UTEP Miners
2000 overall record: 8-4
Conference record: 7-1 (t-1st)
Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 7
Kickers: 0
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Chris Porter* (681 yds)
Passing: Rocky Perez (2,661 yds)
Receiving: Lee Mays* (1,098 yds)
Tackles: Trey Merkens (112)
Sacks: Menson Holloway (10.5)
Interceptions: D.J. Walker* (5)
What's new
The Miners will have a new look to the kicking game after graduating multiple-year starters Ricky Bishop (kicker) and Glen Beard (punter). The coaches are hopeful that incoming freshmen Bryce Benekos and Matt Smith can take those spots. Only a walkon punter was available for spring drills.
Battling it out
The race to replace Rocky Perez is wide open entering the fall. Wesley Phillips (son of Wade, grandson of Bum) has played a limited amount in his first three seasons but threw three TD passes in the spring game to take a slight lead in the battle. He is competing against redshirt freshman Jon Schaper, who missed most of the spring after his hand was shut in a car door. Schaper has good size, a great arm and athleticism to go with it. He certainly looks like the quarterback of the future.
Eye catcher: DE Godwin Akinduro
He was recruited as a tight end and redshirted last year. Akinduro moved to defensive end in the spring and harassed the quarterback throughout practice sessions, recording a sack in the spring game. He has good speed around the end and will get better as he puts on more size and strength. He is filling the spot of Menson Holloway, who led the WAC with 10.5 sacks last year.
Budding star: TE Joey Knapp
Knapp backed up All-America tight end Brian Natkin last season and still caught 20 passes for 307 yards. Knapp is bigger (6-6, 250) than Natkin and might even be quicker, as well. The tight end is used a lot in this offense, so don't be surprised if he has as big a season as his predecessor did in 2000.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
