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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 3-8 (3-5) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Charlie Bailey Returning starters: 11 (offense 5, defense 5) Outlook The record may not show it, but the Miners were competitive last season for the first time in recent memory. They were in all but two games, but won only three. After 10 consecutive losing seasons, though, that was progress of sorts and head coach Charlie Bailey was handed a three-year contract extension. Winning more games will be difficult no matter the location, but the the Miners need to begin to do something that's been nearly impossible, win away from El Paso. This year UTEP has four WAC road games, including the final two against Rice and TCU. If the chips fall favorably, a mild celebration could be in order. Getting out of last place in the WAC would be a good reason to do so. OffenseRocky Perez is expected to start at quarterback after completing 42 of 88 passes for 521 yards and one touchdown last season. Perez could be challenged by Oklahoma transfer Jay Stuckey, who is familiar with coordinator Gary Nord, a former member of the Sooners staff. Running back Paul Smith will not dazzle with his moves, but his north-south running style is a plus. Last year he was slowed by a knee injury, but his 4.4 speed and 238-pound frame make him a force running the ball. Injuries and academics decimated the line this past spring. Right tackle Lawrence Norman (6-2, 300) can be counted on, though. The same should be true for center Carey Clayton . If guard Jeff Seeton is back from shoulder surgery and tackle Brent Hunt from a broken ankle, this group could mold into an effective front four. Lee Mays and Allan Ray have the speed and hands to be solid receivers. Without starting experience, though, the jury is still out. There are no questions about tight end Brian Natkin. Last year the 6-4, 238 pound junior finished fourth in the country in receptions at his position.
It's a good sign if: Smith is complemented by a change-of-pace back. A goal of getting the best athletes on the field produced a shift in alignment from a 3-4 to a 4-3 by coordinator Ronnie Jones. No matter the scheme, defensive end Brian Young will be the unit's leader. Young (6-4, 270) is not known nationally, but he could be one of the top players at his position in the country this year. Last season he was second on the team in tackles with 104. He also had four sacks. His position mate, Leif Larsen is similarly talented, but lacks only experience. The 6-5, 300-pound senior had never played football before coming to UTEP from Norway. Bobby King is the logical choice to start in the middle. The linebacking crew is equally talented, but not as deep. Robert Weathers (5-10, 218) is the team's run-stopper while Trey Merkens returns with a season's starting experience under his belt. Two other starters must be found. The secondary is also a mixed bag, with talent, but also a few question marks. Two cornerbacks must be found -- and fast. Sophomore Crance Clemons and JC import Anthony Wadley have the edge following spring practice. The safety position is is good shape with returning starters A.J. Sheppard and Eric Gibson, if Gibson can make the grade academically. It's a good sign if: There's more speed on the field in the new alignment.It's a bad sign if: Key members of the line get banged up. Depth is an issue. Special Teams Ricky Bishop brings a strong and consistent leg to the placekicker position. Last year he nailed a 48-yarder. JC transfer Glen Beard was brought in to be the punter. -- John Crowley |
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