For the first time since 2008, more than one player from the UTEP Miners was chosen to reach the NFL via the Draft, after this Saturday linebacker Tyrice Knight was selected by the Seattle Seahawks and offensive lineman Elijah Klein by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Quarterback Gavin Hardison and center Andrew Meyer signed via free agency with the Miami Dolphins, while offensive tackle Zuri Henry signed with the New England Patriots.
It took 16 years for more than one player from the ranks of the ‘Flintstones’ to be selected in the NFL Draft.
In 2008 there were three Miners chosen this way, offensive lineman Oniel Cousins was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round; defensive back Quintin Demps by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round, and running back Marcus Thomas by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth.
Knight and Klein are the first Miners, since offensive lineman Will Hernandez in 2018, to be drafted by the NFL. Currently with the Arizona Cardinals, Hernandez was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round (No. 2 pick) six years ago.
Knight concluded his UTEP career leading Conference USA with 140 tackles, starting all 12 games in 2023. Knight was crowned the national statistical champion in solo tackles (84) and solo tackles per game (7.0). Knight’s 15.5 tackles for loss rank second in the C-USA. Knight tied for sixth in the FBS in total tackles.
Klein started all 12 games on the offensive line in 2023. The Mt. Baldy, Calif. graduate switched spots on the line, starting the first eight games at right guard.
Former UTEP wide receiver Jacob Cowing was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round, 35th pick. Cowing played three seasons (2019-2021) with the Miners. Cowing’s 2,595 yards are fifth on the school’s all-time list, while his 1,354 yards in 2021 are the second-most during a single season in program history. Cowing’s 141 career receptions rank eighth.
Miners to the NFL 2024
Via Draft
Name Position Team
Tyrice Knight Apoyador Seattle
Elijah Klein Liniero of. Tampa Bay
Via free agency
Name Position Team
Gavin Hardison Quarterback Miami
Andrew Meyer Centro Miami
Zuri Henry Tacle of N. England
A separate case
Jacob Cowing* Receptor San Francisco
2024-04-28 12:00:00
#Miners #leave #mark #NFL #Draft
