Let's Discuss the Cupboard

[kyyote]

When Kugler got the job he instantly started complaining about the cupboard being bare.  Price was looking at an easy schedule and it was almost a guarantee of at least a 5 win season.  Remember when 5 wins wasn't cutting it.  What a laugh that makes of the last few years, right.  But, I digress.   Back to the bare cupboard.  The bare cupboard is what Kugler used for his successful season.  What was bare was Kugler's head.  But, he was single minded and it soon became harder and harder to run the ball on every play-until it was too late.  The offensive line Guru of the NFL couldn't run the ball well enough to win.  Since it couldn't possibly be the running every down, it must be the players.  If you think that the genius Offensive Line Coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers 1) couldn't recruit an offensive lineman and or 2) couldn't teach them how to block then you have to believe we walked on a Hollywood set instead of the Moon.  Does the name Aaron Jones mean anything to you?  And everyone knew what the play was going to be.  But, when they realize they can put 8 in the box even Kugler's line couldn't sustain drives.  Now, Dimel arrives and finds the cupboard is bare.  Well, Kugler always believed he was so close.  With a bare cupboard?  Let's take a close look at the cupboard, shall we.

Let us begin with the line, the heart of the offense.
From the 2019 Media Guide;

"Last year. the Miners suffered multiple season-ending injuries early on that hindered the offensive line. Senior Derron Gatewood and junior Greg Long both missed the entire 2018 season due to injury. UTEP enters 2019 with more strength, returning eight players who have combined for 84 starts. Gatewood brings the most experience to the line, having made 22 starts. Also adding depth at the line are seniors Ruben Guerra, Long, Markos Lujan and Bijan Hosseini. Guerra has made 15 collegiate starts and has seen action at center, right guard and right tackle. Long saw action in nine games and started in four as a true freshman. Lujan started in 11 games last season, making nine starts at center. Hosseini played in 10 games and made six total starts in 2018. Sophomore Bobby DeHaro was relied on the most last season, starting in all 12 games. The El Paso native was the most consistent part of the offensive line, starting at left guard in 11 games. The Miners also turned to true freshman Zuri Henry to step in at the left tackle position last season. Henry made his first career start against Northern Arizona and made eight starts. Freshman Elijah Klein also took to the field during the 2018 campaign. The true freshman started in four games before redshirting the remainder of the season."

Here is the  Offensive Linemen unit;
Red Shirt Seniors and Seniors

Derron Gatewood 2 years varsity at Permian HS 2014 RS   15 F Played in 5 games  16 Started 12  17 played11 start10  18 Injured
Bijan Hosseini 15-16 Colleges 17  Played in 1 in 18 as a RSJ played 10/started 6
Markos Lujan 3 yrs Varsity Americas HS 15 RS  16 played 1 17 played 5  18 started 11
Ruben Guerra  15 RS 16 played 1  17 11 games started 8  18 Junior started 7 b4 injury

Juniors and Redshirt Juniors
Greg Long 2 y V @Eastwood 1-6 All Dist  16 F play9/srt4  17 Spl 2 inj.  18 RSS Inj
Darta Lee*   16  U Il srt 2  17 Kilg. Col.  18 pl2 inj
Robert Mervin* 17 18 JC

Sophomores
Jamie Perales 2 yrs vars @ Cathedral  17 RS  18 RSF played 2
Bobby DeHaro 3 yrs V @ Montwood   17 RS  18 RSF Start 12 gms C-USA Hon Men
Robt Lazarin 4 yrs v Eastlake  17 RS  18 played 10
Zuri Henry* 6A 1st Team  18 8 gms 8 srts
Tres Barraza*  17 JC   18 S play2

* players I think are Dimel's

I didn't include newer additions as I figure they are Dimel's


This is what he inherited and added.  You look at the Hogs and tell me the cupboard was bare!  He may have had troubles with injuries last year, but the offensive line was sure as fuck not bare.  The media says they were stacked with talent and experience!

That is enough for today.  More to come.

[SisyphusMiner]

I can't figure out if this is serious or facetious?

The line was experienced.  That says nothing about talent.
Aaron Jones was the reason for Aaron Jones success.  An RB like that playing in CUSA is going to get his yards.
The year after Aaron Jones left the running success did not continue. We averaged less than 100 yards per game and that was all we tried to do!

The O line was completely dominated by the D in every game we played in 2017.  What are you smoking?

Now i will totally grant that the line has not improved at all.  Nor has any other aspect of the game.  But saying we had a talented O line is nuts.

[kyyote]

I can't figure out if this is serious or facetious?

The line was experienced.  That says nothing about talent.
Aaron Jones was the reason for Aaron Jones success.  An RB like that playing in CUSA is going to get his yards.
The year after Aaron Jones left the running success did not continue. We averaged less than 100 yards per game and that was all we tried to do!

The O line was completely dominated by the D in every game we played in 2017.  What are you smoking?

