UTEP adds three players at start of training camp
RUIDOSO, N.M. – As Camp Ruidoso wrapped up day one, head coach Sean Kugler announced the additions of three transfers – linebackers Makana Fraser and Dante Lovilotte, and tight end Kent Taylor on Thursday. Kugler was also pleased to announce that junior starting punter Alan Luna has earned a full scholarship for his final two seasons.
Fraser played in seven contests as a sophomore at Phoenix College. He registered 30 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
Lovilette played in 11 games as a sophomore at Kilgore College. He led the defense with 95 tackles (59 solo), while adding 4.0 sacks, three interceptions (one for a pick six), four breakups, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Taylor played in 11 contests, starting one at Kansas in 2015. He was KU’s leading tight end with 15 receptions for 179 yards and a score.
Luna, who played all 12 games as the starting punter in 2015, earned a full scholarship for his final two seasons with the Miners. In his first season with the Orange and Blue, Luna averaged 44.4 yards per punt (2,885 yards) on 65 boots. The native of El Paso earned All-Conference USA honorable mention for his stellar sophomore campaign and was on the 2015 Ray Guy Watch List. Luna was also announced to the 2016 Dave Campbell’s Preseason All-Texas first team and 2016 Athlon Sports Preseason All-C-USA second team.
Luna is a General Business major with a 3.18 GPA.
The Miners will tackle a seven-game home schedule that features non-conference matchups with NM State (Sept. 3) and Army (Sept. 17).
FULL BIOS
43 Makana Fraser LB 6-0 225 Keaau, HI (Phoenix College)
PRIOR TO UTEP: Played in seven games as a sophomore … registered 30 tackles, five tackle for loss and a forced fumble … led team with 16 tackles (10s/6a), four tackles for loss and a sack versus New Mexico Institute … saw action in seven games as a freshman … notched 19 tackles and one fumble recovery … posted a season-best of six tackles (five assisted) versus Eastern Arizona College.
80 Kent Taylor TE 6-5 240 Tampa, Fla. (Kansas)
PRIOR TO UTEP: Played in 11 games, starting one at Kansas in 2015 … KU’s leading tight end, caught 15 passes for 179 yards and a score … hauled in a career-high three passes for 28 yards at Texas … scored a touchdown on a 15-yard grab against South Dakota State … sat out season in 2014 at Kansas … did not see game action at Florida in 2013 … played in six contests in first season at Florida in 2012 … made first catch at Vanderbilt … scored a touchdown against Louisville in the Sugar Bowl … a consensus four-star recruit … rated as the no. 1 tight end in the nation by Rivals.com and Scout.com … ranked the no. 10 player in the state of Florida by Rivals.com … named an honorable mention All-American by Sports Illustrated… named first team all-conference during senior season after recording 30 catches for 480 yards with five touchdowns despite missing the first month of the season with a broken left hand.
PERSONAL: Son of Rob and Susan Taylor.
45 Dante Lovilette LB 5-11 230 Port Arthur, Texas (Kilgore College)
PRIOR TO UTEP: Played in 11 games at Kilgore College in 2015 … led squad with 95 tackles (59 solo) … averaged 8.6 tackles per game … added 4.0 sacks (37 yards), three interceptions (one for a pick six), four breakups, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries … tallied a season-high 16 stops (12 solo) against Tyler Junior College … returned an interception 50 yards for a score during a 24-21 win against Trinity Valley C.C. … amassed 15 tackles (nine solo) with a sack (16 yards) and an interception during a win at Navarro College … registered 10 tackles and 2.0 sacks during a victory at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College … tallied 23 tackles in 10 games during freshman season (2014) … named second team All-District 21-5A at the ILB position at Port Arthur Memorial during senior season (2013).
