With the disappointing end to the 2011 UTEP football season this past Friday in Orlando the coaching staff will start preparing for next season a little earlier than expected.  Although it was a holiday week, Miner Illustrated recruiting Guru, Angel Luna, was able to track down some information on a couple of potential football prospects receiving interest from the Miners for the 2012 class.

RB Donta Abron 5’9 187 pounds from Upland, CA (Upland HS). He has offers from Colorado, Idaho, NMSU and Stony Brook.

Ratings:

• 2 stars and #110 RB by scout.com
• 2 stars and 5.4 grade by rivals.com
• 3 stars with 78 grade #33 RB by espnu.com

2010 Stats: 1132 yards on 149 carries and 12 Tds

2009: 1,356 yards on 226 carries (6.0 yard avg.) and seven touchdowns. A First team all-league and Second team All-Valley selection.

As per espnu.com…. “Abron is an undersized back that packs power into a small frame. Runs with a low center of gravity, keeps his legs driving on contact, tough to bring down. Shows good balance to match his running style. Is able to grind out yards on the inside by showing patience and using his offensive linemen to hide and hit the crease. Runs with good power and the desire to finish runs, delivers a blow on contact. Lacks elite burst to separate from defenders once he makes his cut. Can make the quick cut at the line of scrimmage to make defenders miss. Shows the ability to run away from defenders once he hits his stride at the high school level. Shows good receiving ability out of the backfield. Size and durability concerns at the next level, but could provide early help as a 3rd down back while he continues to add size. Well built frame that demonstrates good power. Demonstrates good kick return ability and could provide early help on special teams. Abron should not be counted out as a future every down back in the mold of Jone-Drew if he is able to get in the 200lb range and add to his powerful base to prove he can hold up physically.”

Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO137kgvfAE

LB/TE Courtney Arnick 6’0 200 40/4.55 from Dallas, TX (Carter HS). He currently holds an offer from Colorado State.  Arnick is also receiving interest from Baylor, Iowa State, Tulsa, Memphis and North Texas among others.

Arnick is a very active player against the run using his exceptional athleticism to make plays all over the field. Has the size to play outside linebacker position at D1 level. Arnick is an above average tackler and could see the field early as a special team’s contributor.  I like the way he moves through traffic when pursuing the football. Although most of his production against the pass results from his blitz ability, his athleticism suggests good man and zone coverage potential. Arnick brings immediate pressure on the quarterback as a result of his blitz timing and closing quickness.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yKCL2i_ync

Ratings: None.