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It was a busy day for UTEP defensive coordinator Tom Mason on Monday as UTEP continues to mold what is expected to be a smaller than usual recruiting class with just 12 available scholarships for the 2017 cycle ahead of National Signing Day on Wednesday.
Tyson Wilson, a 5'11, 170 pound corner back from McKinney, Texas announced that he has flipped his commitment from Harding University to UTEP, and El Paso High linebacker Javaughn Thomas also confirmed that he is committed to UTEP
Along with those two prospects, Allen linebacker James (Misi) Tupou also committed to Sean Kugler and the Miners giving Tom Mason three defensive pieces for the future.
Wilson recorded 11 interceptions over the past two seasons for McKinney High School earning District 10-5A First Team honors this past season. He was also an All-Collin County Second Team selection adding two defensive touchdowns to his 2016 stat line.
Thomas, 6'3, 220 pounds, told the El Paso Times he would be used as a defensive end at UTEP after being used in a number of capacities at El Paso High for head coach Robert Morales.
The versatile Thomas ran for 135 yards and five touchdowns, and caught five passes for 88 yards this past season in a limited offensive role. As a linebacker, he recorded 58 tackles last season, and tallied 137 tackles over his three year varsity career.
Tupou is the younger brother of UTEP’s 2016 signee Sione Tupou who is also an inside linebacker. The younger Tupou decommitted from the The Citadel and will join his brother in the linebackers room.
At 5’11, 220 pounds, Tupou was a three-time all district selection and was named to the the Associated Press’ 6A All-State team after helping Allen to a 14-1 record in the 2016 season.
UTEP also got a preferred walk-on commit from El Paso Americas defensive end Mike Munoz who was among the state’s leaders in sacks this past prep season.
The Miners now have 11 high school scholarship offered commits for 2017, to go along with three JUCO signees who are already on campus for the class of 2017 which will be announced on Wednesday.
— Ty (@TysonWilson20) January 31, 2017
✍ ️. pic.twitter.com/92k0XW4crx
— james tupou (@tupou54) January 31, 2017
UTEP football getting a steal in El Paso High LB Javaughn Thomas. El Paso coach Robert Morales confirmed Thomas accepted UTEP offer to sign
— Felix Chavez (@Fchavezeptimes) January 30, 2017
Thank you for the opportunity! Can't wait to get to work! #PicksUp pic.twitter.com/ptn47ghVsl
— Mike Munoz (@Mike_Munoz88) January 31, 2017