a big fan of Ali's quotes
PERSONAL: Parents are Melvin, Sr. and Cheryl Stephenson ... has a sister and a half-brother ... cousin, Michael Huff, plays for the Oakland Raiders ... full name is Melvin Otis Stephenson II ... nickname is “Showtime” ... born 7/6/88 (Dallas, Texas) ... electronic media major.
#28
db | 5-10 | 190 | JR-1l Palm Springs, Calif. (Cathedral City [Texas])
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Contributed four tackles in nine games as a reserve … had single stops against Texas, UCF, Southern Miss and East Carolina … also returned a kickoff versus Rice.
2007 (SOPHOMORE): Saw action in all 12 games, starting at right corner versus Texas Southern, SMU and Tulsa ... finished with 29 tackles (24 solo), including a tackle for loss, a pass break-up and a fumble recovery ... picked up eight tackles, all solos, against Tulsa ... had six solo stops at SMU ... posted five takedowns, including one for a loss, versus Texas Southern ... recovered a fumble against Southern Miss.
PRIOR TO UTEP: Listed as a Texas Top-300 player and one of the top 20 defensive backs in the state by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ... first team All-District 6-5A cornerback and second team All-District running back as a senior at South Grand Prairie High CAREER STATISTICS School ... rushed 67 times for 660 yards Season GP-GS UT AT TT TFL Sacks INT FF FR PBU QBs (9.9 avg.) and six TDs as a senior ... 2006 11-0 2 1 3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 also amassed 22 tackles and a fumble 2007 10-2 23 3 26 1-2 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 0 recovery from his cover corner position 2008 12-7 22 16 38 0.5-1 0-0 2-5 0 0 5 0 ... second team All-District cornerback Totals 33-9 47 20 67 1.5-3 0-0 2-5 0 0 6 0 as a junior, tallying 30 stops and a 41yard interception ... also ran for 208 yards on 25 attempts (8.3 avg.) with three touchdowns as a junior ... twoGETTING TO KNOW ... time All-Area cornerback (2004 and 2005) ... two-year varsity 1. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… letterwinner for coach David Fisher ... member of a 10-2, district Barry Sanders, Deion Sanders and bi-district title squad as a senior ... four-year track and field letterwinner, competing in the 100, 4x100 and 4x200 relays. 2. What team do you root for on Sundays?
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strange
Meet the miners
Meet the miners
UTEP ITEM: Appointed UTEP’s special teams captain for the 2009 season.
martel
2007 (FRESHMAN): Reserve DB who competed in three games, registering one tackle. PRIOR TO UTEP: Split time at running back and defensive back at Cathedral City High School ... rushed for 1,065 yards on 159 carries in 2006, averaging 106.5 yards per game, while scoring 12 touchdowns ... had six 100-yard rushing games as a senior, including compiling 185 yards on 14 attempts against Indio High School ... amassed 23 tackles and an interception on defense ... also averaged 26.8 yards on five kickoff returns ... first team All-League as a sophomore, junior and senior ... team MVP for four straight years ... high school coach was Mitch Donnelly ... four-year letterwinner in track and field and three-year letterwinner in basketball ... first team AllLeague point guard ... honor roll student.
GETTING TO KNOW Martel Strange... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “The Wayans Bros.” Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Pray to the Lord If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be? “The Comeback Kid” and it would have sequels one, two, three… 1. If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? Backflap out Movie I love to watch but embarrassed to admit to is... All the Disney Channel movies
PERSONAL: Parents are James and Arnita Strange ... has one brother and one sister ... full name is Martel Lavante Strange ... nickname is “Telly” ... born 1/28/89 (Indio, Calif.) ... communication major.
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#4 stephenson ii melvin
db | 5-10 | 185 | sR-3l Grand Prairie, Texas (South)
179
db | 5-10 | 175 | fR-rs Chicago, Ill. (Ottawa Township)
2008: Redshirted … selected UTEP’s Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year.
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PRIOR TO UTEP: First team All NCIC Conference and first team All-State as a senior for head coach Trent Swords at Ottawa Township High School in Chicago ... posted 1,183 rushing yards on 188 carries for 12 TDs as a senior ... served as team captain and was voted squad MVP ... two-year letterwinner who was the IUC Celluar Athlete of the Year in 2006.
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PERSONAL: Full name is Drew Philip Thomas ... nickname is “Drewksy” ... parents are Philip and the late Karen Thomas ... is an only child ... father played for the Chicago Bears … born 10/26/89 (Redondo Beach, Calif.).
GETTING TO KNOW Drew Thomas... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? Spatting cleats What team do you root for on Sundays? Green Bay Packers What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “All That” Most prized possession is... First Team All-State plaque Motto, quote, bible verse "Everything I'm not, made me everything I am." People say I look like… Cuba Gooding Jr.
#5 thomas ii
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Continued to add some spice to the CAREER STATISTICS TD Lg Avg/Gm Miner offense … played in all 12 games, making two starts at Season GP-GS Effic Comp-Att-Int Pct Yds 5-1 -100.0 0-2-1 .000 0 0 0 0.0 receiver … also saw time at quarterback, most extensively against 2006 2007 Did Not Play New Mexico State when he relieved injured starter Trevor Vittatoe 12-2 121.70 11-21-0 .524 134 1 53 11.2 and nearly led the Miners to an improbable victory … rushed 2008 Totals 17-3 102.42 11-23-1 .478 134 1 53 7.9 19 times for 142 yards and two touchdowns versus the Aggies as UTEP suffered a tough 34-33 setback … Season Rush Yds Avg TD Lg Avg/Gm Rec Yds Avg TD in the process, he became only the third Miner 2006 10 22 2.2 1 13 4.4 1 10 10.0 0 quarterback to have a 100-yard rushing game since 2007 Did Not Play 1982, joining Shawn Gray (141 yards against Fresno 2008 52 351 6.8 3 44 29.2 12 128 10.7 0 State in ’94) and Kevin Ward (three 100-yard games, Totals 62 373 6.0 4 44 21.9 13 138 10.6 0 most recently 109 against Weber State in ’83) … Thomas had a 44-yard scoring run in the second quarter versus NMSU, the longest rushing play by a UTEP signal-caller since Jon Schaper had a 74-yard TD at Alabama in 2001 … Thomas also completed 8-of-15 passes for 60 yards against New Mexico State … he ended the season with 52 rushes for 351 yards and three TDs, 12 catches for 128 yards and completed 11-of-21 passes for 134 yards and a score … averaged 6.8 yards per rush and 10.7 yards per catch for an average of 7.5 yards every time he touched the ball … racked up 479 all-purpose yards on the year … ranked second on the team in rushing behind Terrell Jackson … reached the end zone on a 34-yard run at Tulsa … ran for 43 yards on three attempts versus Rice, and had four carries for 34 yards against Texas … added 32 yards on eight rushes versus SMU … caught two passes in four games, with his career-high for yardage (40) coming against Texas … had a 25-yard reception versus the Longhorns and a 24-yarder at Tulsa … threw a 53-yard TD pass to Jeff Moturi against Rice. 2007: Redshirted. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Played in the final five games of the season, doubling as a quarterback and wide receiver ... started at wideout against Tulsa ... fell incomplete on both of his pass attempts with an interception ... caught one pass for 10 yards at Marshall ... rushed 10 times for 22 yards, scoring a 13-yard touchdown versus the Thundering Herd.
Career Highs
Pass Attempts 15, vs. New Mexico State (9/20/08) Pass Completions 8, vs. New Mexico State (9/20/08) Passing Yards 60, vs. New Mexico State (9/20/08) Passing Touchdowns 1, vs. Rice (11/1/08) Interceptions 1, vs. Rice (11/4/06) Yards Per Completion 53.0, vs. Rice (11/1/08) Long Pass 53, vs. Rice (11/1/08) Rushes 19, vs. New Mexico State (9/20/08) Rushing Yards 142, vs. New Mexico State (9/20/08) Yards Per Carry 34.0, at Tulsa (10/18/08) Long Rush 44, vs. New Mexico State (9/20/08) Rushing Touchdowns 2, vs. New Mexico State (9/20/08) Receptions 2, vs. Texas (9/6/08) at Louisiana-Lafayette (11/8/08) at Houston (11/22/08) at East Carolina (11/28/08) Receiving Yards 40, vs. Texas (9/6/08) Yards Per Catch 24.0, at Tulsa (10/18/08) Long Reception 25, vs. Texas (9/6/08) All-Purpose Yards 144, vs. New Mexico State (9/20/08)
PRIOR TO UTEP: Listed as a Texas Top-300 player by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ... rated one of the top quarterbacks in the Midlands region by PrepStar ... chosen the District 20-5A Offensive MVP as a senior at Thurgood Marshall High School in Missouri City, Texas ... threw for 2,089 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2005, while also rushing 121 times for 971 yards ... passed for 1,400 yards and 10 TDs as a junior en route to being named a second team All-Greater Houston Underclassman ... also rushed for 215 yards and four touchdowns ... member of a 9-1, district title team his senior year ... two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Dennis Brantley ... honorable mention All-District outfielder in baseball as a prep ... member of the National Honor Roll. PERSONAL: Parents are James, Sr. and Lillie Thomas ... has four brothers and two sisters ... brother, Jesse Sowells, played for the Tennessee Titans ... full name is James Edward Thomas II ... nickname is “J.T.” ... born 4/18/88 (Palestine, Texas) ... computer information systems major.
Meet the miners
thomas
#11
qb/wr | 5-11 | 190 | JR-2L Palestine, Texas (Thurgood Marshall)
Lg 10
Avg/Gm 2.0
25 25
10.7 8.1
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Meet the miners
drew
james
GETTING TO KNOW James Thomas II... 1. 2. 3. 4.
What team do you root for on Sundays? Cincinnati Bengals What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “Martin” or “Jamie Foxx” Pre-game rituals/superstitions? Listen to Gospel so I can relax. One thing I want to do before I die… Meet the president
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2008: Redshirted.
182
qb/wr | 6-2 | 195 | fR-hs San Diego, Calif. (Herbert Hoover)
#4
PRIOR TO UTEP: First team All-League offensive selection and second team All-CIF defensive pick as a senior at Herbert Hoover High School ... also chosen team MVP in 2007 while doubling as a quarterback and safety ... completed 87-of-174 passes for 1,187 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior, while rushing 68 times for 428 yards and seven scores ... also made 12 catches for 197 yards and four TDs in 2007, and had an 88-yard punt return for a score as well ... first team All-League and second team All-CIF offensive player as a junior, when he threw for 2,211 yards (146-for-285 passing) and 20 TDs and ran for 375 yards on 105 attempts with seven TDs ... also logged five receptions for 88 yards and two touchdowns as a junior ... had nine career interceptions on defense, including one for a TD ... two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Mike Wright ... helped Herbert Hoover High to a 10-2 record and league co-championship as a junior ... played basketball for three years as a prep, earning first team All-League mention as a junior.
GETTING TO KNOW Corey Trisby... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… My older brother What team do you root for on Sundays? San Diego Chargers What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “Jamie Foxx Show” Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I pray and get a good night's sleep. Most prized possession is... My gold Motto, quote, bible verse “If it doesn't kill you it will make you stronger.”
PERSONAL: Parents are Richard and September Trisby ... has four brothers ... full name is Corey Mark Mae Trisby ... nickname is “Tris the Whiz” ... born 6/6/89 (San Diego, Calif.) ... undeclared major.
Van Dyke
#5
rb | 5-9 | 190 | JR-tr Fairfield, Calif. (Rodriguez/Texas Southern)
Meet the miners
trisby
christian
PRIOR TO UTEP: Two-year letterwinner for Coach Chris Santopadre at Rodriguez High School in Fairfield, Calif. ... First team All-SCAC and All-County running back as a senior and was an honorable mention All-County selection as a junior ... also was a two-year letterwinner in baseball. PERSONAL: Full name is Christian Ellis Van Dyke ... nickname is “boom” ... parents are Michael and Joanne Van Dyke ... has two brothers ... favorite athlete is Bo Jackson ... born 9/7/88 (San Jose, Calif.) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
GETTING TO KNOW Christian Van Dyke... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Theme song? “Back in Black” by AC/DC Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Ronnie Lott What team do you root for on Sundays? Oakland Raiders Game I am most looking forward to this season… Marshall One thing I want to do before I die... Go to Brazil If I could appear on the cover of a magazine it would be… Esquire
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corey
183
#25
wr | 5-10 | 200 | jR-0l Sacramento, Calif. (Christian Brothers)
09utepFootball 184
PERSONAL: Parents are Garfield and Jennifer Vassell ... has two sisters ... full name is Christopher Garfield Vassell ... kinesiology major.
GETTING TO KNOW Chris Vassell... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
If you could change a NCAA rule, which would it be? I'd install an eight-team playoff. Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Barry Sanders What team do you root for on Sundays? Oakland Raiders What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “The Office” or “Family Guy” Most prized possession is... Alarm clock One thing I want to do before I die... Start a charity in every continent, except Antarctica Motto, quote, bible verse “Success is building a house out of the bricks life throws at you.”
