UTEP Football Holds Media Day; Kai Locksley Decision Imminent

With the College Football season officially kicking off in the Borderland in four Saturday’s, the UTEP and New Mexico football programs held their Media Days today at their respective campuses.

It’s Year Two of the Dana Dimel era at UTEP, as former Kansas State Coach Bill Snyder’s protege looks to turn around a program that went 1-11 last season.

Coach Dimel is probably glad that the offseason has come to close, as it saw the Miners lose players at valuable skill position.

It remains to be seen whether Quarterback Kai Locksley will be at training camp next Monday in Ruidoso.

Locksley was arrested on June 8th after he was pulled over on campus and was charged with 4 alleged crimes: driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, unlawful carrying of a weapon, and terroristic threats.

Locksley has been suspended from team activities, but it appears a decision on his ultimate status is imminent.

“Where we’re at with Kai right now is we’re going to make a decision before we head to Ruidoso with what Kai’s status will be,” said Coach Dimel at Media Day. “And that’ll be released and we’ll just leave it at that. And that”ll be made by the weekend.”

Locksley’s uncertainty leaves Senior Brandon Jones listed as the starting Quarterback. Jones played in six games last season, starting one, and led the team in touchdown passes with four.

“Naturally I just feel like a natural leader,” said Jones. “So it’s been good to take control of the team and say we’re going this way. I’ve always liked that growing up so it’s been fun.”

The Miners will also be in search of new Running Back in 2019, as do-everything Tailback Quardraiz Wadley was lost for the season after a freak conditioning injury on Monday.

Wadley was the leading returning rusher in rushing yards, yards per carry, and rushing touchdowns for the Miners last season, as had been named to the 2019 Doak Walker Award Watch List (Top College RB).

Coach Dimel did add that Wadley will use a medical redshirt and will return in 2020 for his final year of eligibility.

So who will get the bulk of the carries? Treyvon Hughes enters camp as the starter, but don’t be surprised to see El Paso native Deion Hankins in the mix.

The Parkland High School Grad is El Paso’s All-Time leading rusher, and will be a fan favorite at the Sun Bowl.

“Hankins is going to get thrown right into the fray and obviously there’s a few positions from being around the game that you can step in and play as a freshman and running back is one. And he’s a quick learner and he has a chance to play this year as well.”

But Dimel would like to curb the enthusiasm a bit on the freshman.

“We’ll see how he progresses. I’m not going to put the pressure on him, we’ll see how he progresses.”

The Miners open the season August 31st at home against Houston Baptist. Kickoff is set for 7:00pm.