Now i will totally grant that the line has not improved at all.  Nor has any other aspect of the game.  But saying we had a talented O line is nuts.

That is my point!  If there is no threat of a pass 8 men in the box can stop the run.  Think of the Steelers with no passing game at all.   Other teams would just stuff the line and stop the run!  Talent?  Do you figure Kugler, an NFL O-Line coach couldn't attract talent, couldn't judge it, or couldn't develop it? There's enough smoke for both of us I guess!  lol 

[UTEPDefense]

I think that Sisyphus makes a solid point, that just because they are experienced O-linemen doesn’t mean that they are talented O-linemen.  If we use 247sports recruiting rankings as a reference, then the highest ranked O-lineman that Kugler left behind for Dimel was Rueben Guerra, a 2 star recruit with a .7581 recruiting ranking.  All other O-linemen left for Dimel, including Long(.7481) and Gatewood(.7330) were even lower ranked recruits and their low offers out of high school matched their low recruiting rankings. 

By comparison, Dimel has already signed 8 O-linemen in just his 2 years here that all have a recruiting ranking higher than .7581.  That means Dimel has already signed 8 O-lineman that are ranked higher than anybody that he inherited, according to 247sports rankings.

I will certainly agree that Dimel probably should have gotten better production out of his team this season, than he has thus far.  But if the question is solely if he inherited poor talent on the O-line?, then the answer seems to be yes, at least according to 247sports recruiting rankings.  Dimel also seems to be making some progress in improving this level of O-line talent.

[kyyote]

Well, I would trust the NFL O-Line Coach with years of experience over o-linemen than 247sports.  But for discussion's sake do you think Kugler couldn't recruit o-linemen and Dimel can?  You would think that an o-lineman would want to learn from the master. When looking at the linemen Dimel has brought in, if they are better talent why isn't he playing them?  The first year of recruits have already redshirted. Also, I noticed that Dimel has also seen fit to recruit some El Paso kids in the 8 or so he has brought in.  So, Dimel feels that there is talent in El Paso that is talented enough.  I looked and perhaps should have included the high school stats I guess, but I really figure Kugler's evaluation of o-linemen talent is as good as 247sports.  Better, most likely.  But, I could be wrong, of course.  That seems to be the case, more and more.  The older I get the stupider I get.  Or maybe I am just finally figuring it out.  Anyways, according to the logic, there are 4 or 5 Redshirt Freshmen that are more talented that the Kugler linemen that aren't being played.  What would Dimel be saving them for?

How were Elmendorf and Will Hernandez rated? 

From the 2018 Media Guide:

"Senior starting center Derron Gatewood was named to the Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List as announced by the selection committee on May 30. The Rimington Trophy is presented annually to the most outstanding center in NCAA Division I college football. Gatewood will be in the spotlight on the offensive line in 2018 after starting 10 games at the center position last season. The Odessa, Texas, native also garnered All-Conference USA honorable mention recognition last season. Gatewood made his big splash in 2016 when he started all 12 games, playing both center and right guard. The winning center will be recognized at the Rimington Trophy Presentation at the Rococo Theater in Lincoln, Neb. on Saturday, January 12, 2019."


From the guide, here are the starting o-linemen;
Ruben Guerra LT
"018 (JUNIOR): Started the first seven games before missing the remainder of the season due to an injury … started first ever game at the center position against Northern Arizona  … made four starts at the right guard position and two starts at the right tackle position … efforts on offensive line helped the rushing attack gain a season-high 265 yards for a season-best 7.2 average with three scores at UNLV … the Miners rushed for 235 yards against rival NM State … passing game threw for 313 yards against North Texas and another 284 yards at LA Tech.

2017 (SOPHOMORE): Played in 11 contests, making eight starts at the right tackle position … offensive line allowed zero sacks against WKU and UTSA … O-line allowed one sack at no. 7 Oklahoma and at North Texas … running game hit 100 yards or more in seven contests while rushing touchdowns were scored in the first six games of the season … Miners rushed for season-high two touchdowns against UTSA … Miners gained a season-high 410 yards of total offense and rushed for season-most 164 yards with a score against LA Tech, in which Joshua Fields hit a career-high 137 yards … Miners rushed for 163 yards and a score against WKU.

2016 (FRESHMAN): Saw action against North Texas.

2015 (REDSHIRT FRESHMAN): Redshirted.

PRIOR TO UTEP: Played two seasons of varsity football for the Patriots (17 games) ... played tackle on the offensive and defensive lines ... tallied six tackles (four solo) during his career ... registered two stops during senior season ... efforts helped Liberty High School to a 10-3 overall mark and an undefeated (5-0) league record ... named to preseason All-Central Section first team prior to 2014 campaign ... created holes and paved the way for Patriots' rushers to gain 2,442 yards and 32 touchdowns as a team (187.8 ypg) ... Liberty quarterbacks threw for 2,227 yards and 18 scores ... Patriots rushed for 289 yards and four scores during a win over Garces ... Liberty rushers ran for a season-high 302 yards and three touchdowns during a victory over Bakersfield in the quarterfinals at the 2014 CIF Central Section High School Football Playoffs."