Lb | 6-1 | 220 | sR-1l Schertz, Texas (Samuel Clemens/N.M. Military Institute)
UTEP ITEM: Received his bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies in May, 2009 and will play his senior year as a graduate student.
2008 (SOPHOMORE): Worked with the scout team. PRIOR TO UTEP: Three-year letterwinner for Christian Brothers High School ... was a running back, amassing close to 2,000 yards ... recipient of the coaches’ award and was first team All-Conference as a senior ... also competed in track & field, earning All-District distinction.
#26
Meet the miners
vassell
walker
2008: Medical redshirt with a shoulder injury. 2007 (JUNIOR): Compiled two tackles, an interception and a pass break-up in a reserve role ... picked off a pass versus Texas Southern. PRIOR TO UTEP: Posted 45 tackles, four interceptions, 10 pass break-ups and two fumble recoveries in 2006 at New Mexico Military Institute ... earned National Special Teams Player of the Week honors after returning a field goal attempt 100 yards for a touchdown against Ranger College ... second team All-Conference selection as a freshman in 2005 ... two-time Western States Football League Player of the Week ... he first earned the honor in 2005 after recording 15 solo tackles and an interception against Phoenix College ... recognized again in 2006 after returning the field goal attempt for a score versus Ranger College ... was a teammate of UTEP’s Charles Ofili at NMMI ... junior college coach was Jeff Lynn ... attended Samuel Clemens GETTING TO KNOW Roddray Walker... High School in his hometown of Schertz, 1. One thing I want to do before I die... Texas ... also competed in basketball and Travel track in high school. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Theme song? “Jaws” theme song Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Terrell Davis What team do you root for on Sundays? Green Bay Packers What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “Martin” Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I eat! Most prized possession is... Family
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Meet the miners
chris
roddray
PERSONAL: He is ambidextrous ... parents are Roddray, Sr. and Sharon Walker ... has one brother and one sister ... full name is Roddray Keith Walker, Jr ... born 7/20/87 (Minot, N.D.).
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#1
2008 (JUNIOR): Compiled 31 tackles over 12 games … started the last seven contests (four at left corner, three at right corner) … posted 1.5 tackles for losses, two interceptions and four pass break-ups … credited with his season-best five stops versus Rice and at East Carolina … had a tackle for loss and a deflection against the Owls … had three tackles in four games (at Buffalo, at Southern Miss, versus Tulane, at Tulsa) … picked off passes at Southern Miss and at Louisiana-Lafayette … registered a half-sack at Tulsa. PRIOR TO UTEP: Spent the 2007 season at Santa Rosa Junior College, where he earned All-Conference honors and was the No. 1 kick returner in the state of California ... registered 378 yards on 12 returns (31.5 avg.), including two TDs ... also had 48 tackles, three interceptions, three blocked field goals, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 2007 ... originally signed with Florida State out of high school ... transferred to Texas Tech after suffering an injury, and sat out 2006 as a redshirt before opting to continue his career at Santa Rosa JC ... rated the No. 6 safety in the country and a four-star recruit by Rivals.com out of Pensacola [Fla.] High School ... was the 12th-best player in the state of Florida according to Rivals.com ... participated in the CaliFlorida Bowl and was the defensive MVP for Team Florida ... earned three high school varsity letters between Pensacola High and La Marque [Texas] High ... garnered first-team All-State accolades as a junior on a state championship team ... cites his biggest thrill in sports as tipping the ball out of the end zone to clinch the crown ... capped off his prep career with stellar senior season, recording 61 tackles, three interceptions and a touchdown on a kickoff return. PERSONAL: His mom, Debra, works in the postal service ... has two sisters ... full name is Clarence Albert Ward ... born 2/8/87 (Frankfurt, Germany) ... multidisciplinary studies major.
GETTING TO KNOW Clarence Ward... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Deion Sanders What team do you root for on Sundays? Dallas Cowboys What television show would you like to make a cameo on? MTV's “Cribs” 9. If I could appear on the cover of a magazine it would be... XXL One thing I want to do before I die... Win a Super Bowl
greg
watkins
#44
lb | 6-5 | 220 | fR-rs Katy, Texas (Cypress Springs)
2008: Redshirted.
PRIOR TO UTEP: Rated an area top-100 player by the Houston Chronicle ... All-District defensive end as a senior at Cypress Springs High School ... team co-captain as well ... in three years as a starter, he posted 122 tackles, 11 tackles for losses, three sacks, one forced fumble, one interception, four pass break-ups and five blocked kicks ... three-year varsity letterwinner for coach Robert Blackshear ... played basketball for two years as a prep ... honor roll student. PERSONAL: Full name is Gregory Watkins, Jr. ... parents are Gregory, Sr. and Alana Watkins ... has two sisters ... born 1/13/89 (Atlanta, Ga.) ... pre-business major.
GETTING TO KNOW Greg Watkins...
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
What team do you root for on Sundays? Minnesota Vikings What television show would you like to make a cameo on? "SportsCenter" Pre-game rituals/superstitions? I pray and listen to music. If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? “Skeet” and I would play myself One thing I want to do before I die... Be successful If I could bring anything from my hometown to El Paso, it would be? Hog head cheese, meat and fish
Meet the miners
ward
db | 6-0 | 190 | sR-1l La Marque, Texas (La Marque/Santa Rosa JC)
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clarence
187
GP-GS 12/0 11/2 12/1 35-3
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UT 7 5 5 17
AT 8 4 17 29
Solo Tackles 5, vs. Tulane (10/14/06) Assisted Tackles 4, vs. UCF (9/27/08) vs. Tulane (10/11/08) Total Tackles 8, vs. Tulane (10/14/06) Tackles for losses 1, at Texas Tech (9/8/07) at Southern Miss (10/4/08) Sacks 1, at Texas Tech (9/8/07) Interceptions 1, vs. Tulane (10/14/06) Pass break-ups 1, vs. Tulane (10/14/06) Forced fumbles 1, at Texas Tech (9/8/07) Quarterback hurries 1, vs. Rice (11/1/08)
TT 15 9 22 46
#17
2008 (JUNIOR): Saw extensive action, appearing TFL Sacks INT FF FR PBU QBs in all 12 games and starting 0-0 0-0 1-0 0 0 1 0 at left side linebacker 1-7 1-7 0-0 1 0 0 0 versus Tulane … picked 1.5-5 0.5-4 0-0 0 0 0 1 up 22 stops, including 1.5 2.5-12 1.5-11 1-0 1 0 1 1 for losses, with a half-sack and a quarterback hurry … had four takedowns in three games (against New Mexico State, UCF and Tulane) … credited with three stops in the season opener at Buffalo … had a tackle for loss at Southern Miss and a half-sack versus the Green Wave … pressured the quarterback once against Rice. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Made two starts at SAM linebacker early in the year (at Texas Tech and at New Mexico State) before filling a reserve role the rest of the way ... credited with nine tackles on the season ... had two stops in each of the first two games, including a sack at Texas Tech ... also forced a fumble against the Red Raiders. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Earned playing time in all 12 games ... finished the season with 15 tackles, an interception and a pass break-up ... had a season-high eight tackles against Tulane ... recorded two solo stops versus SMU ... picked off a pass and broke up a pass against Tulane. 2005: Redshirted.
PRIOR TO UTEP: All-League defensive player and Orange County Top-25 selection after registering 100+ tackles as a senior at Tustin High School ... played safety and quarterback his sophomore year, safety his junior year and four positions (running back, tight end, linebacker, quarterback) as a senior ... attended the Elite 11 Quarterback Camp in Berkeley, Calif. and the GETTING TO KNOW ... Nike Combine in San Diego, Calif. in the summer of 2004 ... three-year 1. What team do you root for on Sundays? varsity letterwinner for coach Myron Miller ... helped Tustin reach the semifinals of the CIF playoffs in 2002, and quarterfinals in 2004 ... spent Anyone who is the underdog. three years on the Tustin basketball team (small forward) and two on 2. What television show would you like to make a cameo on? the track squad (shot put) ... received a scholar-athlete award from “Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory” Tustin High School, as well as an NAACP award for youth development 3. Game I am most looking forward to this season… as a senior ... two-year honor roll student.
Brian Wilkins
4. 5.
A bowl game One thing I want to do before I die... Be on the cover of Fortune 500 Motto, quote, bible verse “Lord Willing” – Hebrews 11:1
PERSONAL: Parents are Mahlon and Lottye Wilkins ... has one sister ... father played basketball at Fresno State ... full name is Brian Austin Wilkins ... born 6/23/87 (Tustin, Calif.) ... electronic media major.
#34
williams
rb | 5-10 | 210 | jR-2l Tyler, Texas (Robert E. Lee)
2008: Medical redshirt while recovering from an ankle injury suffered in spring ball. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Fourth on the team in rushing with 69 yards on 19 carries (3.6 avg.) in a backup role ... returned six kickoffs for 105 yards ... also caught two passes on the season ... ran 12 times for 42 yards versus Texas Southern ... compiled 18 yards on three rushes at SMU ... had his season-long 27-yard kickoff return at Tulane.
Meet the miners
Season 2006 2007 2008 Totals
wilkins
jason
2006 (FRESHMAN): Played in all 12 contests as a true freshman, earning starting assignments in the last two games of the year (at Marshall, Memphis) ... carried the ball 29 times for 85 yards ... also caught three balls totaling 16 yards ... had seven carries for 29 yards against SMU ... gained 24 yards on six attempts versus Tulane ... rushed five times for 18 yards at Marshall, including his season-long 13-yard run ... had two receptions for 12 yards against Memphis. PRIOR TO UTEP: Listed as a Texas Top-300 player and one of the top 20 running backs in the Lone Star State by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ... first team All-District 12-5A offensive selection as a senior at Robert E. Lee High School ... rushed for 1,291 yards and CAREER STATISTICS 13 touchdowns as a senior ... ran for 781 yards and six scores Season GP-GS Rush Yds Avg. TD Long Avg./Gm. as a junior ... split time at running back and strong safety 2006 12/2 29 85 2.9 0 13 7.1 during a three-year varsity career ... member of a 12-3, state 2007 8/0 19 69 3.6 0 11 8.6 championship team his junior year ... high school coach was 2008 Did Not Play Mike Owens ... three-year track and field letterwinner, Totals 20/2 48 154 3.2 0 13 7.7 competing in the long jump, 100 and sprint relay. Season Rec. Yds Avg. TD Long Avg./Gm. KOR All-Purpose PERSONAL: Parents are Winfred and Vickie Williams ... 2006 3 16 5.3 0 8 1.3 0-0 101 has two brothers ... full name is Jason Bryant Williams ... 2007 2 2 1.0 0 5 0.3 6-105 176 nickname is “The Hammer” ... born 10/20/87 (Tyler, Texas) 2008 Did Not Play ... multidisciplinary studies major. Totals 5 18 3.6 0 8 0.9 6-105 277
GETTING TO KNOW Jason Williams... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Walter Payton What team do you root for on Sundays? Chicago Bears If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you? “East Texas' Finest” starring Denzel Washington Most prized possession is…. State Championship ring and Seven-on-Seven State Championship ring One thing I want to do before I die... Visit China
Career Highs
Rushes Rushing Yards Yards Per Carry Long Rush Receptions Receiving Yards Yards Per Catch Long Reception Kickoff Returns Kickoff Return Yards Long Kickoff Return All-Purpose Yards
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CAREER STATISTICS
Career Highs
188
brian
lb | 6-2 | 240 | sR-3l Tustin, Calif. (Tustin)
12, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) 42, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) 6.0, at SMU (9/29/07) 13, at Marshall (11/18/06) 2, vs. Memphis (11/25/06) 12, vs. Memphis (11/25/06) 6.0, vs. Memphis (11/25/06) vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) 8, vs. Memphis (11/25/06) 2, vs. East Carolina (10/13/07) 34, vs. East Carolina (10/13/07) 27, at Tulane (11/10/07) 48, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07)
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2008 (JUNIOR): Backup quarterback also acted as the Miners’ holder … finished 1-of-9 passing for two yards in 10 games … also rushed twice for two yards … saw his most extensive action of the season against New Mexico State when he completed 1-of-4 passes for two yards while subbing for the injured Trevor Vittatoe … had a six-yard carry versus Tulane … earned a spot on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Served as UTEP’s holder and third-string quarterback ... completed five of 13 passes for 44 yards and a TD, all against Texas Southern ... connected with Pierce Hunter for a nine-yard score versus the Tigers. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Played in two games, both at home (Tulane, Memphis) ... completed six of nine pass attempts for 91 yards with one touchdown and one interception ... connected with Daniel Robinson on a 55-yard touchdown pass against Memphis ... named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.
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2005: Redshirted ... received UTEP’s offensive scout team award. PRIOR TO UTEP: All-Empire Offensive MVP and All-League pick as a senior at Cardinal Newman High School ... split time at quarterback and cornerback as a prep ... completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,250 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior ... also rushed for 750 yards and 15 scores ... two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Paul Cronin ... played one year of varsity basketball, earning second team All-Empire honors ... won the slam dunk competition at the McKinleyville tournament ... honor roll student all four years in high school ... actively involved in community service.
