UTEP's Antwon Blake Makes Final Jacksonville Jaguars Roster

Great new for ex-UTEP Miner defensive back Antwon Blake as he made the final 53 man roster for the Jacksonville Jaguars this past Saturday. Click here to see Blake's official biography on the Jaguars website which is still being populated. Blake signed a three year contract worth nearly $1.5 million. His base salary will be $390,000.00 in his rookie season.

The Jaguars signed Blake hours after April's NFL draft. Blake had forty-six tackles and an interception his senior year at UTEP. His junior season, he was in on 60 tackles and led the Miners with ten pass break-ups.

Blake knew he was on the bubble and was one of the last players to make the cut. SB Nations Big Cat Country has a good quote from Blake from the day before the final roster announcement:

Jaguars defensive back Antwon Blake on being a "bubble" guy: "I’d be lying if I said it won’t be on my mind a lot but I’m just going to try to do some things to keep my mind off of it right now because what’s done is done and I can just hope that I put enough on film for them to feel like they can use me in a good way. I’m putting it in God’s hands and the coaches hands and hopefully I come out on top."

Banyard on Injured Reserve (New Orleans Saints)

Miner fans will recall the Jaguars also signed UTEP running back Joe Banyard back in April. Banyard was waived on May 15, 2012. Banyard was subsequently picked up by the New Orleans Saints, who recently placed him on injured reserve.

Congratulations to Antwon and here's hoping Joe Banyard gets healthy.