Bobby DeHaro LG
018 All-Conference USA Honorable Mention

2018 (RS FRESHMAN): Started all 12 games … earned Conference USA Honorable Mention … started 10 contests at the left guard position … made two starts at the left tackle position (at LA Tech, vs. Southern Miss) … made first career start against Northern Arizona at the left guard position … only UTEP offensive linemen to start all 12 games … efforts on offensive line helped UTEP rushers gain 1,484 yards and tally 17 touchdowns … the Miners averaged 123.7 yards per game … rushing attack gained a season-high 265 yards for a season-best 7.2 average with three scores at UNLV … the Miners scored five rushing touchdowns and gained 200 yards rushing during a victory at Rice … passing game threw for 313 yards against North Texas and another 284 yards at LA Tech … passing game tallied season-high 342 yards on 15 completions at WKU.

2017: Redshirted.

PRIOR TO UTEP: Played three years of varsity football on the offensive line at Montwood ... played a little on the defensive line for the Rams ... Montwood quarterbacks averaged 255.3 yards per game, while ball carriers averaged 133.4 yards per contest ... overall averaged 388.8 yards of total offense ... Rams rushing attack gained a season-high 253 yards on 34 attempts (7.4 avg.), while the passing attack registered 325 yards on 12 completions during a 28-14 win over Midland ... in consecutive weeks, the Rams passed for 300-plus yards - 365 yards on 25 completions versus Eastwood and a season-high 366 on 14 completions against Socorro ... Montwood also rushed for 220 yards on 26 carries (8.5 avg.) and a pair of scores against Socorro ... All-District the last three years, including being named All-District 1-6A first team offense in 2015 ... named to El Paso Times All-City first team offense for a second consecutive year ... played at the offensive tackle position in the 24th Annual Greater El Paso Football Showcase All-Star Football Game in the Sun Bowl.
Derron Gatewood C
2017 Athlon Sports Preseason All-C-USA Fourth Team
C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019)

2018 (SENIOR): Missed entire season due to injury.

2017 (JUNIOR): Made 10 starts in 11 contests played, missed one game due to injury and one start due to ‘Senior Day’ … offensive line allowed zero sacks against WKU and UTSA … O-line allowed one sack at no. 7 Oklahoma and at North Texas … running game hit 100 yards or more in seven contests while rushing touchdowns were scored in the first six games of the season … Miners rushed for season-high two touchdowns against UTSA … Miners rushed for season-most 164 yards and a score against LA Tech, in which Joshua Fields hit a career-high 137 yards … Miners rushed for 163 yards and a score against WKU.

2016 (SOPHOMORE): Started all 12 games, getting the nod at the center position the first five games and starting the final seven games at the right guard position … played on an offensive line that paved the way for Aaron Jones to rush for a single-season program-record 1,773 yards, while Jones also became UTEP’s all-time leading rusher … Miners averaged 185.5 rushing yards per game and scored 20 touchdowns on the ground … the offensive line yielded 22 sacks (1.83 per game), ranking in the top half of Conference USA … capped campaign with a career-high 555 yards of total offense, including a career-best 384 yards rushing (most since 1983) and four scores during a victory against North Texas … opened season with 518 yards of total offense against rival NM State, while rushing for 289 yards … rushed for 323 yards against Houston Baptist … followed with 237 yards rushing at Florida Atlantic.

2015 (FRESHMAN): Played in five contests at the center and right guard positions … saw action against Incarnate Word when the Miners passed for a season-high 280 yards and a pair of scores during the victory … played during the win over Florida Atlantic where the Miners threw for 271 yards and rushed for another 137 … saw time against Texas Tech, as UTEP gained 414 total yards (second-most during 2015).

2014: Redshirted.

PRIOR TO UTEP: A two-year starter for the Panthers ... earned a spot on the 2013 Dave Campbell's Texas Football Super Team third team ... gave up zero sacks during the 2013 campaign, garnering All-State Honorable Mention honors ... named to the 2013 All-District 2-5A Superlatives first team and 2012 All-District 2-5A Superlative second team ... an All-Region Football honoree, a All-Permian Basin candidate and a three-time Academic All-District recipient ... played baseball for two seasons.
Greg Long G
2017 Phil Steele's Preseason All-C-USA First Team
2016 All-C-USA Freshman Team

2018 (RS SOPHOMORE): Missed entire 2018 season due to injury.

2017 (SOPHOMORE): Started first two games of season at the right tackle position before missing the rest of the campaign due to season-ending injury … offensive line surrendered only one sack at no. 7 Oklahoma.

