SB Nation - Traun Roberson

7 Thoughts From The Other Side: UTEP

Mike Fiammetta — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 17:38:35 -0000

Joel Stave is starting. Jared Abbrederis is back. A trip to Nebraska looms next week.

Those first two facts have generated some solid excitement -- or trepidation, if you're a Danny O'Brien guy -- over the course of this week. Heck, we're ready to get it on. We're (basically) out of the polls, Montee Ball is out of the Heisman Trophy race and everyone else in college football has devoted their sliver of Big Ten attention toward... Ohio State? Northwestern? Purdue?

Damn, these are dire times.

But in getting back to Nebraska, Saturday's game vs. UTEP provides a fascinating opportunity for evaluation with the Big Ten opener next on the docket. The Huskers undoubtedly remember last year's beatdown at Camp Randall in their first-ever conference game, and they're also hurting from a 2-1 start to the season. They'll be ready to stomp Wisconsin back into the submission felt after the Week 2 loss to Oregon State, and heck, they still want to prove Taylor Martinez can throw the football!

So with one eye on Nebraska and the other on making sure UTEP doesn't sneak in and pull a fast one on us, we're spending this week's "XX Thoughts From The Other Side" with SB Nation's fine UTEP blog, Miner Rush. Yes, we're back to seven questions. Hoo boy, buckle up.

1. B5Q: How has UTEPs 1-2 start to the season aligned with preseason expectations?

MR: The 1-2 start is almost exactly what most Miner fans expected heading into the season. Now, while we didn't expect to pick up wins against Oklahoma or at Ole Miss, it was disappointing that we were unable to capitalize on the opportunities that we had, in order to pick at least one of those games.

2. B5Q: Facing Oklahoma in Week 1 is a tough task for any program, no doubt. Were Miners fans able to glean anything from that 24-7 loss?

MR: As far as the Oklahoma game goes, there were definitely a couple of things that we were able to take away from it. First, our running back, sophomore Nathan Jeffery, proved that the preseason hype about him was warranted as he rushed for 177 yards on 21 carries, against what was supposed to be one of the better defenses in the Big 12. He also added a special teams touchdown, the only score of the game for us.

Also, we found out that our defense was for real. Granted, we've had some issues giving up the big play, as we did 1 or 2 times against OU. But, that unit, without their "best" linebacker, held a team that is supposed to be a national title contender, with a Heisman favorite quarterback to 10 points through 3 and a half quarters. They'll be up for the task, no matter who we're playing.

3. B5Q: On offense, what is the biggest story for UTEP entering this Wisconsin game?

MR: Well, Nathan Jeffery likely would have been the biggest story, but he actually strained his groin in that game against Oklahoma, missed the majority of the 4th quarter, and has missed the two games since. With him out though, it gave senior quarterback Nick Lamaison the opportunity to get the passing game going.

After a poor 6-23 effort that resulted in 39 yards and no scores in week 1, he has progressively gotten better over the last two weeks. Against Ole Miss he went 21-33 for 210 yards and 1 touchdown, and then this past week he went 21-32 for 300 and 4 touchdowns. Now, coming into the season, we expected that this team would be able to move to the ball through the air, so its no surprise, but it is nice to finally have that part of our offense clicking, heading into such a big game.

4. B5Q: And on defense?

MR: I would say that the biggest story on defense is our depth, but for multiple reasons. First, as mentioned before, we were without our top returning linebacker for the first couple weeks of the season. When you're missing your starting middle linebacker you'd probably expect quite the fall off with a backup. But, junior A.J. Ropati has stepped in and produced 22 stops already, including 11 this past weekend.

Now, the other side of the coin is that in other areas depth is somewhat of an issue. The secondary, while still fresh with the starters, has already seen a couple of guys miss time with injuries, especially at corner. Reserve corner Adrian James will be out with a high ankle sprain, and fellow reserve corner Traun Roberson has had some knee issues as well. We'll need that unit to be healthy, not just for this game, but for the rest of the season if we're expecting to have a successful one.

