UTEP Football: Josh Fields signs with UTEP

It was described as a signing day surprise by Sean Kugler, but highly regarded El Paso running back Josh Fields is officially a Miner.

“We’re very excited about this young man.” Kuger said of Fields. “I really feel he’s the best player in El Paso. He’s probably the most qualified player that we have recruited to take over an offense since Aaron Jones.”

Fields, a 247Sports three-star prospect ran for 1,000 yards in each of his three varsity seasons at Americas, and is one of the most productive backs to ever play prep ball in El Paso.

He ended his high school career with a banner season rushing for 2,477 yards, including a pair of 400-yard rushing games. He also led the city in rushing touchdowns this past season, and was named El Paso Times offensive MVP and was also an Associated Press 6A First Team member.

“This is one of the best players to come out of El Paso in a very long time.” Kugler added. “We are extremely excited for him to be a part of our program. They didn’t have to sell me, his film did the trick but when I went in that home, I have to say this, and no offense to any other parents, this was the best home cooked meal I have ever had. You can only go visit once a week but I almost wanted to test that policy.”

Fields continues a tradition of elite El Paso running backs to continue their careers at UTEP, something recently magnified by Aaron Jones, but Fields now adds his name to the list which is considerably long.

Other options for Fields were Air Force, Louisiana-Monroe, and New Mexico.

He ended his high school career as El Paso’s second all-time high school football rusher with 5,151 yards behind former Texas Tech wide receiver Eddie Britton.

Fields will now enter a competition to replace Aaron Jones which will start in Fall camp.