2016 (FRESHMAN): Played in nine games, starting four as a true freshman … named to Conference USA All-Freshman team … saw first game action against Army and made first career start against Southern Miss at the right guard position … made switch to left tackle, getting starts at LA Tech, against FIU and at UTSA … efforts on offensive line helped Miners average 185.5 rushing yards per game and score 20 rushing touchdowns, while efforts aided Aaron Jones to rush for a single-season program-record 1,773 yards … the offensive line yielded 22 sacks (1.83 per game), ranking in the top half of C-USA … closed the campaign with a season-high 555 yards of total offense, while rushing for a season-best 384 yards (most since 1983) and four scores during a season-finale victory against North Texas … produced 323 yards rushing against Houston Baptist and followed with 237 rushing yards at Florida Atlantic.

PRIOR TO UTEP: Played two years of varsity football on the offensive and defensive line ... named All-City Offense first team ... earned All-District 1-6A first team honors ... efforts on offensive line helped Eastwood tally 2,038 rushing yards on 288 carries (7.1 avg.) with 16 touchdowns, while the quarterbacks passed for 2,430 yards, 29 touchdowns and only seven interceptions on 238 attempts ... recorded 12 (8s/4a) tackles during his career, with a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry ... played in the El Paso All-Star game.
Jerrod Brooks RT
2017 (JUNIOR): Played in all 12 contests, making three starts on the offensive line … offensive line allowed zero sacks against WKU and UTSA … O-line allowed one sack at no. 7 Oklahoma and at North Texas … running game hit 100 yards or more in seven contests while rushing touchdowns were scored in the first six games of the season … Miners rushed for season-high two touchdowns against UTSA … Miners gained a season-high 410 yards of total offense and rushed for season-most 164 yards with a score against LA Tech, in which Joshua Fields hit a career-high 137 yards … Miners rushed for 163 yards and a score against WKU.

2016 (SOPHOMORE): Played in all 12 games, while starting the first five contests at the right tackle position … was used in multiple run-blocking schemes … efforts helped Aaron Jones gain a single-season program-record 1,773 yards, while Jones also became UTEP’s all-time leading rusher … UTEP averaged 185.5 rushing yards per game and found the end zone 20 times, including a season-best 384 yards rushing (most since 1983) and four touchdowns during a victory over North Texas to close out the season … tallied a season-high 555 yards of total offense against the Mean Green … opened season with 518 total yards of offense, including 289 yards on the ground versus NM State … produced 323 rushing yards against Houston Baptist, while following with another 237 rushing yards at Florida Atlantic.

2015 (FRESHMAN): Saw action in the last four contests of the season at the left tackle position … the offensive line only yielded four sacks during the final four games of 2015, while UTEP signal callers threw seven touchdowns to only three interceptions … efforts helped the Miners rush for 226 yards against LA Tech … UTEP rushers gained 187 yards and a score during a win at North Texas in the season finale … UTEP averaged 169.8 rushing yards per game in the last four contests – its best average during a four-game span in 2015.

2014: Redshirted.

PRIOR TO UTEP: Named to All-District 11-4A football team ... allowed zero sacks ... played on an offense that scored 426 points in 11 games (ranked second in district) ... Seagoville finished second in district in rushing yards per game (265 yards per game) - 10 yards behind Dallas Carter - and rushed for 35 touchdowns ... helped the Dragons advance to the 2013 UIL State Football Playoffs ... was part of the track and field team at Seagoville where he competed in the shot put and discus throw.

Two of the starters were injured for the season but that isn't Kugler's fault and he left them in the cupboard.

I think Brooks may have left the team, I don't know.  But Kugler left him sitting on the cupboard, too.

2 deep o-line backups;

Josiah Gray
Left maybe
Markos Lujan
2018 (JUNIOR): Started the final 11 games … made nine starts at the center position and two starts at the right guard position … efforts on offensive line helped UTEP rushers gain 1,484 yards and tally 17 touchdowns … the Miners averaged 123.7 yards per game … rushing attack gained a season-high 265 yards for a season-best 7.2 average with three scores at UNLV … the Miners scored five rushing touchdowns and gained 200 yards rushing during a victory at Rice … passing game threw for 313 yards against North Texas and another 284 yards at LA Tech … passing attack tallied season-high 342 yards on 15 completions at WKU.

2017 (SOPHOMORE): Played in five contests (at no. 7 Oklahoma, vs. WKU, at North Texas, vs. LA Tech, at UAB) … offensive line allowed one sack at OU and at North Texas … Miners gained a season-high 410 yards of total offense and rushed for season-most 164 yards with a score against LA Tech, in which Joshua Fields hit a career-high 137 yards … Miners rushed for 163 yards against WKU.

2016 (FRESHMAN): Saw playing time against North Texas.

2015: Redshirted.

