UTEP’s Buckram Plays In First Scrimmage Of Spring

UTEP senior running back Donald Buckram rushed seven times for 126 yards in his first weekend scrimmage of the spring on Saturday.

The 2009 Doak Walker Award semifinalist had three big runs in the 100-play scrimmage, with his fourth carry producing 44 yards, his sixth 45 yards and his seventh 29 yards.

The Miners scored five touchdowns, all coming with the first team offense going against the second team defense.

Carson Meger threw touchdown passes to Kris Adams and Lavorick Williams and Tim Curry connected with Donavon Kemp for a seven-yard score. Joe Banyard completed the scoring with a pair of short touchdown runs.

Braxton Amy picked off Meger for the lone interception of the day.

“Donald Buckram is really good and Braxton Amy is really good, and they proved it today,” UTEP coach Mike Price said in a news release. “They made big plays.”

Curry and Meger combined to complete 24-of-38 passes for 231 yards to 12 different receivers, as Evan Davis led the way with four catches for 46 yards. Adams added 36 yards on four receptions, and El Paso native Julio Lopez caught two balls for 33 yards.

“I was really pleased with the scrimmage,” Price said. “The first teamers played well on both sides of the ball, and we have to work on that because the second teamers are one injury away from coming into the game. I think we’re building good depth, but you can see a difference between the two (first team and second team).”

UTEP has three spring practices remaining – on Tuesday and Thursday at 3:30 p.m., followed by the annual Orange & Blue game on Saturday at 6 p.m.