UTEP Football: Can Miners improve upon 2020 season’s 3 wins?

After making strides in 2020, defense aims to take another step

UTEP is not known for great defensive play, but last season, the Miners had one of the better defenses in the conference. UTEP had the third-best rushing defense in the C-USA and there is no reason to believe that the run defense will take a step backward with all four linemen returning.

Praise Amaewhule led the team with seven sacks a season ago, but nobody else on the team had more than one. Getting to the passer should be a big emphasis for the Miners and guys like Jadrian Taylor, Keenan Stewart, and Kelton Moss will need to bring more versatility up front.

The two linebackers are both veterans and by the end of the year last season, Tyrice Knight was really starting to figure it out and was an important defender in the run. Knight is an important part of the run defense for the Miners and I expect a solid season for him. Breon Hayward had a 16-tackle game last season and he will be the linebacker to watch this season.

The secondary is the part of the team that needed the most work. The Miners had one of the worst passing defenses in the conference, but they have made upgrades to the roster to address those problems. Walter Neil Jr. is a cornerback transfer from Kansas State who has started games for Kansas State and should be the team’s top cornerback. Dennis Barnes and Josh Caldwell will battle to start opposite of Neil Jr.

The safety spot has experience with guys like Justin Prince and Dy’Vonne Inyang.

This defense has the experience, but they must get better at pressuring the quarterback and defending the pass if they want their record to improve.