PRIOR TO UTEP: Three-year varsity football player for Americas High School ... played guard on the offensive line, helping the Trail Blazers rush for 2,586 yards on 469 carries (5.5 avg.) and 24 touchdowns ... named 2014 All-District 1-6A first team, 2014 All-City first team and Preseason All-City first team ... two Americas players rushed for over 1,000 yards each and combined for 24 scores ... the team averaged 235.1 rushing yards per game and 156.6 passing yards per contest ... the Trail Blazers gained 242 rushing yards and four touchdowns in a victory over Montwood ... Americas rushed for 264 yards and four touchdowns, while passing for 230 yards and two scores during a win over Coronado ... member of the East Side All-Star team.
Bijan Hosseini
2018 (RS JUNIOR): Played in 10 games, making six starts … made four starts at the right guard position and two at the center position … efforts on offensive line helped UTEP rushers gain 1,484 yards and tally 17 touchdowns … the Miners rushed for 154 yards and two touchdowns at UTSA … passing game tallied season-high 342 yards on 15 completions at WKU.

2017 (JUNIOR): Saw action at no. 7 Oklahoma … offensive line surrendered one sack against the Sooners.

PRIOR TO UTEP: Played sophomore year (2016) at Chaffey College on the offensive line, starting all 10 games … started seven games during freshman year (2015) at Fullerton College.
Robert Lazarin

2018 (FRESHMAN): Played in 10 contests.

2017: Redshirted.

PRIOR TO UTEP: Played on the offensive line all four years on the varsity squad at Eastlake High School … Falcons posted a 35-14 record (2013-16), including an 11-2 mark in 2015 with a pair of playoff victories … in 2016, Eastlake rushed for 2,610 yards on 380 attempts (6.9 avg.) and 33 touchdowns; Falcons threw for 2,863 yards, 28 scores and only eight interceptions … in 2015, the Falcons racked up 3,141 yards on 466 carries (6.7 avg.) and 35 touchdowns, while passing for 3,064 yards and 29 scores.
Gamaliel Barboza
2018 (SOPHOMORE): Played in two games … saw first action of season against UAB … made first start at left guard against Southern Miss.

PRIOR TO UTEP: Played in eight contests at Tyler Junior College in 2017 … Tyler averaged 30.3 points per game and 375.4 yards of total offense per game, including 183.1 rushing yards per game with 17 rushing scores … played two seasons on the varsity squad at Medina Valley High School (Castroville, Texas) … played offense and defense while in high school, tallying 32 tackles … in 2015, MVHS averaged 139.5 rushing yards per game and scored 17 rushing touchdowns, while the Panthers’ quarterbacks threw for 2,376 yards and 22 scores.


So, I will add the bio's for Dimel's first recruiting class of o-linemen and see if we can see the big difference.  I still ask if you figure Kugler just couldn't recruit Offensive Linemen, the NFL Offensive Line Guru couldn't recruit o-linemen?  Then we are asking the wrong questions, or something!

[UTEPDefense]

I don’t know if Dimel can recruit better O-linemen than Kugler.  I am just saying that 247sports is a way of analyzing independent numbers for comparison and according to their numbers, Dimel did not inherit a high level of O-line talent. 

Everybody knows that recruiting rankings are not everything, but finishing dead last in the CUSA recruiting rankings is exactly what happened here year after year prior to Dimel arriving.  So it’s entirely possible that Dimel did inherit a low level of talent.

Also, while they can’t properly review everybody and there will always be misses, I do think that 247sports currently has the most reliable rankings for mid-majors.

[kyyote]

I am trying to pull up the players Dimel brought in for 2018.

Andrew Meyer
2018: Redshirted.

PRIOR TO UTEP: Three-year letterwinner for San Marcos High School … played exclusively on the offensive line as a sophomore in 2015 while was listed as both and offensive and defensive lineman his final two campaigns … aided the Knights to forge a combined mark of 24-11 during his career, including a record of 9-3 as a senior in 2017 … in 2017 was part of an offensive line that accounted for 354.8 yards per game (3133 receiving yards, 1125 rushing yards) … the squad checked in at 16.1 yards per catch and 4.4 yards per carry … helped San Marcos HS produce 300.9 yards of total offense per game (2538 receiving yards, 1073 rushing yards) in 2016 … as a sophomore the team posted 398.4 yards of total offense per game (3248 passing yards, 1135 rushing yards).

Elijah Klein

2018 (FRESHMAN): Started in all four games played before redshirting the remainder of the season … started four consecutive games on the offensive line … started at the left tackle position against UAB and at WKU … started at the right guard position at Rice and against Middle Tennessee … the Miners threw for season-high 342 yards at WKU … UTEP rushed for 200 yards and five scores during a victory at Rice … Miners rushed for 115 yards and two scores, threw for 218 yards and a pair of touchdown tosses against Middle Tennessee.

