UTEP will be adding 22 new players next season, five of them local. The list includes 11 newcomers on the offensive side of the ball and 11 on the defensive.
Many of the 22 players can be seen as replacements for the ones the team is loosing to graduation. The Miners will try to find a place for the senior transfer from Texas, M.J. McFarland as a replacement for tight end Eric Tomlinson. The El Paso native is looking to end his career a Miner, and will try to be the guy for coach Kugler.
“M.J. wanted to finish his career here as the man and he is going to get that chance,” Kugler said. “He will get the chance to be the man.”
Among the other El Paso natives set to become Miners two of them will be offensive linemen. Coach Kugler admitted this team is going to be a physical running team and that happens with a strong offensive line.
“When you tell players about running the ball 45 times a game it is an easy decision for them,” Kugler said
For Kugler, finding local players is a very important aspect of his recruitment.
“My goal is to one day have a kid from every El Paso high school,” Kugler said. “It’s a reasonable goal because the talent is here, I’d like to keep the talent.”
The Miners will try to replace a big wide receiver with Eliot Oldham. Much like the departing Ian Hamilton, Oldham brings not only a fade route threat, but also a quick route threat.
“I could play down the field or play for jump balls,” said Oldham. “I’m excited to start and feel like I can help this team.”
The Miners will also get help on the defensive side of the football. The Miners signing day class is comprised of 10 defensive players—three of them being defensive backs.
The Miners also improved a part of the team that was already very strong. The Miners recruited what Kugler referred to as the best punt returner in the country. Much like Autrey Golden, who leads the FBS in kick returns, Terry Juniel could bring a spark to the Miners in punt returns.
The Miners will try to replicate last year’s winning season in which they won seven games. This singing class can help the team with players they are loosing, as well as help with those players who have not reached their full potential—a little competition is always good. Each signing class is different, and each one has their strengths and weaknesses, but this class looks as competitive as any.
Juan Carlos Navarrete can be reached at the [email protected]
