UTEP Football: Pass rush dominates Wednesday scrimmage

Sky Logan and Dylan Parsee accounted for two sacks each, and the UTEP defense tallied seven altogether in Wednesday’s spring scrimmage in the Sun Bowl.

“The defense was flying around and they got after it,” UTEP coach Sean Kugler said. “They put a lot of pressure on the quarterback. Parsee had a good day. Devin Cockrell was flying all over the field. He had an interception and a couple of tackles for losses. He was a physical presence out there. He sparks the defense.”

Stephen Forester, Adrian Hynson and Lawrence Montegut added one sack apiece as the Miner stop troops turned in a spirited performance in a rare mid-week scrimmage.

“We just wanted to mix it up, change it up a little bit and get after them and set a good tempo right here, and probably wanted to space it out before we had our spring game,” Kugler said.

The Miner spring game will be held on Friday, April 14 at 6 p.m. in the Sun Bowl. Admission is free.

Another defensive standout for UTEP on Wednesday was Mike Sota, who was credited with a team-leading five tackles.

The defense surrendered only one touchdown, as Mark Torrez completed a 40-yard pass to Kavika Johnson for a score. Johnson is adjusting well to his new role at wide receiver as he tallied three catches for 45 yards.

Torrez finished 4-of-5 passing for 58 yards, and Ryan Metz was 6-for-9 for 40 yards with an interception.

The featured back on Wednesday was Ronald Awatt, who carried the ball 17 times for 42 yards. Kevin Dove added 34 yards on seven rushes.

“Offensively, Kevin Dove really did some good things at fullback and tailback,” Kugler said. “I saw some good things out of Torrez and Kavika Johnson. The tight ends did a couple of good things too.”

Newcomers David Lucero and Josh Weeks sparked the tight end contingent. Lucero had two catches for 16 yards and Weeks added one catch for eight yards.

The Miners have three practices remaining prior to the spring game – Friday, Monday and Wednesday. The spring game will feature a post-game autograph session with the UTEP seniors, as well as a free clinic for youth 13 and under.