CAREER STATISTICS Season 2006 2007 2008 Totals
190
GP-GS 2/0 10/0 10/0 22/0
Effic 166.04 92.28 12.98 90.67
Comp-Att-Int 6-9-1 5-13-0 1-9-0 12-31-1
Pct .667 .385 .111 .387
Yds 91 44 2 137
TD 1 1 0 2
GETTING TO KNOW Kyle Wright... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Growing up playing football, I always pretended to be… Joe Montana and Merton Hanks What team do you root for on Sundays? San Francisco 49ers What television show would you like to make a cameo on? “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” One thing I want to do before I die… Attend a Super Bowl and Final Four Motto, quote, bible verse "You only get what you put in."
Lg 55 13 2 55
Avg/Gm 45.5 4.4 0.2 6.2
PERSONAL: Parents are Lance and Rhonda Wright ... has one brother ... full name is Kyle Eric Wright ... born 12/18/86 (Santa Rosa, Calif.) ... electronic media major.
Career Highs
Pass Attempts 13, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) Pass Completions 5, vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) Passing Yards 91, vs. Memphis (11/25/06) Passing Touchdowns 1, vs. Memphis (11/25/06) vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) Interceptions 1, vs. Memphis (11/25/06) Yards Per Completion 22.8, vs. Memphis (11/25/06) Long Pass 55, vs. Memphis (11/25/06) Rushes 1, vs. Tulane (10/14/06) vs. Texas Southern (9/22/07) at Tulane (11/10/07) vs. Tulane (10/11/08) vs. SMU (11/15/08) Rushing Yards 6, vs. Tulane (10/11/08) Yards Per Carry 6.0, vs. Tulane (10/11/08) Long Rush 6, vs. Tulane (10/11/08)
adam Ayala
DL | 6-0 | 200 | FR-HS Huntsville, Texas (Huntsville HS)
OL | 6-3 | 285 | FR-HS El Paso, Texas (Chapin)
Earned first team All-District 15-5A honors at two positions during his time at Cy Springs High School - at defensive end as a junior, and inside linebacker as a senior ... team captain his senior year ... twoyear varsity letterman for coach Roland Gonzalez at Cy Springs High ... played for Kenwood High School in Clarksville, Tenn. as a sophomore, when he was named “Rising Knight” on the varsity team ... member of the basketball and track teams during a portion of his prep career ... made the A/B honor roll his junior year ... full name is Aubrey Martin Alexius III ... nickname is “Tennessee” ... parents are Aubrey Alexius, Jr. and Sonya McAdoo ... has two brothers and one sister ... born 1/8/90 (Hebron, Germany).
Unanimous first team All-District 18-4A defensive end as a senior at Huntsville High School ... also earned honorable mention All-State honors by the Texas Sportswriters and the Associated Press following the 2008 campaign ... rated a three-star recruit and the 83rdbest defensive tackle prospect in the nation by Rivals.com ... ranked no. 135 among defensive tackles by Scouts, Inc. ... chosen Huntsville High’s Defensive Lineman of the Year after tallying 44 tackles, five tackles for losses, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two pass breakups as a senior ... helped Huntsville to an undefeated district championship in 2008 with a 7-0 mark (team was 7-2 overall) ... excelled in the classroom also, earning Academic All-District and honorable mention Academic All-State honors as a senior ... first team All-District choice as a junior, as well as Academic All-District and a member of the Underclassmen All-Region team ... two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Mitchell Coey ... played quarterback as a freshman and sophomore, defensive line as a junior and senior and some offensive line as a senior ... teammate of James Davidson, another UTEP signee, at Huntsville ... played basketball his freshman year and was a four-year letterman in baseball, splitting time at third base and designated hitter ... second team All-District DH his junior campaign ... member of the National Honor Society his senior year and Mu Alpha Theta his junior year ... full name is Adam Bartholomew Ayala ... nickname is “Big A” ... parents are Armando and Lynn Ayala ... has one sister ... father is a UTEP graduate, as well as aunt (Becky Ayala) and uncle (Victor Ayala) ... born 8/12/91 (Huntsville, Texas).
Played right guard at Chapin High School as a sophomore and senior … missed eight games of his junior year with an ankle injury … second team All-District player … member of a 12-1 squad that was the district, regional and bi-district champion his sophomore year … the strongest player on the Chapin team, he bench presses 335 pounds … coached by Rene Hernandez at Chapin … standout performer on the Chapin track and field team … made the regional finals in the shot put and discus with personal bests of 45 feet and 149 feet, respectively … received the inaugural Ruben Solis Academic Award, named for the former Chapin High School football star who died in a car accident … full name is Joseph Daniel Brown … parents are Thomas and Sylvia Brown … father is a UTEP graduate … has two brothers and one sister … born 7/28/91 (El Paso, Texas).
LB |6-0 | 200 | FR-HS Cypress, Texas (Cy Springs HS)
jessie Arenas
LB |6-0 |200 |FR-HS El Paso, Texas (Bel Air)
Honorable mention All-District running back as a junior at Bel Air High School … made the Academic All-District squad his senior year … senior stats were 87 carries for 325 yards and seven touchdowns, and four receptions for 73 yards … played two years of varsity ball for coach Phil Lopez … full name is Jesus Javier Arenas, Jr. … parents are Jesus, Sr. and Lourdes Arenas … he is an only child … born 11/15/90 (El Paso, Texas).
joe Brown
marcus Calhoun
DB | 6-0 | 165 | FR-HS El Paso, Texas (Austin)
First team All-District wide receiver and free safety as a senior at Austin High School in El Paso … defensively, posted 37 tackles (30 solos/seven assists), two interceptions (for 44 yards) and a pass break-up … on the offensive side of the ball tallied 21 catches for 658 yards (31.3 avg.) with nine touchdowns … his long reception was for 95 yards … also returned eight punts for 179 yards (22.4 avg.) with a long of 65 and added three kickoff returns for 91 yards (30.3 avg.) with a long of 45 … top game came versus Burges High School when he snared four catches for 150 yards with three scores … also had a big night against Andress with four receptions for 140 yards and two TDs … both Burges and Andress were playoff teams … high school coach was Ruben
Newcomers
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aubrey Alexius
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#15
qb | 6-1 | 200 | SR-2l Santa Rosa, Calif. (Cardinal Newman)
kyle
191
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DB | 5-11 | 165 | FR-HS El Paso, Texas (Austin) First team All-District cornerback his junior campaign at Austin High School in El Paso … accumulated 23 tackles (12 solos/11 assists) as a junior with two interceptions (including one for 66 yards and a TD), a fumble recovery (for 49 yards), a forced fumble and a pass deflection … missed his senior year with a shoulder injury … also played wide receiver during his prep career … team captain as a junior and senior … coached by Ruben Batista at Austin High … an outstanding track athlete, leading Austin to the district title … All-District and All-City choice in track … district winner in the 110 and 300 hurdles his senior year … regional champion in the 300 hurdles while taking third in the 110 hurdles … took sixth at State in the 300 hurdles … earned first team AllDistrict recognition as a part of Austin’s 4x400 relay … captain of the Sandra Day O’Connor Academy at Austin HS … full name is Eldredge “Ray” Calhoun … nickname is “Prime Time” … mother is Olivia Ulloa, a UTEP graduate … has two brothers and one sister … twin brother of Marcus Calhoun, who is also on the 2009 Miner roster … born 4/2/91 (El Paso, Texas).
brander Craighead
OL | 6-6 | 265 | FR-HS Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Mother Teresa Catholic School/ Fork Union Military Academy)
192
Spent the 2008 season at Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Va., where he was coached by John Shuman ... started at left tackle and posted 12 knockdowns
james Davidson
DB | 6-2 | 215 | FR-HS Huntsville, Texas (Huntsville HS)
Regarded as one of the top 20 defensive backs in Texas and one of the top 300 players in the Lone Star State by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ... tabbed the No. 128 safety in the nation by Scouts, Inc. ... honorable mention selection on defense to the 2008 Associated Press 4A All-State team ... a two-time 18-4A first team All-District honoree for coach Mitchell Coey at Huntsville High School, including a unanimous selection as a senior ... was a second-team All-Area performer ... voted as the district’s Newcomer of the Year following his junior season in 2007 ... registered 63 tackles, three interceptions and three sacks as a senior ... compiled 84 tackles as a junior ... teammate of Adam Ayala, another UTEP signee, at Huntsville … parents are Chad and Missy Davidson ... has one brother, Charlie ... born 11/1/90 (Huntsville, Texas).
lance Evbuomwan
OL | 6-4 | 285 | JR-TR Mentone, Calif. (East Valley HS/Bakersfield JC)
Last name is pronounced “Bowman” ... has two years of eligibility with the Miners after transferring from Bakersfield College ... turned down scholarship offers from Arizona and Utah to come to UTEP ... rated a three-star recruit by Rivals.com ... originally signed with Arizona State out of high school in 2006 as a tight end before landing at Bakersfield, where he blossomed into a dominant left tackle ... spent two years with Arizona State, redshirting in 2006 and playing with the scout team in 2007 ... was regarded as the no. 26 tight end in the nation by Rivals.com after graduating from East Valley High School ... was ranked the no. 10 player in the state by SuperPrep ... tabbed second team All-CIF Southern Section as a tight end in 2005, in addition to being named to the Cal-Hi Sports All State Team ... earned placement on the Los Angeles Times first team All-Star Football squad ... secured AllCitrus Belt League distinction and All-San Bernardino County as a junior and senior ... registered 54 receptions for 739 yards and 13 TDs in leading EVHS to a 10-1-1 mark his senior year ... standout in basketball, earning All-League and All-County honors in 2005 ... full name is Lance Efosa Evbuomwan ... nicknames are “Boogie” and “Big L” ... parents are Newworld and Cathern Evbuomwan ... has two brothers and one sister ... has two cousins who played at the collegiate level, Shaq Okabar (Idaho State) and Josh Okabar (Washington) ... born 10/24/88 (San Bernardino, Calif.).
jamie Fehoko
DL | 6-2 | 280 | JR-TR Hayward, Calif. (Mt. Eden/College of San Mateo) Transfer from the College of San Mateo has two years of eligibility remaining … tallied 38 tackles (16 solos/22 assists) with 13 tackles for losses,
seven sacks and two pass break-ups in 2008 at San Mateo … ranked third in the Northern California Football Association in tackles for losses and sixth in sacks in being appointed first team All-State and first team All-Conference … in 2007, he was credited with 36 stops (13 solos/23 assists), 3.5 tackles for losses and two sacks for an 8-3 team … junior college coach was Larry Owens … two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Jesse Rodriguez at the Mt. Eden High School, playing defensive end … first team All-League selection as a senior … also played rugby as a prep … full name is Jamie Silongo Fehoko … raised by his grandparents, Soane and Uta Huhane … has two brothers and four sisters … born 8/4/99 (Stanford, Calif.).
wayne Frazier
OL | 6-3 | 315 | FR-HS Refugio, Texas (Refugio HS)
Listed as a top-300 player in the Lone Star State by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ... charted as the no. 158 offensive tackle in the country by Scout.com ... All-District 30-2A and All-Area player as a senior at Refugio High School ... four-year varsity letterman for coach Jason Herring, leading the team to district titles every year he was on the roster ... team captain as a senior ... appointed All-District as a junior as well ... played strictly offensive guard his senior year after shuffling throughout the line over his first three years with the Bobcats ... member of Refugio High’s basketball and track teams ... part of a district champion hoops team as a junior ... involved with the FCA and PALS programs in high school ... full name is Wayne Anthony Frazier, Jr. ... parents are Wayne, Sr. and Mary Ann Frazier ... has two sisters ... born 9/7/90 (Corpus Christi, Texas).
