Football fall camps are in full swing around the country as coaching staffs prepare for the upcoming season. Recruiting this time of the year generally slows down, and this year is no different. But this doesn’t mean the Miners have stopped their on-going goal of adding talented players to the recruiting portfolio. Just the opposite, as UTEP has added a verbal commitment from an outstanding high school quarterback.
MI first reported the Miner’s interest in Colony’s quarterback, Garrett Simpson, in February. In an interview with starlocalnews.com, Simpson confirmed he has verbally committed to UTEP. He cited Coach Price’s ability to develop quarterbacks as a key reason for selecting the Miners. In addition, Simpson will unite with high school teammate, Gage Sharp, a 2011 Miner signee. At 6-feet 4-inches and 230 pounds, Simpson is the big quarterback Price covets. Last season, Simpson completed 55% of his passes for 2,271 yards and 23 touchdowns. The pro-style quarterback has shown that he is accurate, has good arm strength and can buy time in the pocket when necessary. The Dave Campbell Texas Top 300 selection also received an offered from Kansas State.
On a different note, the Miners are yet to sign a running back for the class of 2012. UTEP will need to seek added depth for next year with the departure of Banyard, Meyers and Frazier. Seeming to have found a comfort level with junior college transfers, the Miners are focusing in on Aaron Harris from California’s Southwestern CC. Harris (6-feet 200 pounds) is a mid-year graduate and will have two years of eligibility. Harris had an excellent 2009 season with 1,169 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns. Add in his receiving ability, you have an all-around back. Last season, Harris spent the year rehabbing from a shoulder injury, but he is good to go this year with no lingering effects. Prior to his injury, Harris was a three-star recruit. Currently, Harris holds offers from Cincinnati and Louisiana Tech. In addition to the Miners, other schools showing interest include Mississippi, Clemson, Auburn and Kansas State.
Recruiting update: Last week, we featured Trent Jackson, the outstanding running back out of Cuero, Texas. Jackson was addressing some off field issues and awaiting a resolution. It is unknown if his issues have been resolved, however, it was reported he was not practicing with Cuero when two-a-day sessions began.
Interesting Stat: Tulsa currently heads the C-USA West recruiting commitment list with 15 followed by Houston (12), SMU (12), Rice (11) and Tulane (5).
UTEP66 can be reached at show@minerillustrated.com.
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I think its very strange how SMU is all of a sudden getting strong recruits. I mean ok I know June Jones is a really good coach (so is Mike Price), but c’mon, they went from completely nothing to the top of recruiting in C-USA in a matter of two years. Something fishy is going on, perhaps SMU didn’t learn its lesson from the Death Penalty they were given back in the 80′s.
Miner NIner,
Excellent points!
Jones recruited fairly well in the past, but he has picked it up significantly at SMU. Granted his offense attracts skill positions players, but they are getting good players across the board.
There is a new twist to the 2011 and 2012 classes. Despite the talent in the Dallas Metroplex and within the state, the Ponies under Jones are now recruiting more on a national level for quality high school players.
Last year’s 2011 recruiting class was as you say near the top of the conference. However. it was somewhat of a surprise when Jones signed ten out-of-state players, six from California and four from Louisiana.
This year’s SMU class is off to a tremendous start with a class featuring #25 ranked receiver and four star recruit Gabriel Marks (CA). Again, they’ve done well out-of-state with seven of their twelve commitments from Louisiana, California, Mississippi and Florida.
I’m not going to start assuming that SMU is crooked again and engaging in illegal recruiting practices because I do feel that they learned their lesson. i do think that all of their recruits are coming in from a combination of SMU hustling after students, the notoriety June Jones brings and the constant mention about the positive development of the Mustangs since Jones arrived in major media outlets like ESPN, CBS Sports and Sports Illustrated.
Not to mention they have been winning. That always helps.