Miner Rush, a UTEP Miners community

Remember two months ago when the Rush posted that UNM denied Tate Smith's release to UTEP from UNM? Well, it appears that destiny won't be denied. Tate is officially on the roster and is practicing with UTEP now. LINK to his new official bio here. Smith starred at Odessa Permian before playing briefly at Cisco Junior College. He walked on at New Mexico and played in four games in 2008. What does Smith's addition mean? Depth. It's that easy. James Thomas II is UTEP's backup quarterback, but if (Knock on wood) he gets injured playing wide receiver or running the ball, the Miners now have a safety valve, Smith, standing between walk on freshman Carson Meger and division 1 defenses.

KRQE in Albuquerque is reporting that New Mexico quarterback Tate Smith has been released from his scholarship at UNM Smith initially requested a release to UTEP, but the release was denied by UNM officials since UNM and UTEP meet on next year's schedule. Tate, a former standout quarterback at legendary Permian High in Odessa is appealing the decision. Smith, a junior, sat out 2009 due to academic reasons. He has played sparingly at UNM.