sonny Garcia honors ... two-time All-Area and three-time All-Conference
OL | 6-4 | 260 | FR-HS selection in high school ... had 135 stops and three picks as a Canutillo, Texas junior ... four-year varsity starter for coach Elton Harris, helping (Canutillo) the team to conference and city titles as a junior and senior ... also part of Hubbard High’s basketball, baseball, track and Two-way performer (offensive and wrestling teams ... member of the National Honor Society as a defensive line) at Canutillo High School junior and senior, and maintained a 3.5 GPA all four years as a … second team All-State defensive end as a junior, and first prep ... full name is Justin Craig Hickman ... parents are Jon and team All-District as a junior and senior … offensively, graded Desiree Hickman ... has three brothers and two sisters ... born out at about 80 percent on his blocks … posted 48 stops (21 3/15/89 (Chicago, Ill.). solos/27 assists) his senior campaign with four tackles for losses … turned in his best performance in the area playoffs versus andy McCloud Friendship when he tallied six tackles (four solos/two assists), QB | 6-2 | 200 |FR-HS including one for loss … three-year varsity letterwinner for The Woodlands, Texas coach Scott Brooks … helped Canutillo High to district and bi(The Woodlands HS) district titles his junior and senior year … full name is Sonny Garcia … parents are Salmon Garcia and Marisela Escobedo Ranked the no. 49 pro-style quarterback … has one brother and two sisters … born 12/3/90 (El Paso, and a three-star prospect by Rivals.com ... Texas). rated the no. 40 QB by Scouts, Inc ... one-year starter for head coach Mark Schmid at The Woodlands High School ...selected justin Hickman the District 14-5A Offensive MVP after leading his team to a LB | 6-3 | 245 | SO-TR 9-2 record and the district championship as a senior ... earned Chicago, Ill. placement on the All-Montgomery County squad and was (Hubbard HS/College of DuPage) tabbed its MVP ... completed 91-of-168 passes for 1,688 yards, with 18 TDs and only eight interceptions, in 2008 ... was the Has three years of eligibility at UTEP after district’s statistical passing leader ... also rushed 63 times for transferring from the College of DuPage 408 yards with four long TD runs (77 yards, 45 yards, 44 yards in Glen Ellyn, Ill. ... rated a three-star recruit by Scout.com and 30 yards) ... had seven games with at least two TD passes, ... played linebacker for the Chaparrals in 2008 while being including three in wins over Clear Lake and Oak Ridge ... passed coached by Fred Fimbres ... compiled 91 tackles in ‘08 with six for a career-high 254 yards and two TDs in 42-17 victory over tackles for losses (-19 yards) and 3.5 sacks (-21 yards) ... added College Park ... helped his team knock off Spring Westfield, 24a 68-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown ... utilized as a 6, in the bi-district playoffs to avenge losses from the previous rush end in the nickel back package on long yardage downs ... two years ... invited to play in the Space City Classic postseason played his prep ball at Hubbard High School in his hometown event ... selected as his team’s player of the week on four of Chicago, splitting time at fullback, tight end, defensive end occasions ... full name is Andy Michael McCloud ... has one sister and linebacker ... originally signed with New Mexico out of ... parents are Mark and Adona McCloud ... born 10/1/90 (The high school ... rated the no. 2 middle linebacker in the state of Woodlands, Texas). Illinois coming out of high school ... tallied 140 tackles and an interception for a touchdown his senior year to garner All-State
Newcomers
ray Calhoun
... also saw time at fullback, rushing 15 times for 45 yards and catching two passes ... credited with five tackles as a member of Fork Union’s punt cover team ... runs the 40 in 4.9 seconds ... attended Mother Teresa Catholic School in Nepean, Ontario, Canada ... his high school did not have a football team, but he was a member of the lacrosse squad his senior year ... played for the Nepean Redskins city league football team for 10 years, earning multiple All-City honors while being coached by his father, Steven John Craighead ... saw time in the offensive and defensive line and some action at tight end ... full name is Brander Donald Craighead ... nicknames are “Sasquatch” and “Ogre” ... parents are Steven and Pamela Craighead ... has one sister ... born 9/8/90 (Bellville, Ontario, Canada).
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Newcomers
Batista … full name is Marcus Anthony Calhoun … nickname is “Lights Out” … parents are Ray Calhoun and Olivia Ulloa … mother is a UTEP graduate … twin brother of Ray Calhoun, another member of the 2009 UTEP team … born 4/2/91 (El Paso, Texas).
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is Montreyle Devon McCormick … nickname is “Teezy” … parents are Bradney and Debra McCormick … has one sister … born 6/30/91 (Corsicana, Texas).
Two-time Class A All-State selection by the Texas Sportswriters ... earned first team accolades as both a wide receiver and defensive back his junior year, and honorable mention distinction at both positions as a senior ... grabbed first team 19-1A All-District honors all four years as a starter for head coach Scott Tyner at Tenaha High School ... chosen the district MVP following his junior season ... claimed the Co-Offensive Player of the Year award as a senior ... accounted for a school-record 31 touchdowns during his junior season (15 rushing, 13 receiving, two interceptions and one punt return) ... finished the year with 910 rushing yards, 863 receiving yards on 47 receptions and 12 interceptions in helping Tenaha High post a record of 10-4 on its way to being a Division II regional finalist ... made 33 catches for 635 yards and 12 TDs while also rushing for 750 yards and 15 TDs during an 8-3 senior season ... picked off three passes even with teams avoiding his side of the field ... timed at 4.40 seconds in the 40-yard dash at UTEP Summer Camp ... standout basketball player with two All-State honors to his credit while starting all four years ... full name is Marlon Tremone McClure ... parents are Aubrey McClure and Marsha Floyd ... has a brother and two sisters ... born 5/10/91 (Tenaha, Texas).
carson Meger
montreyle McCormick
DB | 5-10 | 180 | FR-HS Arlington, Texas (Arlington Martin HS)
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Two-year starter for head coach Bob Wager at Arlington Martin High School … earned second team All-District 4-5A honors in 2008 as a standout cornerback … was an area top-50 player … also saw action on offense, registering more than a nineyard gain every time he touched the ball … captain of the football team’s leadership council … also recruited heavily by Tulsa …
QB | 6-2 | 195 | FR-HS Plano, Texas (Plano)
Second team All-State quarterback as a senior at Plano High School … also tabbed first team All-District after completing 213-of-324 attempts (65.7 percent) for 3,135 yards with 27 touchdowns and three interceptions … began his senior campaign as a preseason first team All-State honoree … first team All-District and honorable mention All-State player his junior season … completed 228of-342 attempts (66.7 percent) for 3,342 yards with 23 TDs and 16 INTs as a junior … two-time first team All-County pick (junior and senior) … played varsity ball for two and a half seasons under coach Jaydon McCullough … helped Plano High to a 13-2 mark his junior year and a 10-2 record his senior campaign … Plano was district co-champion when Meger was a junior … extracurricular activities included reading books to elementary school students as part of the Reading Club … he is left-handed … full name is Carson David Meger … last name is pronounced “Meeger” … parents are David and Lynn Meger … has one brother … born 6/9/91 (Dallas, Texas).
brandon Miller
DB | 6-2 | 200 | JR-TR Cincinnati, Ohio (Withrow HS/Bakersfield JC)
Has two years of eligibility at UTEP ... earned second team Southern California Football Association honors after registering 29 tackles and a fumble recovery in only six games of action for head coach Jeff Chudy at Bakersfield College in 2008 ... missed the final four games after dislocating his shoulder ... known as a run-stopping safety ...
leading his team to a 10-1 record and district championship as a senior ... tabbed a second team All-League performer ... played cornerback for Withrow High but was converted to safety at Bakersfield due to his size and ability to deliver hard hits ... full name is Brandon Keith Miller ... nickname is “B-Mill” ... parents are Terry Walker and Shirlene Miller ... has two brothers and one sister ... born 1/30/86 (Cincinnati, Ohio).
leilyon Myers
RB | 6-1 | 225 | SO-TR Compton, Calif. (Lynnwood HS/Palomar JC) First name is pronounced Leelan ... has three years of eligibility at UTEP after transferring from Palomar Junior College, where he was coached by Joe Early ... injured his shoulder in two-a-days and redshirted the 2008 season ... began the ‘08 campaign listed as a J.C. Gridwire preseason second team All-American ... first-team All-Mission Conference Central Division pick for the Comets in 2007 ... also was selected Palomar’s Outstanding Offensive Player by his teammates ... rushed for 869 yards and 13 touchdowns on 150 carries to lead the team, averaging 5.8 yards per carry ... also caught eight passes for 126 yards and one touchdown ... rushed for 227 yards, the third-best singlegame total in Palomar history, and three touchdowns versus Grossmont College ... also ran for three scores against Riverside CC and Ventura College ... had four 100-yard games on the year ... signed with Washington out of high school ... rated the 63rdbest athlete prospect in the country and a top-100 player in the state of California by Rivals.com following a distinguished career at Lynnwood High School ... ranked 84th on Scout.com’s West Hot 100 ... three-year varsity letterwinner for coaches Jeff Jenkins and Mark Williams ... played free safety, running back, wide receiver and returned kicks as a prep ... first team AllConference offensive and defensive player as a senior ... chosen a first team All-Area safety by the Long Beach Press Telegram after leading the conference in forced fumbles his senior year ... rushed for 818 yards on 137 carries (6.0 avg.) as a senior while
elliott O’Bryan
TE | 6-4 | 205 | FR-HS Albany, Ore. (West Albany)
First team All-League and second team All-State player as a senior at West Albany High School, doubling as a wide receiver and tight end … member of back-to-back state title teams (2007 and 2008) … caught 31 passes for 734 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior … had 14 receptions for 272 yards and four scores as a junior … three-year letterwinner for coach Randy Nyquist, leading West Albany HS to a 41-1 record … district champion in the javelin as a member of the track team, and also played basketball in high school … graduated with honors … parents are Bill and Diana O’Bryan … has one brother and one sister … nephew of UTEP defensive coordinator Osia Lewis … full name is Elliott William O’Bryan … nickname is “El” … born 5/10/91 (Corvallis, Ore.).
ken Paolinelli
kevin Perry
TE | 6-3 | 235 | JR-TR Madera, Calif. (Madera/Reedley College)
TE | 6-5 | 225 | FR-HS Opelousas, La. (Houston Westbury Christian HS)
Spent the last two seasons at Reedley College in Reedley, Calif., and has two years of eligibility at UTEP … played quarterback, tight end, fullback and wide receiver at Reedley … as a sophomore in 2008, rushed 18 times for 73 yards (4.1 avg.) and a touchdown and caught 12 passes for 108 yards (9.0 avg.) … returned four kickoffs for 218 yards, a 54.5-yard average, and completed 8-of11 passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns … member of a conference championship team that lost in the state semifinals in 2008 … his freshman totals were 14 rushes for 29 yards, and three receptions for 20 yards and a TD … completed 20-of-38 pass attempts for 270 yards with a pair of scores … handled 16 kickoffs as a freshman (56.0 avg.) and four kickoffs as a sophomore (54.5 avg.) … played baseball at Reedley as well (pitcher and outfielder) … honors at Reedley included Most Valuable Practice Player and Coaches’ Award (football) and Rookie of the Year Award (baseball), in addition to a ScholarAthlete Award … All-League football, basketball and baseball player at Madera High School … became the first player in Madera HS history to play in four all-star games (two football, one basketball, one baseball) … chosen Madera’s Athlete of the Year his senior campaign … saw action at tight end, kicker and punter as a junior and quarterback, outside linebacker, kicker and punter as a senior … senior stats were 1,400 yards passing and 14 TDs, and 800 yards rushing with six TDs … two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Randy Blankenship … received a scholar-athlete award for having a GPA of 3.0 or better … member of the Sports Medicine Club and the Block M Club … full name is Kenneth Gene Paolinelli … last name is pronounced “Paul-in-ell-ee” … parents are Kirk and Karen Paolinelli … has one brother and one sister … born 2/8/89 (Madera, Calif.).
First team TAPPS 4A All-District defensive end and wide receiver as a senior at Westbury Christian High School ... rated one of the top 100 recruits in the Houston area ... selected to play in the Space City Classic all-star game ... posted 23 receptions for 400 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior, as well as 31 tackles with five sacks (-30 yards) ... first team All-District wideout as a junior ... coached by Charlie Ward at Westbury Christian High, where he played four years of varsity ball ... saw action at several positions (cornerback, defensive end, linebacker, quarterback, safety, tight end, wide receiver) throughout his prep career, while also returning kicks as a senior ... a standout power forward on the basketball court ... first team All-State, All-District and All-State Tournament honoree as a junior, averaging 13.5 points and 6.1 boards ... rated the 38th-best Texas recruit in the class of 2009 by Hoop Scoop Online ... regarded as the no. 97 power forward in the country by Scouts, Inc. ... also ran track in high school, advancing to the state meet in the 100 meters and the 4x100 relay ... served as student council communications officer ... was also student body president his junior year and vice president his senior year ... full name is Kevin D’Aundre Perry ... nickname is “K.P.” ... parents are Gerald and Conya Perry ... father played in the NFL for the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Raiders and the Oakland Raiders ... has two brothers and one sister ... cousin, Stephen Jackson, plays for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA ... born 7/6/90 (Denver, Colo.).
Newcomers
WR | 5-9 | 160 | FR-HS Tenaha, Texas (Tenaha HS)
adding nine receptions for 117 yards and a score ... also reached the end zone on a 99-yard kickoff return, and accumulated 54 tackles on defense ... ranked fifth among Southern Section running backs by The Los Angeles Times ... team MVP as both a junior and senior ... other junior honors included first team All-Conference (offense and defense) and second team All-Area safety ... rushed for 1,347 yards and 19 TDs as a junior ... played basketball and ran track in high school as well ... served as vice president of the African American Student Union and web designer for the student council in high school ... full name is Leilyon Mardell Myers ... nickname is “Superman” ... parents are Benny and Margie Myers ... has three brothers and one sister ... cousin of former USC and former Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Wyatt ... born 2/3/88 (Inglewood, Calif.).
