As reported on several online sites today, including the El Paso Times news services, offensive line coach Bob Connelly has reportedly accepted an offer to become the next offensive line coach at Arizona State joining recently hired head coach Todd Graham.

In addition to the announcement of Connelly joining the staff, Graham announced the addition of Abilene Christian head coach Chris Thomsen, Washington State co-defensive coordinator Chris Ball and Mike Norvell, a member of Graham’s staffs at Tulsa and Pittsburgh.

WIth UTEP left to fill the coaching vacancy at the offensive line position, Miner Illustrated has learned that Midwestern State assistant and former Miner Brian Natkin will be hired to replace Connelly. The University has not officially made any statement about the hire.

Natkin was a consensus All-American selection in his senior year of 2000 at the UTEP as he lead the nation with 63 receptions for 775 yards and four touchdowns from the tight end position.

He was also a three-time All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) first-team selection while helping the Miners to a WAC championship and an appearance in the Humanitarian Bowl in 2000 when he was also tabbed UTEP’s Male Athlete of the Year.

After a two-year run at professional football, Natkin returned to El Paso to complete a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in philosophy. While finishing his degree requirements, he served as a student assistant for two seasons before accepting a graduate assistant’s job in 2004.

While at UTEP, he mentored a second-team All-WAC performer in Jonas Crafts in 2004 and an honorable mention freshman All-American in Jamar Hunt a year later.