2002 Statistics

The Miners employed four different 2002 quarterbacks, and to say the results were mixed is being kind. The offense went nowhere fast, with the kind of numbers that would make any coach cringe - 54th nationally in rushing offense, 86th in passing offense, 98th in total offense and, most alarming of all - 110th in scoring offense. Scoring only 18 points a game in the WAC is akin to scoring two runs a game in major league baseball - you might win every once in awhile, but it's gonna take a superior effort by the rest of the team and a bit of luck. Of the four possibilities at QB, the most intriguing didn't even play in 2002 - Jordan Palmer, a redshirt freshman, is the younger brother of reigning Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 draft pick, Carson Palmer. The more likely choice will come from among sophomore Orlando Cruz, junior Jon Schaper and junior Omar Duarte. Palmer should get reps in an attempt to slowly season his abilities, but 2003 won't be a Cinderella start for Palmer except a few possible mop-up duties.

Cruz suffered a torn ACL last season and missed all of spring. Schaper threw only three touchdown passes against eight picks, while completing only 42.4 percent. Duarte had a much higher efficiency, and had more TDs than interceptions (6-4), but still didn't complete more than half his passes (49.1). Duarte is a former walk-on who earned a scholarship with his 2002 play - no small achievement. Schaper had the better spring, yet Cruz is said the have the best arm. Who will start? Don't be surprised to see all four at some point early. But if all struggle, they might as well put Palmer into a heavy rotation so 2004 can clearly have a starter for this position who represents a brighter future.

Junior tailback Howard Jackson is the one constant from 2002's sluggish offense. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry. At only 160 pounds, the 5-foot-10 Jackson isn't going to grind out 30+ carries each week. But his shiftiness is highly valued behind a still developing offensive line. Howard does have a couple of big fullbacks to follow in Rovann Cleveland and Jimmy Smith.

Three starters return on an offensive line that obviously struggled. The threesome provides something lacking on this team - senior leadership (only five other seniors dot the roster). Center Chris Kerr, left tackle Trey Darilek and Robert Clayton form the nucleus of a line that allowed only 27 sacks, yet also made the push for only 3.6 yards per rushing attempt. They'll join junior left guard Ben Graniellon and junior Robert Espinosa.

2002's leading receiver, Terrance Minor, is gone. The Miners have few veterans to take his place. The most likely are Dirk Dillard, a junior, and Chris Francies , a sophomore. They saw limited action, but have speed and promise. More than likely, this unit will have several other contributors. Tight end is another position of worry, with little depth. All in all, the Miners should move the ball better this season. How much is the key question.

OT Trey Darilek

While the offense struggled last season, the defense did even worse. The woeful numbers: 99th in rush defense, 99th in pass defense, 104th in total defense and 116th in scoring defense. Only one Division I defense allowed more points per game than UTEP's 42.6. Four teams - Boise State (58), San Jose State (58), Oklahoma (68) and Kentucky (77) scored more in four games against the UTEP defense than the Miners offense scored all season. Want another looming stat? Opponents converted 47 percent of their third-down opportunities.

Want more bad news? Regardless, three of the five leading tacklers are gone, including free safety D.J. Walker (four INTs). It's never easy to replace a three-time All-Conference performer, especially this one considered the quarterback of the defense.

Like with the rest of his team, Nord has to hope his young defenders will mature. Rover Tim Woodard, second in tackles, is one of their rare 2003 seniors, one of only three in the two-deep. But there is some talent here. Sophomore Thomas Howard showed flashes, including a nine-tackle performance against Rice, which included a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

The most experience comes on the defensive line, where seniors Sam Clarke and Dan Kerr anchor a unit that will start sophomores or redshirt freshmen elsewhere. They will need more pressure than the 19 sacks registered in 2002.

The secondary is young with the exception of Woodard. A redshirt freshman, either Aaron Francis or Nate Draughon, will start at one corner.

Nord brought in Mike Roach, most recently of the CFL's Calgary Stampeders, to coordinate the defense after to abysmal seasons. Roach had to know what he was getting into, a program that consistently struggles, yet pops up once in awhile when the stars are properly aligned. UTEP doesn't figure to be star-struck for another season or two on defense. But this side of the ball will arguably set the entire team's expectation levels - if they struggle, the team goes nowhere, regardless of any marginal offensive quality.

CB Jahmal Fenner