5. B5Q: In your mind, how do Wisconsin and UTEP match up, especially given the struggles each team has had this year?

MR: I think the two teams actually match up very well. I know that for the Badgers, the offense hasn't exactly been where most expected. From what I hear there's a bit of a quarterback controversy, and Montee Ball hasn't exactly been the force that he was a year ago. Because of that, a ton of pressure has been put on the defense to step up their play. So far, it seems like they've answered the call.

The Miners were in a similar boat for the first two weeks of the season. The offense just wasn't clicking, and a lot of pressure was put on the defense to keep us in games. However, if this last game was any indicator as to how we can expect this team to play, then we just might have found ourselves. Even so, the advantage that we gain there, if any, is likely wiped away by the simple fact that this game is being played at Camp Randall. Should be a competitive one.

6. B5Q: As much as you know about the Badgers -- and I don't think I could blame an out-of-market college football fan for keeping his eyes off the ugly football of the first three weeks here -- where can the Miners give them trouble?

MR: I haven't really been able to actually watch any Wisconsin games, but I keep up with most college football scores throughout the day, and boxscores at the end of the day, so I've seen what has happened over the opening weeks of the season. The one thing that I have heard is that much like the Miners, the Badgers have had issues giving up the big play every now and then. We were able to capitalize on that against New Mexico State over the weekend, and while they surely aren't a Big 10 defense, I'm hoping that we are able to do the same this week. We're going to need a big play every now and then, a momentum swinger, if we want to even give ourselves an opportunity to win this one.

7. B5Q: Lastly, this is a question we usually ask at the tail end of our Q&As -- should Wisconsin fans expect a noticeable contingent of UTEP fans? Saturday's game has an early 11:00 a.m. CT start, but sometimes that only fosters a great game day atmosphere at Camp Randall.

MR: I don't anticipate there being a real big UTEP contingent there in Madison. While we'll likely have a couple hundred Miner faithful cheering on the team, the mere fact that we are separated by about 1,500 miles will likely keep many fans watching from the comfort of their couches. I hope we get some good support, but I just don't expect it.

You can follow Miner Rush on Twitter @sbnminerrush. As always, Bucky's 5th Quarter is @B5Q. Keep it here the rest of the week for more previews and the GameThread on Saturday.

UTEP Football Progressing at Camp Socorro

asalom — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:00:44 -0000

Wednesday, after the first full day at Camp Socorro, UTEP head coach Mike Price wasn't completely thrilled with the way his team practiced. According to Price, it was ok, but the team needed to continue to get a little bit better, every single day. Of course, that's the exact purpose of this yearly voyage.

Many of these guys are still recovering from nicks and dings. Others, are barely making their way onto the roster. But today the Miners began to show that improvement, and if they can continue that through the end of camp, they should be just fine heading into the season opener on September 1st.

A major concern for the Miners, in this camp and those before, is getting players healthy, and being able to maintain that health as well. On Thursday, guys like Traun Roberson, Mike Edwards, Jordan Leslie, and Jamie Irving sat out for precautionary reasons, while senior safety Richard Spencer participated, but wore a red "no hit" jersey.

But, those who were held out of practice weren't the ones who made the biggest stories of the day. Many, especially some of the younger guys, showed some things, and truly began to earn their stripes on this Miner team. Perhaps the biggest play made, was by true freshman Nathaniel Rodriguez from right here in El Paso.

On a jump ball down the seam to 6'5 tight end Craig Wenrick, Rodriguez went up, tied up the ball in the air, and wrestled it away from Wenrick as they went to ground, claiming the interception. The play caused a roar from the defense, and even sparked some upper classmen to run out on the field to congratulate him.

Another player who showed promise, was 6'5 wide receiver Ian Hamilton. The sophomore juco transfer from Pasadena City College, who arrived on campus just weeks ago, made catch after catch, and once again showed us that deceptive speed.