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Newcomers 09utepFootball
marlon McClure participated in an after school reading program … full name two-year starter for coach Doc Gamble at Withrow High School,
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top-10 tight end and top-300 player in the state according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ... first team AllDistrict 6-5A in 2008 after helping Flower Mound High School to a record of 7-4 ... registered 15 catches for 173 yards and one TD while playing in a spread offensive system under head coach Cody Vanderford ... selected as the team Offensive MVP on two occasions ... two-year letterwinner who backed up tight ends who eventually signed with Boise State and Oklahoma during his junior season ... a prototypical dual-threat tight end who is very good blocker but also runs well and has great hands ... participated in the Athletes For Literacy Program on a weekly basis at his school ... involved with several other charity projects in the Dallas area ... full name is Craig Allen Wenrick ... parents are Chris and Carol Wenrick ... his dad ran track at Purdue for one season ... has one brother and one sister ... born 9/28/90 (Coppell, Texas).
lavorick Williams
WR | 6-3 | 200 | SO-TR Odessa, Texas (Permian/New Mexico State)
Has three years of eligibility with the Miners after transferring from I-10 rival New Mexico State … played in nine games for the Aggies as a wide receiver and kickoff returner in 2008, collecting seven catches for 52 yards … his top game came versus Alcorn State when he reeled in three receptions for 45 yards … had two kickoff returns for 37 yards (18.5 avg.), all against ASU … led Permian High School to a district title his senior year with a 9-4 overall mark … snared 50 catches for 978 yards (19.6 avg.) with 10 touchdowns as a senior … his long reception was good for 72 yards … first team All-District wideout as a junior and senior, earning the team’s best receiver award his senior year … coached by Darren Allman at Permian HS … an exceptional track athlete who was timed at 10.4 seconds in the 100-meter dash his senior year … full name is Lavorick Decarea Williams … parents are Ervin and Sandra Williams … has one brother … born 11/10/88 (Dallas, Texas).
Guidelines To the NCAA Rules for Alumni, Faculty and Friends “Institutional control” of athletics is a fundamental requirement of NCAA legislation. As such, the University of Texas at El Paso is responsible for ensuring that members of the faculty and staff, coaches, studentathletes, alumni, donors, boosters and friends of the institution comply with all applicable NCAA rules. The information below is intended to provide a basic overview of NCAA rules governing UTEP alumni, faculty and friends. Because of the complexity of the rules, the following does not include all applicable situations and should not be relied upon exclusively. UTEP appreciates your interest and support but reminds you that an inappropriate contact or an inadvertent action on your part can jeopardize the eligibility of a prospective or enrolled student-athlete and the university. If you have specific questions, please contact the Athletics Department’s Compliance Office at (915) 747-8607.
Examples Of Prohibited “Extra Benefits” Include, But Are Not Limited To: • Providing cash or loans in any amount. • Signing or co-signing for a loan or guarantee of bond. • Use of an automobile or other personal property (e.g., boats, summer homes, stereos). • Gifts of any kind, including birthday cards, flowers, holiday gifts and gifts of clothing or equipment. • Any tangible items, including merchandise. • Free or reduced-cost services, rentals, or purchases (e.g., car repairs, legal services, haircuts, meals at local restaurants). • Purchasing complimentary admissions from a student-athlete. • Providing an honorarium to a student-athlete for a speaking engagement. • Providing typing services or other costs associated with school projects or reports.
You Are Considered A “Representative Of UTEP’s Athletics Interests” (i.e., a booster) If You: • Have ever made any type of financial or in-kind contribution to the athletics department, to a specific sport program, or to an athletics booster organization, including purchasing season tickets to athletics events. • Are or have been a member of any organization or agency promoting UTEP athletics. • Have ever helped to arrange or have provided employment for an enrolled student-athlete, a prospective student-athlete, or their parents or relatives. • Have ever assisted in any manner in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes. • Have ever provided benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their families. • Have otherwise promoted the institution’s athletics program in any manner.
Once you become a booster, you retain that status FOREVER! A prospective student-athlete (a prospect) is any person who has begun classes for the ninth grade. A prospective student-athlete remains a prospect even after he or she has signed a National Letter of Intent or accepts an offer of financial aid to attend UTEP. The prospect remains a prospect until they report for the first day of classes for a regular term (fall or spring), they participate in a regular squad practice or competition, or they officially register and enroll and attend classes during the summer prior to initial enrollment and receive institutional athletics aid.
Boosters Are Prohibited From:
UTEP Athletics Compliance Office: Boosters Are Permitted To:
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Director of Compliance: Lynn Meade
• • • •
Contacting a prospect in person on or off our campus. Writing or telephoning a prospect or a member of the prospect’s family. Making arrangements for a prospect or the prospect’s relatives or friends to receive money or financial aid of any kind. Providing transportation for a prospect or the prospect’s relatives or friends to visit our campus. Providing free tickets or tickets at a reduced cost for prospects or the prospect’s relatives or friends to attend an athletic event. Entertaining high school, preparatory school or community college coaches.
Rules Governing Contacts With And Benefits For Student-Athletes NCAA legislation expressly prohibits University supporters from providing “extra benefits” to enrolled student-athletes or their families. An extra benefit is any special arrangement to provide a student-athlete or his/her family a benefit not authorized by NCAA legislation. In general, boosters may not provide anything or make special arrangements for student-athletes or their families that are not available to the general student population.
Office: (915) 747-8024 email: lhmeade@utep.edu
Assistant Director of Compliance: Jeff Amey
Office: (915) 747-6783 email: jmamey2@utep.edu
Student Aid Coordinator: Fadia Rouhana
NCAA Compliance
following 43 stops and four picks as a junior ... had three returns for scores in 2008 ... named Rancho Verde High’s defensive MVP following his senior campaign ... full name is Richard Mark’ee Spencer ... mother is Lillie Spencer ... has two brothers and one First name is pronounced Jer-mard ... sister ... born 12/1/91 (Riverside, Calif.). appointed the co-Defensive Player of the Year in District 14-5A following his senior year at Lufkin isaac Tauaefa High School ... also an honorable mention All-State honoree DL | 6-1 | 260 | FR-TR after tallying 80 tackles, 12 tackles for losses and five sacks in Lake Dallas, Texas 2008 ... All-District choice as a junior and senior ... amassed 57 (Lake Dallas/Air Force Prep) tackles, 12 tackles for losses and six sacks as a junior ... two-year starter for coach John Outlaw ... played defensive tackle and Transferred to UTEP from Air Force Prep, some end as a sophomore ... played defensive end as a junior where he played a full season in the Kansas and senior, and also saw action at defensive tackle and outside Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) … split time linebacker as a senior ... member of three straight district title at defensive end and nose guard during his stint at Air Force teams ... competed on Lufkin High’s basketball team for three Prep … three-time All-District selection and four-year varsity years and spent one year on the powerlifting squad ... served as starter at nose guard during his time at Lake Dallas High School student council class secretary and was also involved with the … senior honors included honorable mention All-State, team Diversity Club ... full name is Germad Augumad Reed ... parents defensive MVP and All-Area … junior accolades included team are Germard Reed, Sr. and Heidi Johnson ... has one brother and defensive line MVP … part of a pair of district title teams, going one sister ... has three cousins (Dante Hall, Hardy Nickerson, Ed 11-2 his junior year and 9-2 his senior season … high school Reed) who either played in the NFL or are currently in the league coach was Mike Young … threw the shot put and discus as a ... born 7/21/90 (Los Angeles, Calif.). member of the Lake Dallas track and field team … advanced to regionals in the discus his senior year … also involved with richard Spencer powerlifting as a prep … was a member of the principal’s and DB | 6-2 | 200 | FR-HS superintendent’s committees and Young Life Group his senior Moreno Valley, Calif. campaign … full name is Isaac Daniel Tauaefa … last name (Rancho Verde HS) is pronounced Tow-uh-off-uh … parents are Siolo and Chloe Tauaefa … has two brothers and one sister … born 10/8/89 Tabbed the no. 35 safety in the land by (Honolulu, Hawaii). ESPN.com and no. 50/three star recruit according to Rivals.com ... a Rivals.com California Postseason craig Wenrick Top 100 player, ranking 87th ... tabbed to the All-CIF Southern TE | 6-5 | 235 | FR-HS Section Inland Division Team as a senior ... two-time AllFlower Mound, Texas Inland Valley League selection, grabbing first team accolades (Flower Mound HS) in 2008 and second team honors in 2007 ... member of the 2008 Riverside County All-Star Team ... described as a sideline Rated the no. 46 tight end in the nation to sideline player, who is capable of making a lot of plays over and a three star prospect by Rivals.com DL | 6-2 | 240 | FR-HS Lufkin, Texas (Lufkin HS)
Boosters MAY provide enrolled student-athletes with an occasional home meal, provided the meal takes place at the booster’s home and NOT at a local restaurant establishment. The meal may be catered and must be limited to infrequent or special occasions. The Compliance Office must approve all such meals. Compliance with NCAA rules is of the highest priority for our athletics program and institution. Even the best-intentioned action on your part may be a violation of NCAA rules. Please remember to ASK before you ACT.
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Newcomers 09utepFootball 196
