UTEP hosts first scrimmage of the fall, receiver Jaden Smith stands out
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – UTEP football hosted its first scrimmage of the fall about 22 days out from its season opener.
Miners were put in the most game like situation they’ll see ahead of its first competition, giving head coach Scotty Walden a true feel of how ready his team is ahead of the season.
The defense came out fast and furious within the first few periods, while it seemed to take the offense a little bit longer to get going.
The answer to the quarterback question doesn’t seem any clearer at the end of scrimmage one, with Cade McConnell and Skyler Locklear each having shining moments. Both also having moments of weakness.
One offensive member who did standout, was receiver Jaden Smith. Smith caught three touchdowns from three different quarterbacks on the day.
Smith comes to UTEP from Eastern Kentucky, a former conference rival for Walden during his time at Austin Peay.
“As a conference rival at Eastern Kentucky he carved us up every single year,” said Walden on Smith. “We played and we doubled him last year and it didn’t matter. He’s a special talent, special player, great young man. We’re really glad he’s a miner.”
“I tell the quarterbacks throw it to me and you’re in better hands than Allstate,” said Smith. “That’s just who I am as a player. I don’t really mind who throws me the ball as long as I’m getting a target, I’m not going to complain about where it is, who doing it to me. I’m going to be happy with everybody comes my way and I’m going to try to catch it.”
Smith is expected to play a major role in the Miners offensive game, after posting a career high of 781 receiving yards paired with 5 touchdowns during the 2023 season for the Colonels. The wideout spent three years at WKU, before transferring his senior to UTEP.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