PRIOR TO UTEP: Played on the varsity squad at Upland High School during the 2016 and 2017 seasons … named to 2017 All-Baseline League first team offense … the Highlanders averaged 49.8 points per game and posted a 12-1 overall mark with a 5-0 league record, while advancing to the Division 2 semifinals … the Upland rushing attack gained 3,269 yards on 395 carries (8.3 avg.) and amassed 50 rushing scores … the passing game combined for 2,658 yards on 155 completions, 33 passing scores and only eight interceptions on 244 attempts … the Highlanders went over 400 yards of total offense in 11 games and over 500 yards of total offense in three of those contests … Upland rushed for a season-high 380 yards during a win against Great Oak … the Highlanders rushed for seven scores twice during the season – the first came during a 77-21 win versus Etiwanda and the second was a 59-20 victory over Cathedral (Calif.) … Upland passed for 276 yards and six scores during a 62-3 triumph against Claremont … in 2016, the Highlanders advanced to the state playoffs … Upland combined for over 2,300 rushing yards and averaged 30.5 points per game.


Tristin Tuialuuluu
2018: Redshirted.

PRIOR TO UTEP: Started in 35 straight varsity games and was a three-time All-District performer on the offensive line at Del Valle High School (2015-17) … registered 86 pancake blocks during career, including 48 in 2017 … named 2-5A Offensive Lineman of the Year as efforts at the left tackle position propelled the Conquistadores to a 10-2 overall record with an 8-0 mark in league play and a trip to the state playoffs … Del Valle rushed for 2,331 yards and 27 touchdowns, while DV quarterbacks combined for 3,113 yards passing (229-336 – 68 percent) with 28 touchdowns and only five interceptions … named 2016 All-District 2-5A first team as Del Valle posted a 7-4 overall record (7-1 district) in 2016 with an appearance in the state playoffs after rushing for 2,354 yards and 37 scores … named All-District 2-5A first team offense as the Conquistadores went 9-3 overall in 2015 and rushed for 2,616 yards with 34 rushing scores.


Zuri Henry

2018 (FRESHMAN): Started in all eight games played as a true freshman at the left tackle position (one of eight true freshmen in FBS to start season opener) … made first career start against Northern Arizona … started first six games of the season, started at Rice and against Middle Tennessee … efforts on offensive line helped UTEP rushers gain 1,484 yards and tally 17 touchdowns … the Miners averaged 123.7 yards per game … rushing attack gained a season-high 265 yards for a season-best 7.2 average with three scores at UNLV … the Miners scored five rushing touchdowns and gained 200 yards rushing during a victory at Rice … passing game threw for 313 yards against North Texas.

PRIOR TO UTEP: Played three seasons (2015-17) on the varsity squad at Wylie High School … played offensive tackle and defensive end in high school … named to 2017 6-6A All-District first team offense … the Pirates passed for 2,107 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while rushing for 1,985 yards and 15 scores in 2017 … registered a tackle in 2016 … Wylie threw for 2,328 yards with 24 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,501 yards and 16 scores to advance to the state playoffs in 2016 … in 2015, the Pirates posted an overall record of 9-5 while winning a pair of contests in the state playoffs … Wylie threw for 2,983 yards and 23 scores and rushed for 2,092 yards and 26 touchdowns

Gamaliel 'Tres' Barboza2018 (SOPHOMORE): Played in two games … saw first action of season against UAB … made first start at left guard against Southern Miss.

PRIOR TO UTEP: Played in eight contests at Tyler Junior College in 2017 … Tyler averaged 30.3 points per game and 375.4 yards of total offense per game, including 183.1 rushing yards per game with 17 rushing scores … played two seasons on the varsity squad at Medina Valley High School (Castroville, Texas) … played offense and defense while in high school, tallying 32 tackles … in 2015, MVHS averaged 139.5 rushing yards per game and scored 17 rushing touchdowns, while the Panthers’ quarterbacks threw for 2,376 yards and 22 scores.


From the 2019 Media Guide;
Returning Starters;
69 Markos Lujan OL SR
61 Ruben Guerra OL SR
73 Bobby DeHaro OL SO
68 Zuri Henry OL SO

One, Henry, I believe is Dimel's. 

So, when will all of that talent at O-line that Dimel brought in play?  Henry was a winner evidently, but remember that injuries to starters-NOT an empty cupboard took two starters out.  Not Kugler's fault and Jerrod Brooks a three year letterman left the team, also not Kugler's fault nor was he lacking "talent"  Where are Dimel's great new talent o-linemen?  You men to tell me that his redshirted talented stars can't take the jobs from Kugler's holdovers?   How can that be?  I mean that 247sports talent should be better than the Kugler experience NO Talents, right?

Again, you are telling me that Kugler's linemen had less talent(according to 247sports because they are better judges of "talent" than an NFL line coach) and yet after two recruiting seasons only one has been able to fill a spot that was vacated by injury.  Dimel is still playing the less talented players left by Kugler.  Why would that be?

I'm telling you that the cupboard was NOT left bare.  I'm telling you that if I had to choose o-linemen on a list judged by 247sports or Kugler, I would take the Kugler list.  I believe Kugler knew more than a recruiting service that doesn't use NFL O-line coaches to rate their players.  That's just me though.

Two years to get better players than what he inherited from Kugler and he must still be hiding them so that they won't spoil our perfect record of losses.  Do you really believe that?

