UTEP Football: Defense keeps offense in check in first fall scrimmage

UTEP held their first scrimmage of fall camp on Tuesday, and it was the UTEP defense who made the most noise on a beautiful Ruidoso morning.

The tone was set during the move the ball period when defensive end Mike Sota picked off a pass from Zack Greenlee as it slipped out of his hand.

UTEP's quarterbacks were unable to get in a rhythm during the 80-yard move the ball period as the Miner D pass rush netted a pair of sacks during the move the ball period, and kept the offense out of the endzone during the move the ball period.

Alvin Jones led the defense with four tackles, both Nick Usher, and freshman Foster Dixson recorded a sack each, and safety Brendan Royal forced a fumble. The defense tallied four quarterback hurries.

Greenlee was 7-for-11 passing for 77 yards overall and threw a touchdown during redzone work, and has been taking first team snaps.

The Miners run game was a very positive spot, rushing for 133 yards on 28 carries led by Aaron Jones who ran for 48-yards on eight carries in his first game-like setting since last September.

Treyvon Hughes added 35 yards on the ground via eight carries.

UTEP's offense scored three times during the redzone period, Greenlee, Ryan Metz, and Kavika Johnson all scored touchdowns during the redzone period.

Metz scrambled for an 8-yard score, Johnson threw a touchdown pass to Tyler Batson, and Greenlee hooked up with Cole Freytag for a score.

Johnson threw a pair of touchdowns in the redzone work and finished the day 5-for-10 passing for 85 yards and the two redzone touchdowns.

A pair of ture freshman also made some plays on offense, and gave a small glimpse into the future.

Former El Paso Eastwood quarterback Mark Torrez and freshman running back Quadraiz Wadley connected on an 80-yard score during the move the ball segment.

UTEP's next and final scrimmage in Ruidoso is set for this coming Sunday at 8:45 a.m.