germad Reed the top ... posted 82 tackles and six interceptions as a senior, ... listed as the no. 69 tight end according to Scouts, Inc. ... a
Notify our coaches about prospects that may be strong additions to our teams. Attend high school or two-year college athletic contests or other events where prospects compete, however, boosters may not contact the prospect or the prospect’s relatives. Continue existing friendships with families of prospects, but boosters may not attempt to recruit the prospect. Employ a prospect after they have graduated from high school or a two-year college.
Office: (915) 747-8607 email: frouhana@utep.edu
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Team Statistics UTEP SCORING 395 Points Per Game 32.9 FIRST DOWNS 247 Rushing 78 Passing 147 Penalty 22 RUSHING YARDAGE 1468 Yards gained rushing 1853 Yards lost rushing 385 Rushing Attempts 371 Average Per Rush 4.0 Average Per Game 122.3 TDs Rushing 10 PASSING YARDAGE 3410 Att-Comp-Int 448-258-9 Average Per Pass 7.6 Average Per Catch 13.2 Average Per Game 284.2 TDs Passing 34 TOTAL OFFENSE 4878 Total Plays 819 Average Per Play 6.0 Average Per Game 406.5 KICK RETURNS: #-Yards 67-1365 PUNT RETURNS: #-Yards 13-88 INT RETURNS: #-Yards 14-110 KICK RETURN AVERAGE 20.4 PUNT RETURN AVERAGE 6.8 INT RETURN AVERAGE 7.9 FUMBLES-LOST 17-6 PENALTIES-Yards 73-688 Average Per Game 57.3 PUNTS-Yards 54-2218 Average Per Punt 41.1 Net punt average 36.0 TIME OF POSSESSION/Game 31:06 3RD-DOWN Conversions 70/168 3rd-Down Pct 42% 4TH-DOWN Conversions 4/15 4th-Down Pct 27% SACKS BY-Yards 23-146 MISC YARDS 0 TOUCHDOWNS SCORED 48 FIELD GOALS-ATTEMPTS 20-27 ON-SIDE KICKS 0-3 RED-ZONE SCORES 38-48 79% RED-ZONE TOUCHDOWNS 26-48 54% PAT-ATTEMPTS 45-46 98% ATTENDANCE 223778 Games/Avg Per Game 6/37296 Neutral Site Games
OPP 444 37.0 290 133 137 20 2384 2663 279 465 5.1 198.7 22 3243 389-244-14 8.3 13.3 270.2 34 5627 854 6.6 468.9 41-1102 19-195 9-87 26.9 10.3 9.7 19-13 72-687 57.2 38-1500 39.5 35.6 28:53 74/151 49% 7/14 50% 27-234 85 60 10-17 1-1 44-55 80% 37-55 67% 54-57 95% 144614 6/24102 0/0
L, 17-42 L,13-42 L, 33-34 W, 58-13 W, 40-37 (ot) W, 24-21 L, 35-77 L, 44-49 W, 37-24 W, 36-10 L, 37-42 L, 21-53
Offensive Statistics
Rushing Terrell Jackson James Thomas II Donald Buckram Vernon Frazier Daniel Palmer Anthony Morrow Michael Farrar Jeff Moturi Tufick Shadrawy Kyle Wright Josh Flores Kyle Petersen TEAM Trevor Vittatoe TOTAL OPPONENTS PASSING Trevor Vittatoe James Thomas II Kyle Wright TOTAL OPPONENTS
GP 11 12 11 9 12 12 2 12 11 10 3 11 6 12 12 12
Att 107 52 75 31 41 1 8 3 0 2 1 1 4 45 371 465
G 12 12 10 12 12
RECEIVING Jeff Moturi Kris Adams Jamar Hunt Terrell Jackson Tufick Shadrawy Evan Davis Donald Buckram James Thomas II Jonny Moore Donavon Kemp Pierce Hunter Chris Day Elijah Goldtrap Daniel Palmer Russell Carr Landon Goodwell Vernon Frazier TOTAL OPPONENTS
16, 656 53, 415 42, 930 33, 339 28, 788 33, 121 21, 873 30, 702 21, 065 30, 271 18,1 34 38, 098 Gain 482 395 365 191 135 29 30 29 5 6 0 0 0 186 1853 2663
Effic 146.39 121.70 12.98 142.55 154.40 G 12 12 12 11 11 12 11 12 9 12 11 12 12 12 7 12 9 12 12
No. 24 13 11 10 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 67 41
Yds 572 347 171 170 28 19 19 10 16 13 0 0 1365 1102
Avg 23.8 26.7 15.5 17.0 14.0 19.0 19.0 10.0 16.0 13.0 0.0 0.0 20.4 26.9
TD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Long 50 58 26 28 20 19 19 10 16 13 0 0 58 94
FUMBLE RETURNS
No. 3 1 0 0 4 1
Yds 32 0 0 45 77 26
Avg 10.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 19.2 26.0
TD 1 0 1 1 3 1
Long 24 0 0 45 45 26
Robert Soleyjacks Nuuese Punimata Dane O'Neil Josh Ferguson TOTAL OPPONENTS Loss 31 44 17 15 3 0 9 9 0 4 0 13 23 217 385 279
Net 451 351 348 176 132 29 21 20 5 2 0 -13 -23 -31 1468 2384
Avg 4.2 6.8 4.6 5.7 3.2 29.0 2.6 6.7 0.0 1.0 0.0 -13.0 -5.8 -0.7 4.0 5.1
TD 2 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 10 22
Long 28 44 22 55 12 29 10 17 0 6 0 0 0 23 55 72
Avg/G 41.0 29.2 31.6 19.6 11.0 2.4 10.5 1.7 0.5 0.2 0.0 -1.2 -3.8 -2.6 122.3 198.7
Cmp-Att-Int 246-418-9 11-21-0 1-9-0 258-448-9 244-389-14
Pct 58.9 52.4 11.1 57.6 62.7
Yds 3274 134 2 3410 3243
TD 33 1 0 34 34
Lng 85 53 2 85 97
Avg/G 272.8 11.2 0.2 284.2 270.2
No. 51 50 31 23 20 19 15 12 9 8 5 5 3 3 2 1 1 258 244
Yds 655 958 367 213 284 217 199 128 80 142 72 28 39 17 12 1 -2 3410 3243
Avg 12.8 19.2 11.8 9.3 14.2 11.4 13.3 10.7 8.9 17.8 14.4 5.6 13.0 5.7 6.0 1.0 -2.0 13.2 13.3
TD 9 14 2 1 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 34 34
PUNT RETURNS Josh Ferguson Jeff Moturi Clarence Ward Cornelius Brown TOTAL OPPONENTS
No. 6 3 3 1 13 19
Yds 47 20 0 21 88 195
Avg 7.8 6.7 0.0 21.0 6.8 10.3
TD 0 0 0 0 0 0
Long 20 13 0 0 20 34
INTERCEPTIONS Cornelius Brown DaMon CromartieSmith Melvin Stephenson II Josh Ferguson Clarence Ward Anthony Morrow Dustin Bell Nuuese Punimata TOTAL OPPONENTS
No. 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 14 9
Yds 21 25 5 2 9 27 0 21 110 87
Avg 7.0 12.5 2.5 1.0 4.5 27.0 0.0 21.0 7.9 9.7
TD 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1
Long 14 24 5 2 9 27 0 21 27 55
Long 68 85 33 31 40 37 38 25 25 53 26 11 26 9 7 1 0 85 97
Avg/G 54.6 79.8 30.6 19.4 25.8 18.1 18.1 10.7 8.9 11.8 6.5 2.3 3.2 1.4 1.7 0.1 -0.2 284.2 270.2
SCORING TD FGs Jose Martinez 0 20-27 Kris Adams 14 0-0 Jeff Moturi 9 0-0 Tufick Shadrawy 4 0-0 Terrell Jackson 3 0-0 James Thomas II 3 0-0 Donald Buckram 2 0-0 Jamar Hunt 2 0-0 Josh Ferguson 1 0-0 Dane O'Neil 1 0-0 Trevor Vittatoe 1 0-0 Jonny Moore 1 0-0 Daniel Palmer 1 0-0 Evan Davis 1 0-0 Vernon Frazier 1 0-0 Landon Goodwell 1 0-0 Elijah Goldtrap 1 0-0 Anthony Morrow 1 0-0 Robert Soleyjacks 1 0-0 TOTAL 48 20-27 OPPONENTS 60 10-17
TOTAL OFFENSE
G 12 12 11 11 9 12 12 2 12 11 10 11 6 12 12
Trevor Vittatoe James Thomas II Terrell Jackson Donald Buckram Vernon Frazier Daniel Palmer Anthony Morrow Michael Farrar Jeff Moturi Tufick Shadrawy Kyle Wright Kyle Petersen TEAM TOTAL OPPONENTS
FIELD GOALS FGM-FGA
Jose Martinez
PUNTING
Kyle Petersen Greg Hiett TEAM TOTAL OPPONENTS
PAT Kick 45-46 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 45-46 54-57
20-27
No. 46 5 3 54 38
PAT pAT Rush Rcv 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-1 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-1 0 0-0 0
Plays 463 73 107 75 31 41 1 8 3 0 11 1 4 819 854 Pct 74.1 Yds 1978 206 34 2218 1500
01-19 0-0
Rush -31 351 451 348 176 132 29 21 20 5 2 -13 -23 1468 2384 20-29 5-5 Avg 43.0 41.2 11.3 41.1 39.5
30-39 8-8 Long 60 46 34 60 65
PAT Pass 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-3
DXP 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Pass 3274 134 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3410 3243
Saf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 3243 485 451 348 176 132 29 21 20 5 4 -13 -23 4878 5627
Points 105 84 54 24 18 18 12 12 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 395 444 Avg/G 270.2 40.4 41.0 31.6 19.6 11.0 2.4 10.5 1.7 0.5 0.4 -1.2 -3.8 406.5 468.9
40-49 6-7
50-99 1-7
Lg 64
Blk 2
TB 4 0 0 4 3
FC 12 3 0 15 7
I20 16 3 1 20 11
Blkd 0 0 3 3 1
ALL PURPOSE G
Jeff Moturi Kris Adams Donald Buckram Terrell Jackson Josh Ferguson James Thomas II Jamar Hunt Tufick Shadrawy Evan Davis Vernon Frazier Clarence Ward Daniel Palmer Donavon Kemp Jonny Moore Pierce Hunter Anthony Morrow Cornelius Brown Elijah Goldtrap Chris Day Geoff Amato DaMon CromartieSmith Nuuese Punimata Michael Farrar Robert Soleyjacks Russell Carr Landon Goodwell Melvin Stephenson II Kyle Wright Kyle Petersen TEAM Trevor Vittatoe TOTAL OPPONENTS
12 12 11 11 12 12 12 11 12 9 12 12 12 9 11 12 12 12 12 11 12 11 2 12 7 12 12 10 11 6 12 12 12
Rush 20 0 348 451 0 351 0 5 0 176 0 132 0 0 0 29 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 2 -13 -23 -31 1468 2384
Defensive Statistics
Adam Vincent DaMon CromartieSmith George Kelly Josh Ferguson Nuuese Punimata Anthony Morrow Melvin Stephenson II Steve Riddick Landon Goodwell Ja-Boy Leomiti Clarence Ward Isaiah Carter Cornelius Brown Robert Soleyjacks Negale Miller Royzell Smith James Olalekan Aaron King Brian Wilkins Nick Sampson Greg Holleman Bernard Obi Tory Robinson Brandis Dew Antwon Blake Jamie Irving Ramonte Harris Dustin Bell Eric Reynolds Jose Martinez Chris Moore Martel Strange Austin Contreras Dane O'Neil Craig Wood Saul Adame Elijah Davis Charles Ofili Geoff Amato Jamar Hunt Donald Buckram Kyle Petersen Trevor Vittatoe TOTAL OPPONENTS
GP 12-12 12-12 12-4 12-12 11-11 12-12 12-7 12-12 12-3 12-2 12-5 10-0 12-11 12-10 8-1 7-4 12-11 11-0 12-1 9-0 9-0 9-0 10-0 7-1 10-0 8-0 10-0 12-1 10-0 12-0 7-0 9-0 3-0 2-0 7-0 1-0 1-0 3-0 11-0 12-11 11-6 11-0 12-12 12-0 12-0
T 45 33 38 27 16 21 22 12 13 11 17 15 14 12 17 11 10 6 5 9 7 3 3 4 9 1 5 6 6 5 . 2 3 . 2 1 . . 1 1 1 1 1 416 432
At 65 44 27 29 32 23 16 20 19 20 14 14 15 16 11 14 14 17 17 10 10 12 9 7 2 9 5 2 1 1 4 2 1 3 1 . 1 1 . . . . . 508 407
Rec 655 958 199 213 0 128 367 284 217 -2 0 17 142 80 72 0 0 39 28 0 0 0 0 0 12 1 0 0 0 0 0 3410 3243 TT 110 77 65 56 48 44 38 32 32 31 31 29 29 28 28 25 24 23 22 19 17 15 12 11 11 10 10 8 7 6 4 4 4 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 924 839
PR 20 0 0 0 47 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 88 195 TFL 7.5-17 2.0-7 1.0-2 2.5-14 6.5-32 4.0-18 0.5-1 4.5-16 4.0-14 4.5-23 1.5-4 0.5-1 . 2.5-8 2.0-5 2.5-7 3.5-19 4.0-12 1.5-5 0.5-2 1.5-5 2.5-16 1.0-2 4.5-15 . 0.5-1 . . 1.0-2 . . . . . 0.5-1 . . . . . . . . 67-249 60.0-350
KOR 347 0 170 19 572 0 0 0 13 16 171 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 19 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 1365 1102
IR 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 27 21 0 0 0 25 21 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 110 87
SACK INT PBU 1.5-5 . 5 1.0-5 2-25 3 . . 1 1.5-11 2-2 6 2.5-24 1-21 3 2.0-15 1-27 1 . 2-5 5 1.5-11 . 1 1.5-10 . 2 2.0-13 . 2 . 2-9 4 . . . . 3-21 7 . . 1 . . 1 . . . 1.5-13 . . 2.0-10 . . 0.5-4 . . . . 1 1.0-5 . . 1.5-11 . . 0.5-1 . . 2.5-8 . 2 . . 3 . . . . . . . 1-0 . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-146 14-110 49 27-234 9-87 59
Tot 1042 958 717 683 621 479 367 289 230 190 180 149 142 80 72 56 42 39 28 28 25 21 21 19 12 11 5 2 -13 -23 -31 6441 7011
QBH FR FF 1 . 1 1 . . . 1-0 . . 0-45 2 3 1-0 1 . 1-0 1 . . . 4 . 1 2 1-0 . 2 . . . . . 1 1-0 . . 1-0 . 1 4-32 1 1 1-0 . . . . 4 . 1 3 . 1 1 . . . . . 1 . 1 3 . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 . . 1-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 13-77 10 39 5-26 5
Avg/G 86.8 79.8 65.2 62.1 51.8 39.9 30.6 26.3 19.2 21.1 15.0 12.4 11.8 8.9 6.5 4.7 3.5 3.2 2.3 2.5 2.1 1.9 10.5 1.6 1.7 0.9 0.4 0.2 -1.2 -3.8 -2.6 536.8 584.2 BK Saf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . 5
2008 IN Review
2008 Results (4-8, 2-6 C-USA, 3-3 Home, 1-5 Away) Aug. 28 at Buffalo UB Stadium Sept. 6 #10 Texas Sun Bowl Sept. 20 NMSU Sun Bowl Sept. 27 UCF* Sun Bowl Oct. 4 at Southern Miss* Carlisle Faulkner Field Oct. 11 Tulane* Sun Bowl Oct. 18 at Tulsa* Skelly Stadium Nov. 1 Rice* Sun Bowl Nov. 8 at Louisiana -Lafayette Cajun Field Nov. 15 SMU* Sun Bowl Nov. 22 at Houston* Robertson Stadium Nov. 28 at East Carolina* Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium * Conference USA game
