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The UTEP coaching staff has wasted absolutely no time hitting the recruiting trails for candidates of the Miners' class of 2013. A couple names popped over the last months, as multiple players gave verbal commitments to play for the Miners. However, it's signing time, and here's what is going on.
The first confirmed addition for the class of 2013 in 6'6 swingman Jake Flaggert out of Lovejoy, TX. Flaggert was first team all district a year ago, after averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds, while leading his team to a 29-8 record and #17 state ranking.
Here's what coach Floyd had to say about Jake:
"When you have a 35-inch vertical and can shoot the ball, it's a great place to start...His 6-6 frame is going to get stronger, and with that will come the confidence that will allow Jake to become a terrific college player. We understand he had 18 points in the first quarter of a ball game last week. It sounds like the confidence is already coming. We are excited about this pickup."
Of course, Andre Spight, a 6'3 shooting guard out of Pasadena, CA was one who also gave a verbal commitment to the Miners over the last months. As of now, there is no update on Spight. No confirmation has come from UTEP as to whether or not he has or will sign a national letter of intent.
Another big name that came up on the Miners' recruiting trail was Vincent Hunter, a forward out of Consortium Prep in Michigan. Hunter also holds offers from schools like Xavier and UAB, and is also set to take a visit to Long Beach State.
He also happens to be a former teammate of current Miner Matt Willms who played at Consortium before heading to Findlay Prep, so that could give UTEP an edge. Not to mention, Hunter put this picture out on Instagram yesterday http://instagram.com/p/SB3TGsyTjc/ Again, Hunter still plans on visiting more schools, so we'll keep you updated on his status.
The last name to talk about is perhaps the biggest one of all. 6'5 combo guard Isaac Hamilton out of Saint John Bosco High School in Los Angeles is set to make his decision live ESPNU tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. ET, according to this post.
Hamilton is considered a four or five star athlete by various recruiting services, and is considered the no. 25 overall player in the 2013 class according to ESPN. He had announced that he was down to Baylor, UNLV, and UTEP, and with Coach Floyd's history with the Hamilton family, the Miners may just have a good chance.
Stay tuned for more information on UTEP recruiting information as we find out about it.