Miners scrimmaged today in the Sun Bowl and players are starting to separate themselves.
Coach Mike Price and the rest of the UTEP football team hit the Sun Bowl this morning for a 100-play scrimmage and at this point, I’d have to say that the defense is ahead of the offense. The Miner defense was lead this morning by linebacker, Hunter Nix, who recorded 10 tackles during the contest. “I’d say that everyone took advantage of opportunities,” said linebacker Jeremy Springer. “We all fought hard, had heart and we were pretty successful today.”
Springer recorded 8 tackles with defensive back, DeShawn Grayson, tallying another 7 tackles to round out the top three hitters of the day. Defense, as a whole, has played with high energy and every play was celebrated with enthusiasm. A stark contrast from the prior year and evident in the unit’s cohesive play. “We have great leaders,” added Springer, “we’re having team meetings, constantly, to get this team together to play as one unit.”
In comparison to the prior spring, the defense is showing increased confidence and a swarming mentality. With familiarity comes confidence, and with confidence comes results.
On the other side of the ball, the UTEP offense continues to struggle at times but look spectacular at others. Quarterbacks Tim Curry and Carson Meger shared snaps with first and second team units (Curry taking more with the first unit) with Meger again showing astute accuracy. The left-handed quarterback finished the morning with 15-24 passing for 185 yards. His counterpart, Curry, finished 11-23 with a solid 105 yards. Don’t let the stats fool you as both players struggled and looked good at various times but I’d be surprised if Meger doesn’t start to separate himself in the coming days.
With All-Conference running back, Donald Buckram sitting out today’s scrimmage with soreness, the stable of running backs impressed the head man with the bull horn. “I was pleased the way that they (running backs) ran the ball,” said Price after practice. “(Cameron) Choice made some real good cuts and looked good.” Choice finished the morning with 14 carries for 65 yards followed by Jason Williams with 9 carries for 41 yards.
Coach Holliday’s receiving corps had a decent outing today despite a “bat down” play by Evan Davis in the endzone that was reminiscent of the game ending play in the 2009 Memphis game (as recounted by El Paso Times writer, Brett Bloomquist). The receivers were led by Russell Carr who turned in a solid 4 catch performance going for 83 yards. Following Carr was Odessa Permian (Mojo) alum, Lavorick Williams, who emerged as a contender for playing time today with 2 spectacular grabs for 45 yards. Holliday’s “Bomb Squad” performed well but need to continue their work with consistent play making rather than the occasional acrobatic grab.
Not making much of splash today was Jeken “French” Frye and Kris Adams who had a catch each.
Notes:
-TE Jonny Moore separated his shoulder today and should be out the remainder of spring ball
-Look for WR Pierce Hunter to make a move to tight end to help supplement that withering crew
-Trevor Vittatoe was on hand helping his comrades
-Gossip note: former UTEP defensive back, Da’mon Cromratie-Smith, was part of the onlookers today along with “gal pal”, and UTEP women’s basketball player, Anete Steinberga.
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Meger is running a simple play book that is scaled down and high percentage play.
Danny, nice detailed coverage. Surprising Meger is rising so rapidly. He throws the short pass well, but hasn’t had a reputation of a big arm. However, his numbers appear solid.
Spring ball the last few years have not been kind to the Miners injury wise. We can’t seem to hide from it. With Moore out for the Spring, does this open an opportunity for Craig Wenrick the redshirt tight end? I’m assuming he is still with the Miners and not injured, is this correct?
66,
Unfortunately, Craig Wenrick is out for the spring after undergoing shoulder surgery. You may see Pierce Hunter play more at tight end, along with Jason Williams. This may be temporary since Kevin Perry and Wenrick should be back by Camp Socorro.
Meger is running a basic playbook, Curry is running the full playbook that is why is going with the ones more. Meger is running quick high percentage plays, hitches, drags, quick slants. On his one td today he was sacked the coaches did not call it, he also had four fumbles. Making more than what it is, Meger will not pull away.
Puff- I think you may have taken one too many tokes. I saw the scrimmage and Meger completed several passes downfield. The TD was a quick corner fade route, not close to a sack. I would really like to see Curry step up, he has great size and has great potential. I hope Meger continues to push him, it makes the team better. Maybe Curry should be throwing more of the high percentage passes, for that matter so should TV. The choice of pass you throw really has nothing to do with the play you have.
Meger threw a pic that was returned for a td, a fumble for a td, and the play before the td you are talking about was fumbled and recovered by the def. Keep rooting for the underdog…
Don’t get me wrong he is doing good. He is the reason mccloud left, but you have to understand he is working in a limited playbook with high percentage reads.
Its puff not tv don’t touch the stuff!