Kugler couldn't sustain the running game because he ran every damned play and defenses began to understand that.  That was THE stupidity that failed him-not that he had no talent on the line!  And Dimel with his 247sports "talent" has not jumped into the fray because their talent can't win them the job.  The cupboard may not have been stocked with 4 star recruits, but the fucking cupboard was NOT bare.  That is the excuse coaches with no class use.  Kugler did it and proceeded to win his only games with Price's empty cupboard and now Dimel uses it to excuse his revamping of the offense, you know the one where losses are notched because the Dimel quarterbacks turn the ball over to the opposing team 3 or 4 times a game. 

I figure we are just going to have to agree to disagree. 

[UTEPDefense]

Lujan, De Haro, Guerra, and Gatewood all had no other D1 offers besides UTEP coming out of high school.  Long had 2 other D1 offers coming out of high school. 

A low end 2 star player, who is now 22-23 years old and has been playing D1 football 3-4 years is probably better than a higher end 2 star player who is only 18-19 years old. That is possibly why these older guys are playing, because they are probably currently better today.  But that is not the issue, the issue is that low end 2 star players, who are 22-23 years old are likely not better than 22-23 year old high end 2 star/low end 3 star players which is exactly what makes up other rosters in our conference. 

This question has nothing to do with Dimel, it simply has to do with did Kugler leave behind good talent on the O-line?  Maybe he did, maybe he didn't, but there are a couple of metrics which says that maybe he did not: (1. Poor on field production/results both prior and after Kugler leaving.  2.) Low recruiting rankings. 3.) No other D1 offers coming out of high school). 

[kyyote]

No offers, huh?

Bobby DeHaro LG
018 All-Conference USA Honorable Mention

2018 (RS FRESHMAN): Started all 12 games … earned Conference USA Honorable Mention

Derron Gatewood C
2017 Athlon Sports Preseason All-C-USA Fourth Team
earned a spot on the 2013 Dave Campbell's Texas Football Super Team third team ... gave up zero sacks during the 2013 campaign, garnering All-State Honorable Mention honors ... named to the 2013 All-District 2-5A Superlatives first team and 2012 All-District 2-5A Superlative second team ... an All-Region Football honoree, a All-Permian Basin candidate

Markos Lujan
PRIOR TO UTEP: Three-year varsity football player for Americas High School ... played guard on the offensive line, helping the Trail Blazers rush for 2,586 yards on 469 carries (5.5 avg.) and 24 touchdowns ... named 2014 All-District 1-6A first team, 2014 All-City first team and Preseason All-City first team

Ruben Guerra LT
PRIOR TO UTEP: Played two seasons of varsity football for the Patriots (17 games) ... played tackle on the offensive and defensive lines ... tallied six tackles (four solo) during his career ... registered two stops during senior season ... efforts helped Liberty High School to a 10-3 overall mark and an undefeated (5-0) league record ... named to preseason All-Central Section first team prior to 2014 campaign ... created holes and paved the way for Patriots' rushers to gain 2,442 yards and 32 touchdowns as a team (187.8 ypg) ... Liberty quarterbacks threw for 2,227 yards and 18 scores ... Patriots rushed for 289 yards and four scores during a win over Garces ... Liberty rushers ran for a season-high 302 yards and three touchdowns during a victory over Bakersfield in the quarterfinals at the 2014 CIF Central Section High School Football Playoffs."

None of these guys had offers from anyone!?  But Kugler took them without any "talent"!  Maybe he knew what he was doing?  Kugler saw something that no one else did!
Derron Gatewood C 
2017 Athlon Sports Preseason All-C-USA Fourth Team   and

Bobby DeHaro LG
018 All-Conference USA Honorable Mention

2018 (RS FRESHMAN): Started all 12 games … earned Conference USA Honorable Mention

These no offers nobodies did pretty well for NO TALENT, nobodies, nobody wanted, worthless, no stars!  They seem to have done better than so many of the C_USA players with better ratings, now, didn't they!  Seems to me that Kugler knew his o-linemen pretty damned good and stole some, now, didn't he?  Two of the four no offers earned Conference Honors and one of them as a RS Freshman-you know, just a kid against the old men!

[kyyote]

By the way, thank you for the discussion you two!  It is hard to talk about a team that only loses. 

[SisyphusMiner]

Is it gatewood or a backup that keeps botching snaps?

[ATL-Miner]

I think they were Gatewood.

Is it gatewood or a backup that keeps botching snaps?

[kyyote]

In the LA Tech game there were 3 fumbles by Locksley and one by team.  Gatewood was the center.  But, not all, and I admit that I don't always know, who was to blame.  There have been snaps that have been to high and at least one that Locksley didn't make much of an effort to catch, and it caused a safety.  But, point taken.  I will say that this offense is more susceptible to those hikes than under center offenses, or even a shot gun.  I think.  I could be wrong but that is my feeling after watching it more.

