For a player who is listed as running back for the UTEP Miners’ football team, Autrey Golden is much more than that. Golden is more than a versatile running back, and given his ability to run and catch, he is the football team’s version of a five-tool player; he is the team’s Swiss army knife.
Coming from the small city with a population of no more than 6,000 people in Willis, Texas, Golden started at Willis High School for three years. Despite being an All-District first-team selection his junior and senior seasons, Golden was only offered two Division-I scholarships. UTEP was one of those offers and he took it.
At Willis High School, Golden’s coaches saw what the UTEP coaches see today—his ability to play multiple positions. It was not until he played at UTEP that he started returning kicks, which is where Golden is at his best.
“I have to thank an old coach that recruited me here, coach Banks,” Golden said. “He gave me the opportunity. He came to my home and told me stuff that I was capable of if I went here (UTEP). I got here and he put me in a position to be successful, returning kick offs.”
The opportunity did not end with a different coaching staff after Mike Price left–as a matter a fact they increased. Coach Kugler speaks highly of Golden. Kugler’s staff has also been one of the reasons for Golden’s success on the playing field.
“He’s always been talented, but now he’s starting to have a role in our offense, special teams,” Kugler said. “He’s got a great attitude, he comes to work every day. I enjoy coaching him and he’s very well respected by his teammates. He’s become a weapon for us.”
Through his success, Golden has stayed humble, grounded and team oriented. When asked about his legacy and his record for kick returns, he is adamant about it being a team effort.
“If you just work hard, the blessings will come,” Golden said. “I just focus on trying to take this team to a bowl game and winning football games.”
As for life outside of football, the opportunities to play for the NFL are slim to none for most players in the college ranks, even with his school records. His legacy at the school, however, will always remain—even if someone breaks his record. Golden does not seem to focus on that as much as he does on the team around him.
Juan Carlos Navarrete may be reached at [email protected]