KICK RETURNS
Josh Ferguson Jeff Moturi Clarence Ward Donald Buckram Geoff Amato Robert Soleyjacks Terrell Jackson Landon Goodwell Vernon Frazier Evan Davis Martel Strange TEAM TOTAL OPPONENTS
09utepFootball
2008 In Review 09utepFootball 198
2008 IN REVIEW
199
@ Buffalo Texas NMSU UCF @ S. Miss Tulane @ Tulsa Rice @ La. Lafayette SMU @ Houston @ E. Carolina
Buckram 2-5-5-0 DNP DNP 7-13-6-0 12-59-11-1 20-107-22-0 3-6-4-0 5-32-18-1 7-20-4-0 7-45-20-0 9-49-15-0 3-12-14-0
Farrar DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP 1-2-2-0 7-19-10-0 DNP DNP
Frazier 1-3-3-0 2-(-2)-2-0 14-74-18-0 4-73-55-1 1-(-1)-0-0 DNP 2-(-2)-2-0 2-12-8-0 DNP 4-19-5-0 1-0-0-0 DNP
09utepFootball
Passing (Att.-Comp.-Int.-Yards-TD)
200
@ Buffalo Texas NMSU UCF @ S. Miss Tulane @ Tulsa Rice @ La. Lafayette SMU @ Houston @ E. Carolina
Thomas 0-0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0-0 15-8-0-60-0 2-2-0-21-0 1-0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0-0 1-0-0-0-0 1-1-0-53-1 0-0-0-0-0 1-0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0
Vittatoe 37-20-3-199-1 46-25-0-267-1 7-2-0-33-0 32-18-1-263-3 43-25-0-266-4 32-21-0-296-3 34-21-0-306-4 37-19-1-265-3 33-24-1-294-5 31-21-0-410-3 45-27-0-362-4 41-23-3-313-2
Receiving (No.-Yards-Long-TD)
Jackson 18-67-12-1 17-94-21-0 DNP 8-9-8-0 12-39-7-0 2-9-6-0 6-24-9-0 6-16-9-0 14-105-21-0 7-14-7-0 14-30-11-0 33-44-28-1
Palmer 0-0-0-0 2-14-7-0 14-64-12-0 3-4-2-0 1-2-2-0 9-19-5-0 1-0-0-0 3-16-10-0 3-9-4-0 4-7-6-0 1-(-3)-0-0 0-0-0-0
Thomas 1-15-15-0 4-34-26-0 19-142-44-2 5-15-9-0 2-0-2-0 0-0-0-0 1-34-34-1 3-43-32-0 4-17-8-0 8-32-12-0 2-6-4-0 3-13-7-0
Vittatoe 3-(-10)-3-0 6-5-9-0 1-(-3)-0-0 1-3-3-0 3-(-12)-8-0 2-15-23-0 7-(-47)-2-0 3-21-19-0 3-(-20)-2-0 6-2-11-0 4-27-17-1 6-(-12)-17-0
Wright 0-0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0-0 4-1-0-2-0 1-0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0-0 2-0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0-0 2-0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0-0
@ Buffalo Texas NMSU UCF @ S. Miss Tulane @ Tulsa Rice @ La. Lafayette SMU @ Houston @ E. Carolina
Adams 3-16-6-0 3-69-36-0 2-47-23-0 4-128-74-1 2-16-10-2 3-37-21-0 5-126-36-1 2-64-37-1 6-83-23-2 5-145-85-3 6-111-42-3 9-116-50-1
Buckram 0-0-0-0 DNP DNP 2-6-5-0 1-0-0-0 2-15-10-0 3-60-38-0 1-11-11-0 0-0-0-0 3-64-35-0 2-23-21-0 1-20-20-0
Carr 0-0-0-0 1-5-5-0 0-0-0-0 DNP DNP DNP 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 DNP 1-7-7-0 0-0-0-0 DNP
Davis 0-0-0-0 2-26-16-0 3-22-11-0 2-17-12-0 1-11-11-0 1-12-12-0 2-10-6-0 2-27-28-0 2-22-13-0 0-0-0-0 2-16-10-0 2-54-37-1
Day 1-(-2)-(-2)-0 0-0-0-0 1-6-6-0 1-11-11-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 1-3-3-0 0-0-0-0 1-10-10-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0
Goldtrap 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 1-4-4-0 0-0-0-0 1-9-9-1 1-26-26-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0
Goodwell 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 1-1-1-1 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0
Hunt 6-86-24-0 3-20-11-0 1-11-11-0 4-32-14-1 3-48-23-0 4-42-13-0 2-13-12-1 2-40-33-0 3-37-15-0 0-0-0-0 3-18-18-0 0-0-0-0
Hunter 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 1-17-17-0 2-23-21-0 0-0-0-0 1-6-6-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 DNP 0-0-0-0 1-26-26-0
@ Buffalo Texas NMSU UCF @ S. Miss Tulane @ Tulsa Rice @ La. Lafayette SMU @ Houston @ E. Carolina
Jackson 4-59-31-0 5-28-9-0 DNP 0-0-0-0 4-39-17-1 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 2-12-9-0 0-0-0-0 3-19-10-0 3-33-22-0 2-23-13-0
Kemp 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 1-15-15-0 2-66-53-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 2-22-13-0 3-39-25-0
Moore 1-2-2-1 1-8-8-0 2-4-3-0 1-23-23-0 1-8-8-0 DNP DNP DNP 1-3-3-0 1-7-7-0 1-25-25-0 0-0-0-0
Moturi 5-38-9-0 5-51-21-0 1-3-3-0 3-31-25-1 5-36-15-0 4-88-68-1 5-55-23-1 5-109-53-3 5-61-16-2 4-89-33-0 6-81-52-1 3-13-6-0
Palmer 0-0-0-0 1-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 2-17-9-1 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0
Shadrawy 0-0-0-0 2-20-12-1 0-0-0-0 2-19-11-0 4-66-24-1 1-12-12-0 0-0-0-0 4-31-13-0 4-63-32-1 3-73-40-0 DNP DNP
Thomas 0-0-0-0 2-40-25-0 1-2-2-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 1-6-6-0 1-24-24-0 0-0-0-0 2-15-8-0 1-6-6-0 2-13-11-0 2-22-15-0
@ Buffalo Texas NMSU UCF @ S. Miss Tulane @ Tulsa Rice @ La. Lafayette SMU @ Houston @ E. Carolina
Bell 1-0-1 1-0-1 0-0-0 1-0-1 0-0-0 0-0-0 2-0-2 0-1-1 0-0-0 1-1-2 0-0-0 0-0-0
Blake 0-1-1 0-0-0 0-0-0 2-0-2 1-0-1 0-0-0 2-1-3 1-0-1 DNP DNP 0-0-0 3-0-3
Brown 1-2-3 2-0-2 2-1-3 1-2-3 1-0-1 0-1-1 2-1-3 1-4-5 2-2-4 1-0-1 0-1-1 1-1-2
Carter 2-2-4 0-0-0 0-0-0 DNP DNP 0-1-1 3-2-5 2-3-5 5-3-8 1-1-2 0-1-1 2-1-3
Contreras DNP 1-1-1 DNP 2-1-3 DNP DNP DNP 0-0-0 DNP DNP DNP DNP
Cromartie-Smith 3-5-8 2-1-3 3-4-7 0-1-1 6-1-7 3-3-6 2-1-3 3-6-9 2-4-6 0-1-1 4-10-14 5-7-12
Dew 0-0-0 1-0-1 1-1-2 1-2-3 1-0-1 0-4-4 0-0-0 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP
Ferguson 6-2-8 0-1-1 4-5-9 0-0-0 3-0-3 2-3-5 3-2-5 0-0-0 2-3-5 1-3-4 5-6-11 1-4-5
Goodwell 2-2-4 1-1-2 2-3-5 0-0-0 2-0-2 0-4-4 2-3-5 1-1-2 1-2-3 0-1-1 0-0-0 1-2-3
@ Buffalo Texas NMSU UCF @ S. Miss Tulane @ Tulsa Rice @ La. Lafayette SMU @ Houston @ E. Carolina
Harris DNP 0-1-1 0-0-0 1-0-1 1-0-1 DNP 1-0-1 1-0-1 0-0-0 0-1-1 0-2-2 1-1-2
Holleman DNP 0-1-1 0-0-0 1-0-1 DNP DNP 2-4-6 1-2-3 2-2-4 0-1-1 1-0-1 0-0-0
Irving DNP DNP DNP 0-2-2 0-0-0 0-3-3 1-1-2 DNP 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-2-2 0-1-1
Kelly 4-3-7 1-0-1 1-0-1 1-3-4 4-0-4 2-1-3 4-4-8 3-3-6 8-1-9 1-2-3 5-7-12 4-3-7
King DNP 0-1-1 0-0-0 1-1-2 0-0-0 2-0-2 1-1-2 0-5-5 2-0-2 0-2-2 0-4-4 0-3-3
Leomiti 2-1-3 2-0-2 1-2-3 0-1-1 2-0-2 1-5-6 0-1-1 0-3-3 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-1-1 3-6-9
Morrow 3-2-5 4-3-7 2-0-2 2-1-3 3-1-4 2-3-5 0-0-0 1-4-5 0-1-1 1-4-5 1-2-3 2-2-4
Miller 2-1-3 0-2-2 2-2-4 2-3-5 4-0-4 0-1-1 3-1-4 4-1-5 DNP DNP DNP DNP
Obi 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-3-3 1-1-2 DNP DNP DNP 1-1-2 1-1-2 0-3-3 0-0-0 0-3-3
@ Buffalo Texas NMSU UCF @ S. Miss Tulane @ Tulsa Rice @ La. Lafayette SMU @ Houston @ E. Carolina
Olalekan 0-1-1 0-2-2 2-1-3 2-4-6 2-0-2 0-0-0 1-0-1 0-1-1 1-1-2 0-2-2 2-2-4 0-0-0
O’Neill 0-1-1 DNP DNP 0-2-2 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP
Punimata 1-0-1 0-4-4 0-4-4 2-2-4 2-1-3 DNP 4-4-8 2-3-5 1-2-3 0-3-3 2-4-6 2-5-7
Reynolds 0-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-1 3-1-4 0-0-0 0-0-0 DNP DNP 0-0-0 0-0-0 2-0-2 0-0-0
Riddick 0-0-0 0-5-5 0-1-1 1-2-3 1-0-1 0-1-1 1-1-2 1-3-4 3-0-3 0-0-0 1-2-3 4-5-9
Robinson DNP 1-0-1 DNP 0-2-2 0-0-0 0-2-2 0-2-2 1-1-2 1-0-1 0-0-0 DNP 0-2-2
Sampson 1-1-2 DNP 0-0-0 1-1-2 DNP 0-2-2 0-1-1 2-1-3 0-0-0 0-1-1 3-3-6 2-0-2
Smith 1-2-3 0-4-4 4-1-5 0-3-3 4-0-4 1-4-5 1-0-1 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP
Soleyjacks 2-1-3 0-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-1 3-1-4 1-1-2 0-6-6 1-0-1 1-1-2 2-0-2 0-4-4 1-2-3
@ Buffalo Texas NMSU UCF @ S. Miss Tulane @ Tulsa Rice @ La. Lafayette SMU @ Houston @ E. Carolina
Stephenson 1-3-4 3-0-3 0-2-2 1-1-2 1-1-2 1-2-3 2-1-3 1-0-1 1-1-2 2-1-3 7-1-8 2-3-5
Strange DNP 1-0-1 0-0-0 0-1-1 1-0-1 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 DNP 0-0-0 DNP 0-1-1
Vincent 4-3-7 5-5-10 1-4-5 1-6-10 10-1-11 1-11-12 4-6-10 4-8-12 1-3-4 1-9-10 6-4-10 4-5-9
Ward 1-2-3 0-0-0 1-0-1 0-1-1 3-0-3 0-3-3 2-1-3 3-2-5 2-0-2 1-0-1 1-3-4 3-2-5
Wilkins 0-3-3 0-1-1 2-2-4 0-4-4 2-0-2 0-4-4 0-0-0 0-2-2 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 1-1-2
2008 IN Review
Rushing
Tackles (Solo-Assisted-Total)
09utepFootball
2008 In Review
Game-By-Game Statistics
Wood 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-1 0-1-1 1-0-1 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP
201
Associate AD for Media Relations
Office Cell Email
(915) 747-6652 (915) 204-0642 jdarby@utep.edu
Mark Brunner
Associate Media Relations Director
Office (915) 747-5722 Cell (915) 472-6038 Email mbrunner@utep.edu
Angela Olivas
09utepFootball
Associate Media Relations Director
Office Cell Email
(915) 747-6451 (915) 588-7335 acolivas@utep.edu
Ana Chavez
Assistant Media Relations Director
Office (915) 747-6653 Cell (915) 588-7346 Email agchavez@utep.edu
Media Relations Fax (915) 747-5444
Department Website www.utepathletics.com
Media Relations Mailing Address UTEP Athletics Media Relations Brumbelow Bldg., Room 126 201 Glory Road El Paso, Texas 79902
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Newspapers
Please direct any UTEP Football interview, information or photo requests to Jeff Darby, Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations (915-747-6652; jdarby@utep.edu). The UTEP Athletic Media Relations Office is located in Brumbelow Building Room 126 at 201 Glory Road, next to the Don Haskins Center. CREDENTIALS Requests for working press credentials at UTEP home football games should be made in writing on company letterhead to Jeff Darby in the athletic media relations office. The mailing address is Brumbelow Building Room 126, 201 Glory Road, El Paso, Texas 79902. Requests may be sent by fax (915-747-5444) or e-mail (jdarby@utep.edu), but all requests should be received at least one week prior to the game. Due to the demand for credentials, media agencies which cover UTEP and the visiting school on a regular basis will receive top priority. Other credentials will be issued according to availability of space. Credentials will be mailed if possible. Otherwise, they can be picked up in the UTEP athletic media relations office or, on gameday, will be available from the parking attendant at the press box lot of the Sun Bowl. Will call opens two hours prior to kickoff. PRESS BOX SERVICES Wireless internet access is available in the Sun Bowl press box. Programs, flip cards, statistics and notes for both teams will be provided prior to each game. Last-minute lineup changes, weather conditions and other information will be relayed through the internal public address system. Play-by-play and statistics are distributed at the conclusion of each quarter. Complete team and individual statistics, a scoring summary and post-game notes are available after each game. UTEP coach and player quotes are available by request. For fax service, please contact a UTEP athletic media relations staff member. A meal is served in the press box one hour prior to kickoff. Soft drinks and coffee are served throughout the duration of the game. SIDELINE POLICY All photographers and cameramen are granted access to the sidelines with the appropriate credentials. Sideline access generally is limited to newspapers or publications staffing the two teams, national publications, wire services, and local and national television outlets. Sideline photographers must follow NCAA guidelines, which prohibit access to the bench areas and the stands.