Locksley showed what he can do last week.  He can pass, just like he could when he was the JC Player of the year or whatever it was.  He can run quite well when the line gives him the holes and he hits them.  But, he fumbled three times and they accounted for 21 points, I believe.  Oddly enough, that is how much we lost by!  To LA Tech!  The defense wasn't just shutting down the LA Tech's offense, but it was making them earn it.  They weren't just giving away the points.  I liked what Locksley showed, but he killed us with the fumbles.  Just one game, but I think it was familiar to stories told for some time.  Jones and Locksley have found their own individual ways to let's say, not be helpful.  And the penalties, of course have been very much a shame-to whomever is to blame. 



FIU

Jones intercepted on our 39 a minute and a half into the game. Defense holds them to a fg.  UTEP 7+ minute drive TD.  They go 5 1/2 minutes to get their TD.  Safety ensues on a bad snap.  FIU 8 plays to get 3 points.  Six more plays to get a FG by FIU.  Bad snap fumble recovered by UTEP deep in their own territory.  We punt and they punt.  FIU hits a bomb and goes in to score a TD.  UTEP FG.  FIU 86 yards for TD.  UTEP TD.  End of game FIU 32-17.  Jones int = a fg for 3 points, we trade tds still 3 pt game.  Safety bad snap gives FIU 2 more points.  Now we are down just 5 points from 2 TO's. We ended up losing it by 10 points without the 5 points we gave them in turnovers.  I don't like it but we would have been competitive, and were somewhat.

UTSA

UTSA march for TD.  We punt, they punt, we punt.  UTSA 8 mins for a FG.  10 points down.  We punt. They too, punt.  And us, again.  They punt, we kick a FG to pull within 7.  FIU TD missed PAT.  Down 13.  Punt UTEP and to on downs FIU.  TD UTEP now down 6.  UTSA & UTEP punt.  UTSA FG we punt.  Down 9.  TD UTSA now down 16.  TD UTEP 2 pt fails, we end up down by 10.

S. Miss
UTEP punt.  SM 74 yard screen pass TD.  UTEP punt blocked and SM TD.  Down 14.  We punt they punt.  FG UTEP. Fumble SM.  We punt. SM 12 plays TD.  UTEP FG. SM FG.  They punt we score TD!  SM long drive TD.  We punt. End of scoring.  Blocked punt hurt but it was SM .

NV
NV punt we march for TD.  Trade punts.  They march TD.  Locksley int at UTEP 47.  UTEP forces fumble and gets the ball back.  UTEP marches TD.  They march for TD.  Jones int.  Quick Nev TD.  We punt and then intercept to keep them from scoring another TD.  UTEP 17 play drive to open 2nd half for a TD!  They kick a FG.  Locksley int at our 17.  TD NV!  We punt they TD drive.  Remove the two TD's that produced two touchdowns and the 37 points is 23 and we have 21. 
 
 

[SisyphusMiner]

Don't get me wrong here.  I'm not trying to be a Dimel/Canales apologist.  I think we haven't had a competent OC since Eric Price.  I honestly don't know whether the line has talent or not.  All I have to go by is my eyes.  What I see is a lot of slow guys that don't appear to know their assignments, particularly on blitzes, that get dominated game after game by CUSA defenses.

It can be argued that it wouldn't matter if we had the early 90s Cowboys line, if the D knows you only run up the middle they will kill you.  Our play calling up until this last game has been very predictable.  If Dimel has been calling the plays, was he also responsible for changing things up against LaTech?   If it's all him, why do we even have an OC?  Save the money.

Locksley may be a good QB, but in his tenure here he has been a turnover machine.  I think his decision making is poor.  He could throw the ball away on a lot of the sacks he takes and/or interceptions he throws.  At the same time, I think the Brandon Jones experiment has run its course.

We all generally agree that 3 of the remaining games are winnable.  It is time to pull out all stops.  If we have redshirts that can help, it's time to play them.  Sit them for the UAB game to preserve their redshirts, but play them the other 4 games.  And see what happens.

Random question:  why are we so bad at the screen?  Other teams tear us to shreds with it, and we tend to either lose yards or throw an interception.  The D apparently can see it coming a mile away.  What are we doing that gives it away?

[SisyphusMiner]

I've been thinking about this exchange, and there have been a lot of good comments made.  I've also been reading about the RPO and I will make a separate post about that.

Here's what I have come to think:
We just don't know if the line is good or not, and may not even be able to use the Dimel tenure to date to decide.

For sure we know this, unless you have future NFL players on your team, you can't be successful in CUSA if the defense knows what you're going to do.

Aaron Jones + Will Hernandez = success in CUSA despite the D knowing the play
Average to maybe even good CUSA level players = failure if the D knows the play

That takes care of the Kugler era.

In the Dimel era, we have a line that is built to run block, hence the RPO.  But the RPO depends mightily on the decision making process -- more so than the O-line (I think, see other post), and of course eventually you have a third and long and have to dial up a straight up pass and we know the line wasn't built for that.

So maybe we just don't know.