JUCO offensive lineman Tanner Stallings verbally committed to UTEP on December 3rd, and officially signed his letter of intent this morning to open the mid-year JUCO signing period.
Juco transfer Tanner Stallings signs with #UTEP football! #Minerstrong pic.twitter.com/nNuiZImx2m
— UTEP Miners (@UTEPAthletics) December 16, 2015
Made it official! #D1Dreams #blessed pic.twitter.com/eBjpzmoEOS
— Tanner Stallings (@tstal68) December 16, 2015
Stallings a 6'2, 300 pound interior lineman from Sterling, Kansas provides UTEP with much needed depth for 2016, and has impressive technique, awareness, and strength that should immediately translate at the FBS level based off his recent film.
His previous school, Hutchinson Community College averaged 244.8 rushing yards last year as Stallings helped pave the way as a center for four different rushers who had over 500-yards on the ground last year.
"Tanner fits the mold of the type of player we are trying to bring into our program," head coach Sean Kugler said. "He has a 3.85 GPA and will be an engineering student. On the field he is physical and relentless. He will be with us for the spring, which will benefit him greatly."
He figures to be in a position to battle for a depth chart spot either at center or guard, and will enroll at UTEP next semester and more importantly will participate in spring practice.
It appears JUCO recruiting wasn't a high priority for the class of 2016 as the JUCO offers have died down a bit outside of immediate needs over the past month. But a couple of names to watch until January 15th when the Mid-year signing period is over are WR Devin Elliott, and defensive back Jaylon Bowden.
UTEP has 10 verbal commits for the class of 2016.