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Next up in our Top Ten Players of The Mike Price era countdown is one of the most decorated offensive lineman in school history next to Sean Kugler, and Ed Hochuli, none other than current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Oniel Cousins.
Cousins wore the Orange and Blue in 34 career games, coming to El Paso from Fullerton, California, though was born in Jamaica.
He was the offensive anchor at left tackle during two very productive seasons in 2006 and 2007 for the Miner offense.
As a junior in 2006 helped the offense score 30 points or more, and rack up 400 yards of total offense in five games, Cousins started all 12 games in 2006.
His senior year, Cousins paved the way for a 1,000 yard rusher who scored 16 touchdowns (Marcus Thomas), and protected a 3,000 yard passer (Trevor Vittatoe), Vittatoe also threw 25 touchdowns in 2007 as well.
Originally recruited as a defensive lineman, Cousins made the full transition from the D-line to the O-line after his redshirt freshman season at UTEP, he also had a banner year at defensive lineman during his senior year of high school.
After his solid final two seasons as a starter at tackle, Cousins was a third round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Cousins was a reserve/fill in starter during his Raven career until he signed with the Cleveland Browns late in training camp in August of 2011.
He started four games in three seasons with the Brownies in the same role he played in Baltimore, though finally found his starting gig this spring when he signed with the Buccaneers.
As Cousins enters his eighth NFL season, he is listed as a starter at right guard under first year head coach Lovie Smith in Tampa.
They say offensive lineman get no love, but if you followed UTEP football during his tenure, you know that Cousins was one of most talented players on a high octane, skilled player stacked offensive unit.
Mike Price Era Honorable Mention
Marcus Thomas-RB
Jeff Moturi-WR
Chris Mineo-DL
Joe West-WR
Braxton Amy-DB
Jose Martinez-K