The Kyyote's Howl

The Miners hit paydirt with the 2006 recruiting class.  Here’s a look at some of the players from that class and how they have fared.
     Cornelius Brown has already gone on to the NFL with the Chicago Bears.  A couple of other players from that class, no longer Miners, are Jose Martinez and Kyle Peterson.  Martinez made the 2007 Second Team,  All-Conference Team.  Peterson was an Honorable Mention on the 2008 All-Conference Team, and Martinez moved up to the First Team.  Martinez also tied the NCAA all time record for the longest field goal of 63 yards that season.
     Members of that class, still on the Miners current roster that have already been honored, are almost sure to add to their resumes.  Wide Receiver Kris Adams and quarterback Trevor Vittatoe were Honorable Mentions on the 2008 All-Conference Team.  Vittatoe is rewriting the Miners record books at quarterback.
     The 2009 All-Conference Team included Donald Buckram, a Walter Camp Award nominee for 2010(the first in UTEP history) on the First Team, and offensive linemen Tanner Cullumber, Rod Huntley, and Alex Solot receiving Honorable Mentions.  Vittatoe was again an Honorable Mention on the 2009 All-Conference Team.  You can expect some, if not all, of those players to be selected again.
     There are other members of that 2006 class that will have a good chance of garnering recognition for their play, after the 2010 season.  Evan Davis and Pierce Hunter will have their chances to join Kris Adams on the All-Conference Team as receivers.  Tight Ends Jonathon Moore and Elijah Goldtrap will also have their chances, as they are both very strong, and talented at their position.  Anthony McNac and Will Osolinsky could easily be the fourth and fifth offensive linemen from that 2006 class to make the 2010 All-Conference Team.  Osolinsky was a member of the All Freshmen Team, as was linebacker Anthony Morrow.  Don’t be surprised to see linebacker Royzell Smith join others from the 2006 class on the All-Conference Team.
     There are other members of that class that have been solid contributors to the team, and give the Miners excellent depth at their positions.  James Thomas III will see time at quarterback, running back, and receiver.  His versatility allows the Miners to utilize him in a variety of ways, and to keep opposing teams guessing as to just what he will do.  Running back Jason Williams gives the Miners running game a different look with his power running.
     The biggest problem this class presented the Miners coaches was finding ways to get them on the field.  Too much talent is the kind of problem all coaches would love to have.  The 2006 class has already paid big dividends, and this season the dividends will most likely be even better.