True freshman quarterback Garrett Simpson, who stands all of his listed 6'6, looked far ahead of his time. While still not completely refined, in my opinion, as long as everything goes according to plan, Simpson could be the quarterback of the future for the Miners.

Although there wasn't a ton to judge him on, freshman running back Xay Williams looked great in drills. The speedy back was able to hit the open holes running, and also showed his ability to cut on a dime.

Of course though, there was plenty to be seen from the veterans of this Miner team as well. For one, Germard Reed, with his high motor, blew up a few plays in the backfield, and looked just as good as he ever has. Expect the front four of the defense to be the anchor of that unit.

The defensive secondary as whole looked much improved from a year ago, and made plenty of plays in today's practice. Even senior safety Richard Spencer, who is still getting back to full health, got in on the action in making an interception.

On offense, Nick Lamaison looked fine tuned for the most part, rarely missing his targets. Junior tight end Kevin Perry was extremely impressive. Not only do his hands and footwork seem to be better than ever, he's stronger, has put on 20 more pounds (now 270), and is still running a 4.67 40 yard dash.

But more than just Perry, the whole tight end crew looked impressive. Between the foursome that is Perry, Wenrick, Eric Tomlinson, and Katrae Ford, all have great hands and blocking skills, and they average 6'5 255lbs. There's not much more you can expect from a tight end. Or four.

The bottom line is, again, this team is improving. There may have been a little rust on day one of Camp Socorro, but little by little that rust is coming off. And assuming all goes according to plan, this should be a well oiled machine by the time the team returns back to El Paso.

As coach Price said in his media luncheon on Monday, his motto this year is: "stay healthy, stay fresh, one game at a time". At Camp Socorro the same principle applies. Stay healthy, stay fresh, one day at a time.

We have a couple more short video clips up on our YouTube Channel, and we'll be posting plenty more videos throughout the season. Make sure to check the channel out.

UTEP Football: Meet the Defense/Special Teams

asalom — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 21:21:17 -0000

Last week we went over our projections of the starters and reserves on the offensive side of the ball. This week, we'll go ahead and look at both the defense and the special teams. And, with Andre Patterson now in his 3rd year, and a couple of special teamers poised for all conference runs, we could be in for a solid year.

First up on the defense, is the line. In my opinion, this will be the group that will have to set the tone, if this defensive unit is going to have a successful season. And, it starts with junior DT Germard Reed, and junior DE Horace Miller. In 2011, Miller led the team in sacks with 5, and Reed was second with 4.

Opposite of Miller and Reed, are junior DT Marcus Bagley, and senior DE Greg Watkins. Watkins led all defensive linemen in tackles last year with 38, and also added 3 sacks. Bagley racked up 21 tackles, to go along with 3 QB hurries.

Here is a mock depth chart for the defensive line:

Defensive Tackle	Defensive End
JR. - Germard Reed	JR. - Horace Miller
JR. - Marcus Bagley	SR. - Greg Watkins

JR. - Adam Ayala	JR. - James Davidson
SR. - Ruben Munoz	SO. - Cooper Brock
FR. - Devante Richardson	FR. - Roy Robertson

Next up are the linebackers. While the defensive line and secondary both return a couple of starters and key reserves, the linbacking corp will actually be the most experienced unit for the defense. The first piece to that puzzle: senior Jamie Irving. Irving led the LBs in tackles (79) in 2010, but missed just about all of 2011 due to injury.

Irving will be back to take over the starting role at the middle linebacker position, playing alongside senior Josh Fely and senior Aubrey Alexius. Fely, who will start at weakside linebacker, actually came in third on the team in tackles last year (61, also 3 sacks), despite playing more of a reserve role.

Alexius will start on the strong side, and brings quite a bit of experience as well. He battled through injury last year, but is one who has played significant minutes through each of his first three years with the Miners. Guys like junior AJ Ropati, and sophomore Anthony Puente should also be competing for playing time in 2012.

