MI reported on UTEP’s first spring practice yesterday but we want to take a look at a few storylines that should grab headlines this 2010 spring session.

Let’s not waste any time and focus our discussion on the defensive side of the ball.  Head Coach Mike Price fired defensive coordinator, Osia Lewis, and brought in a young assistant coach from Las Vegas in Andre Patterson.

Patterson is bringing a more traditional 4-3 defensive set but will reintroduce Lewis’ 3-3-5 defensive throughout the season.  The staff is completely brand new but does carry a familiar face in El Paso native and ex-Miner, Robert Rodriguez.  Rodriguez was named linebackers coach by Patterson and looks to shore up recruiting for UTEP as well.

There wasn’t one position that struggled, all positions struggled on defense.  Most notably, UTEP’s run defense does need to be drastically improved and it will be a point of emphasis for Patterson and his staff. 

On the other side of the ball, the offense looks to improve from a disappointing 2009 season with a 4-year starter at quarterback, Trevor Vittatoe.  Vittatoe will miss the first 6 practices due to suspension but shouldn’t take long to get back into the rhythm of things.  The real story is at the backup position.

Tim Curry and Carson Meger will join Vittatoe this spring as two other quarterbacks will be absent due to injury or transfer.  James Thomas III, last year’s 3rd string QB, is out this spring due to injury.  Andy McCloud will not be returning to the Miner football team and looks to transfer to another school. 

Running backs are led by senior All-Conference, Donald Buckram and should continue his historic career supported by a stable of backups.  Running backs is one of the deepest positions for UTEP and are coached by Jeff Banks.

Another underachieving group is the receiving corps who look for 3rd year starter, Kris Adams, to reemerge as a “go-to” guy.  Adams will be joined by veterans Evan Davis and Marlon McClure, among others, with McClure sitting out this spring due to injury.  This is another deep unit and look for El Paso’s own, Jeken Frye to emerge as a third receiver. 

Miners are practicing every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Glory Road Field and all practices are open to the public.