EL PASO, Texas – UTEP football coaches made some last minute pushes this past weekend as National Signing Day is Wednesday. A pair of prospects from South Oak Cliff HS committed to UTEP in RB Paul Franklin and WR Corey Calliutt.
(Angel wrote about Franklin in last weeks Scouting Mine. “Utah State lost is UTEP gain!”)
WR Corey Calliutt (6’2 200 pounds 40/4.5 sec.) had offers from Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma State, and New Mexico among others.
Also, DB DaCarlos Renfro 5’9 170 pounds 40/4.34 sec. from Orange, TX. Renfro had offers from Houston, Iowa State, Louisiana-Lafayette, North Texas, and Tulane among others. Renfro is a very athletic prospect and will provide an immediate impact on special teams. He is an speedy defender with good instincts. He reminds me Marlon McClure! I like him in a zone coverage. He does a nice job reading the quarterback and breaking on balls.
Ratings:
3 stars and 5.5 grade by rivals.com
3 stars and #107 CB by scout.com
2 stars and 72 grade by espnu.com
3 stars and 84 grade by 247sports.com
He is ranked No. 933 in the country by 247Sports. Renfro is also the No. 165 recruit in Texas (TX) and is the No. 68 Cornerback in the nation.
As per espnu.com: “Renfro is productive as both a wide receiver and defensive back. Has the size, athleticism and playing speed for either position however we feel his athletic skills are best suited for the defensive corner position at the major level of competition. His frame appears capable of handling added bulk over time provided his quickness isn’t compromised; should be a solid contributor on special teams. As a wide receiver this prospect demonstrates the ability to settle into open areas while catching balls delivered out of the frame; flashes good playing speed after the catch. Displays the hip flexibility, balance and agility needed to play both zone and man coverage; is a smart, patient defender showing good route awareness and feel for receivers in his zone; maintains good distribution, getting his eyes on the quarterback while doing a good job breaking on balls. Can turn and run with deep receivers when in man coverage, demonstrating the foot quickness and speed needed to make up ground and step in front for the interception; does a good job getting his head turned to locate deep throws. Renfro does not appear to be an immediate starter at the BCS level of play, rather a player who may need some time and perhaps a red shirt year to polish his skills.”
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OezygJ-0s3g
UTEP 2012 class (updated)
Offense:
QB Jake Larson
QB Garrett Simpson*
RB Leon Hayes
RB Autrey Golden
RB Paul Franklin
OL Christian Harper
OL Gino Bresolin
WR Dwayne Benjamin*
WR MeKale McKay*
WR JaQuan White*
WR Corey Calliutt
Defense:
DT Glen Antoine
DT Devonte Richardson
DT Daniel Shaul
DT Silas Fristley
DB/ATH Terrance Williams
DB Dashone Smith
DB DaCarlos Renfro
LB Blair Brown
LB Cooper Foster
LB Ernest Hawkins
There may still be a few grey shirts and one more surprise on Wednesday, possibly DB Patrick Martin or a JUCO player, but MI is confident that we have a very accurate list. Make sure to check back for more information on UTEP football recruiting.
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That’s great to hear that the class is coming together. The rating scheme is vastly different between the sites. ESPN has only one of the recruits as a 3 star with the rest being 2 stars and on down. Every other site including rivals labels the UTEP class as 3 star and 2 stars, making it a much more respectable class.
It was also nice to see that a few of the recent recruits choosing the Miners over the major schools. I say this because a recruit can easily be persuaded by the conference alone, and not the actual environment. If a 3 star recruit wants to go to a larger school and become a back up rather than come to a mid- major and shine then that is on him. One thing any mid-major school has in comparison to the stronger schools is the starters. Once you begin to dip into the second string and on you begin to lose athleticism and talent, as we saw in the season before last (OL). I mention that in confidence because my commander played for Alabama and agreed. My CPT played for Army and also agreed, its just when you go farther into the depth chart that you begin to lose in talent.
I can honestly say that UTEP will make a bowl game, being that the stronger teams in the conference have lost their stars and experienced players. Thanks for the update, and sorry for going off subject. Keep up the great work; only one more day!