GAMEDAY PARKING Press parking at the Sun Bowl is available on a limited basis. Requests for parking passes should be made at least a week in advance of the game to Jeff Darby. POSTGAME INTERVIEWS Following a brief cooling-off period, UTEP coach Mike Price and selected players will be available for interviews in the upstairs meeting area of the Miner locker room. The locker room itself is closed. Jeff Darby will escort members of the media from the press box to the field with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. For visiting team player and coaches’ interviews, please consult the visiting team’s sports information director. PHONES The press row phone number is (915) 747-5154. Three courtesy phones are available in the press box for media members to file stories. If a media member needs a personal phone in the press box, he or she should contact Southwestern Bell at (915) 542-4040 to make arrangements. When ordering lines, please contact Jeff Darby at (915) 747-6652 to ensure proper placement along press row. RADIO One ISDN, one dial-up line, and two dry pair to the visiting locker room are provided for visiting radio. Broadcast coordinators should contact Jon Teicher at (915) 747-6869 to make arrangements to use these lines. PRACTICE COVERAGE/INTERVIEWS Members of the media are permitted to attend practices. Please contact the UTEP athletic media relations office in advance for the status of practice and for clearance into practice. Media members (including photographers) are required to observe practice from the side of the field opposite to the team. Coach and player interviews are permitted before and after practice on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of game week. Player interviews are not permitted on Friday of game week, although coach Price is available on that day. The best time to reach coach Mike Price for phone interviews is Tuesday mornings. All interviews with UTEP players and coaches should be arranged through the media relations office. Media members are asked not to call players at home, unless previously arranged by the media relations office.
MIKE PRICE MEDIA LUNCHEONS UTEP head coach Mike Price will hold a weekly press luncheon every Monday during the season (starting Aug. 31) at 11:30 a.m. in the Hall of Champions, located on the second floor of the Larry K. Durham Sports Center (adjacent to the Sun Bowl). Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., and coach Price will address the media beginning at noon. There will be no media luncheon on UTEP’s off week (Oct. 12).
El Paso Times (915) 546-6161 Fax (915) 546-6343 300 North Campbell El Paso, TX 79901 Sports Editor: Matt Johnson (mjohnson@elpasotimes.com) Football Beat Writer: Bret Bloomquist (bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com)
MIKE PRICE TV AND RADIO SHOWS Coach Price’s radio show will air weekly on The Fox, KOFX 92.3 FM. Fans are invited to attend the shows which will originate alternately from Border City Ale House, 1506 N. Lee Trevino on the east side of El Paso and at Brew Sports Pub and Grill, 8041 N. Mesa on the west side. All shows will begin at 7 p.m. The dates of the Border City Ale House shows are Sept. 2, Sept. 16, Sept. 30, Oct. 14, Oct. 28, Nov. 11 and Nov. 24. The dates of the Brew Sports Pub & Grill shows are Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct. 7, Oct. 20, Nov. 4, Nov. 18 and Dec. 2. Price’s TV show can be seen twice weekly on Time Warner Cable MetroSports Southwest Channel 24. Shows will air each Thursday and Friday at 6:30 p.m. beginning on Sept. 3.
The Prospector (915) 747-5161 Fax (915) 747-8031 105 Union East University of Texas-El Paso El Paso, TX 79968-0622 Sports Editor: Herman Rojas (hrojas@miners.utep.edu)
C-USA TELECONFERENCE Conference USA coaches will be featured on a teleconference from 12-1:30 p.m. MST during the 2008 season. The call will be held on Mondays, with the first call scheduled for Aug. 31. Media representatives wishing to participate on the teleconference should contact the conference office to obtain the phone number. Coach Price’s scheduled time is 1:08 p.m. MST. Please note that a call will NOT be held on the following Mondays: Sept. 28, Oct. 12, Oct. 26 and Nov. 9. UTEP ON THE WEB The official UTEP athletic department website is located at www.utepathletics.com and features up-to-date game notes and statistics as well as press releases, player and coach biographies and photos.
collegepressbox.com is the official media website for Conference USA football. Access and download weekly game notes, quotes, statistics, media guides and more for the conference and each of its 12 member schools throughout the season. Login information will be distributed to accredited media or you can apply for a password by sending an e-mail to password@collegepressbox.com.
Associated Press (915) 532-1939 Fax (915) 313-3958 300 North Campbell El Paso, TX 79901 El Paso Correspondent: Alicia Caldwell (acaldwell@ap.org)
Television KTSM (NBC) (915) 532-5421 ext. 294 Fax (915) 544-0536 801 North Oregon El Paso, TX 79902 Sports Director: Fred Albers (falbers@ktsm.com) Sports Anchors: Beau Bagley (bbagley@ktsm.com) Javier Perez (jperez@ktsm.com) KDBC (CBS) (915) 496-4461 Fax (915) 496-4593 2201 East Wyoming El Paso, TX 79903
KVIA (ABC) (915) 496-1761 Fax (915) 532-0505 4140 Rio Bravo El Paso, TX 79902 Sports Director: Raul Martinez (raulmartineziv@yahoo.com) Weekend Sports Anchor: Paul Cicala (pcicala@kvia.com) KFOX-TV (FOX) (915) 834-2145 Fax (915) 833-8717 6004 North Mesa El Paso, TX 79912 Sports Contact: Daniel Novick (daniel.novick@kfoxtv.com)
TIME WARNER CABLE (915) 772-1123 7010 Airport Road El Paso, TX 79906 Programming Manager: Russ Kalman
Radio KROD 600 AM (915) 351-4592 Fax (915) 532-0123 4180 North Mesa El Paso, TX 79902 Program Director: Steve Kaplowitz (skaplowitz@krod.com) KOFX 92.3 FM (English Flagship) (915) 581-1126 Fax (915) 585-4613 5426 North Mesa El Paso, TX 79912 General Manager: David Candelaria Operations Manager: JoJo Garcia JOSÉ 1150 AM (Spanish Flagship) (915) 581-1126 Fax (915) 585-4613 5426 North Mesa El Paso, TX 79912 Play-By-Play: Omar Ropele (oropele@entravision.com) Color: Mike Perez
Others
Spanish Television
Jon Teicher (teicher@utep.edu) (football and men’s basketball play-by-play) (915) 747-6869 Brumbelow Building, Room 115 201 Glory Road El Paso, TX 79968
KINT (915) 581-1126 Fax (915) 585-4642 5426 North Mesa El Paso, TX 79912 Sports Director: Luis Zuniga (zunideportes@aol.com) Sports Anchor: Omar Ropele (oropele@entravision.com)
Bernie Ricono (bricono@diablos.com) (football color) (915) 755-2000 604 Espolon El Paso, TX 79912 Ray Sanchez (rayf358@yahoo.com) (915) 584-0626 4501 Skylark El Paso, TX 79922
Spanish Newspapers El Norte (915) 821-6524 or (915) 329-6857 Ave. Valle de Juarez #6689 Cd. Juarez, Chih. 6070 Sports Contact: Javier Sanchez (javiers@epcc.edu) El Diario (915) 838-1600 ext. 1077 Fax (915) 772-1299 425 North Kansas El Paso, Texas 79901 Sports Contact: Roberto Carillo (deportes@diariousa.com) El Mexicano 011-52-656-612-1023 Fax 011-52-656-615-0481 Ramon Corona Igaliana 301 Cd. Juarez, Chih. 32000 Sports Contact: Ismael Gonzalez (igmdeportes@enlanoticia.com)
XHJUB (915) 204-4617 Fax 011-52-656-625-0248 Avenida de la Industria S-N Parque Industrial-Canal 56 Cd. Juarez, Chih. 34720 Sports Contact: Raul Grajeda (jtorresuv@televisa.com.mx) XEJ 011-52-656-615-5555 Fax 011-52-656-615-3393 Vicente Guererro 732 Cd. Juarez, Chih. 32000 Sports Contact: Pedro Judino (pedroguba@hotmail.com)
2009
Media Information
Jeff Darby
Media Directory
Media Policies
Travel Information New Mexico State (Sept. 19) Buses depart at 3 p.m. MST on Saturday, Sept. 19 and return following the game Texas (Sept. 26) Charter departs at 9:15 a.m. MST on Friday, Sept. 25 Hotel: Austin Marriott North, (512) 733-6767 Charter returns following the game on Saturday, Sept. 26 Memphis (Oct. 10) Charter departs at 10 a.m. MST on Friday, Oct. 9 Hotel: Marriott East, (901) 362-6200 Charter returns following the game on Saturday, Oct. 10 Tulane (Nov. 7) Charter departs at 9:30 a.m. MST on Friday, Nov. 6 Hotel: Marriott Metairie Lakeside, (504) 836-5253 Charter returns following the game on Saturday, Nov. 7
09utepFootball
Media INformation
Media Relations Staff
SMU (Nov. 14) Charter departs at 9 a.m. MST on Friday, Nov. 13 Hotel: Marriott Quorum, (972) 661-2800 Charter returns following the game on Saturday, Nov. 14 Rice (Nov. 21) Charter departs at 10:30 a.m. MST on Friday, Nov. 20 Hotel: Marriott Medical Center, (713) 796-0080 Charter returns following the game on Saturday, Nov. 21
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English Language Radio and Television
Spanish Language Radio
Once again in 2009, all UTEP football games -- home and away -- can be heard in El Paso and throughout the Southwest on The Fox, KOFX 92.3 FM. Selected road games will be seen on Time Warner Cable MetroSports Southwest Channel 24. Those outside of the El Paso area can enjoy an audio stream of all games, an accompanying video stream of all home games, plus a video stream of all Conference USA road games via subscription on the official UTEP Athletics website, www.utepathletics.com. The veteran tandem of Jon Teicher and Bernie Ricono returns for a 18th season calling the action. Teicher is in his 29th season as the “Voice of the Miners.” A native of Detroit, Mich. and a UCLA graduate, Teicher serves as UTEP’s Assistant Athletics Director for Broadcasting. He first arrived in El Paso to call play-by-play for the Diablos minor league baseball team from 1980-84 and again from 1988-92. Teicher has also broadcast professional baseball in Portland, Ore. and in Wichita, Kan. Additionally he spent a season as the voice of New Mexico State, five years as the host of the popular local afternoon show “Sportstalk” and three years as a sports anchor for KDBC-4. During the season, Teicher also hosts the Mike Price and Tony Barbee radio and television shows. In the spring and summer months, he is involved in sales and promotions with Miner ISP Sports. Teicher was inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame in the spring of 2001. A former collegiate coach, Ricono spent four seasons as the Miners’ defensive coordinator in the mid-to-late ‘70s. He also coached at Eastern Illinois (with Denver Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan) and at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Since leaving the coaching profession, Ricono spent time as the General Manager of the Southwestern International Livestock Show and Rodeo and currently is the Director of Sponsorships for the El Paso Diablos. UTEP Football coverage on The FOX starts one hour prior to kickoff with the Countdown to Kickoff Show. The 90-minute postgame show features the Locker Room Report and the popular Miner Talk program, an opportunity for fans to call in and discuss the game.
José 1650 AM is home to all UTEP football broadcasts in Spanish in 2009. Omar Ropele (playby-play) and former Miner Mike Perez (color) are the commentators. Ropele is in his third tour of duty as a sports anchor for Univision affiliate KINT-TV Channel 26. He returned to El Paso following a one-year stint as sports anchor for Telemundo in Dallas. Ropele graduated from the University of Chihuahua with a degree in mass communication. Before initially joining the staff at KINT-TV, the El Paso native spent four years with XHJUB-TV, working as a news editor, news writer, news reporter and sports reporter. He also created the sports segment on the morning news show, and was the host of a weekend sports radio program. Perez played for the Miners from 2002-04, seeing time at defensive back and linebacker. The San Elizario native had a career-high 64 tackles in 2003 and was credited with 123 takedowns in his Miner career. He was on the field for all 12 games in 2004, UTEP’s first season under the direction of coach Mike Price. The 2004 Miners finished 8-4 and faced Big 12 North Division champion Colorado in the EV1.net Houston Bowl. A UTEP graduate, Perez works as an accountant in El Paso.
ISP, America’s Home for College Sports, is nationally recognized for its quality performance, professional workmanship and unrivaled service. Founded in 1992 in Winston-Salem, N.C., ISP Sports has enjoyed tremendous growth within the intercollegiate athletics marketplace. The ISP Sports family of leading NCAA members now touches every state in the Southeast while extending across the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast, Midwest and West Coast corridors as well. Sports fans from upstate New York to south Florida, from Texas to Ohio, and from California to Washington state can tune in to the ISP Sports Network that includes nearly 800 radio affiliates, while television viewers all across America watch ISP Sports programming every week on one of its 100+ outlets. As the country’s largest and fastest growing multimedia rightsholder, ISP Sports serves as an active partner with more than 40 of America’s leading universities, four major conferences and two postseason bowl games. These many growing relationships feature numerous prominent sponsorship opportunities including official university publications, radio and television programming, Internet sites, game event promotions and stadium/arena signage.