Here is a mock depth chart for the linebackers

Linebackers
SR. - Jamie Irving
SR. - Josh Fely
SR. - Aubrey Alexius

JR. - AJ Ropati
SO. - Anthony Puente
SO. - DeAndre Little

The last group on the defense is the secondary. Unfortunately for this group, gone are guys like Antwon Blake, and Travaun Nixon. But, back are are two solid starters in FS DeShawn Grayson and CB Drew Thomas. Both are seniors, and together they will bring stability and experience in the secondary.

Senior Richard Spencer, who is now in his fourth year with the Miners, should get the starting job at the strong safety position. Starting opposite of Thomas, will be fellow senior Darren Woodard, who will have some big shoes to fill in stepping in for the departed Antwon Blake.

Much like the linebackers, this unit will start all seniors. Also look for senior S Derrick Morgan, and sophomore CB Traun Roberson to make a big impact in the secondary as well.

Here is a mock depth chart for the secondary:

Cornerbacks	Safeties
SR. - Drew Thomas	SR. - DeShawn Grayson
SR. - Darren Woodard	SR. - Richard Spencer

SO. - Traun Roberson	SR. - Derrick Morgan
JR. - Adrian James	SO. - Wesley Miller
	FR. - DaShone Smith

Overall, this defensive unit will have to replace a ton of production from 2011, after losing 7 of its 11 starters. However, considering there is so much experience returning, this unit should be just as good, if not better than last year's.

But, the one thing to consider is that the defense will have its plate full...from week 1. They will have to figure out how to stop Landry Jones in week 1, and Montee Ball in week 4, and a handful of other powerful offensive players throughout the year. Much like the offense though, if they can stay healthy, they should be in for a solid year.

Last, but not least, will be the special teams. And, by special teams, I mean senior P Ian Campbell, senior K Dakota Warren, and sophomore K Steven Valadez.

Campbell is an absolute stud punter, and has a great shot to make first team All Conference this year, and possible even more. Last year, he finished fourth nationally, with an average of 46.1 yards a punt, and was a second team All Conference selection, and a Ray Guy award semifinalist. He has already been named to the Ray Guy watch list for 2012.

Warren had a solid sophomore campaign, but struggled in his junior year, opening the door for Valadez. They enter 2012 as co-starters. However, if Warren can get back to his old form, I would expect him to handle field goals and extra points, while Valadez will take kickoffs. Valadez will then be the secondary field goal kicker, as well as the backup punter.

All in all, the Miners' special teams units in 2012 should be a strength for the team, especially when it comes to Campbell. Assuming everything goes as expected, he should once again be one of the top punters in the nation, and will truly be a weapon for the team.

Overall, this UTEP team will have a ton to work with in 2012. It won't be an easy road, but after talking to QB Nick Lamaison last week, it really seems like they are ready for a solid season. I've said 6-6 would probably be a fair expectation, but taking everything into consideration, 7-5, and possible better could still be in reach.

It'll be interesting to see how they put it all together, and if they can stay healthy and maintain their composure throughout a rough non-conference slate. No matter what though, should be a fun season. Can't wait. Go Miners!

When it Rains: Miner Frosh CB Traun Roberson Out for the Season

Adrian Mac — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:20:53 -0000

First, we hear almost immediately after the Houston game that UTEP lost veteran safety Braxton Amy for the season with an ACL injury. Now, we know that freshman Traun Roberson's first season as a Miner is officially over as well.

Coach Mike Price announced that Roberson is out for the year at today's media luncheon and he also provided us with more injury notes.

"(Cornerback) Traun Roberson will probably have surgery on his knee and is out for the season too. We'll petition to get that year back. Indications are that it could be an ACL. I don't know if (tight end) Elijah Goldtrap will be back this week. Jonny Moore is laboring a little bit too. He has a bruised groin, so we'd like to see Goldie in there if we can."

Roberson was injured playing special teams where he was starting to make an impact there. He was the District Champion at DeSoto High School in the 100m dash as a senior there. Hopefully Traun makes a full, speedy recovery.