EL PASO, Texas –Trai Ewings may be the best definition of under the radar prospect up until this point. If you try and search for him on the Internet not much is shown in the results, but that’s no reason to pass on the speedy prospect.

At 6-feet 180 pounds, Ewings is growing into a typical linebacker and strong safety frame which he said is what most colleges are recruiting him as. Either spot would be fine for the Kileen, Texas native but he said he feels more at ease at one position following last season.

“I played more linebacker but I’m actually starting to feel a little bit more comfortable at strong safety.”

When asked as to why he likes playing deeper in the defense, Ewings had a simple answer.

“It plays to my strengths of speed, footwork and just ball skills,” Ewings said.

That held true as he returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown last week in Shoemaker’s football scrimmage. Ewings pick six was the only score by the Grey Wolves’ defense.

Shoemaker head coach Ken Gray runs a 4-2-5 and 4-3 defense, which allows Ewings to play toward his strengths of speed and ball-hawking skills. Not only that but he also enjoys making tackles on bigger running backs as well.

But that may be one of the reasons he may need to bulk up his frame if he chooses to play at the collegiate level. Health wise he’s been able to stay off the trainer’s table but did have to sit out three weeks of his previous season due to a hamstring pull and a staph infection.

Both kept him out a total of three weeks of the season but did not deter colleges from inquiring about his services.

“I’ve had contact with UTEP, North Texas, the University of Albany, Idaho State and Midwestern,” he said. “So far no one has offered.”

Notably, Ewings said UTEP linebacker coach Robert Rodriguez is recruiting him. The trio of colleges told Ewings they like his speed and ball skills but the senior to be said he is looking for a place with a solid academic program.

“I’ve been looking at everybody’s psychology program because that’s what I’m looking to major in when I get to college,” Ewings said.

Until then Ewings said he’s hoping to improve upon last season’s winless record and help his team make a deep playoff run.

“I’m looking forward to having a great senior season,” Ewings said. “It’s my last year, might as well go out with a bang.”

When asked of his early Top 3 list he said he had a few schools in mind so far.

“I’m looking at UTEP No. 1, North Texas No. 2 and University of Albany at No. 3,” Ewings said.

At this time Ewings said he hasn’t planned any official visits because he is making sure he is comfortable with the program before he yields a decision.

“Not at this moment,” Ewings said. “(I’m) just taking it one step at a time.”

That’s not a bad idea for a player who’s going to start becoming a blip on more school’s radars.

Keep checking Miner Illustrated for more updates from UTEP’s football and basketball recruiting trail. If you have any tips you’d like to share, shoot us an e-mail at show@minerillustrated.com.