Former UTEP Linebacker Tyrice Knight Drafted in 4th Round by Seattle

The Seattle Seahawks opened up day three of the NFL Draft by selecting UTEP linebacker Tyrice Knight with the 118th pick in the fourth round.

Knight's draft selection marked the first time a UTEP player had been drafted since Will Hernandez in 2018. Additionally, he stands as the first Miner defensive player drafted since Quintin Demps in 2008. Cornerback Nik Needham (Miami) and defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris (UDFA to Chicago, currently with Jacksonville), who are both active in the league, were both undrafted free agents.

Knight is simply known as a tackling monster.

He racked up 390 tackles in four years with the Miners, including an impressive 84 solo tackles in 2023. He finished No. 1 in the FBS in solo tackles (84) and fourth in total tackles per game (11.7) as a senior,

Following his successful senior season, Knight participated in the Senior Bowl and impressed scouts across the NFL. The Seahawks were one of Knight's top-30 visits.

At the NFL combine, Knight weighed in at 233 pounds, posted a 4.63 in his 40-yard dash and posted a 34 1/2-inch vertical jump.

After signing veterans Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson in free agency, Knight will enter a linebacker group that will allow him time to develop within the organization. His head coach Mike Macdonald is known for being a linebackers coach and Knight will definitely have a chance to compete for snaps as an off-ball linebacker.

Jacob Cowing selected in 4th round by 49ers 

Former Miner and Arizona Wildcat Jacob Cowing was drafted at 135th overall in the fourth round by the San Francisco 49ers.

In order to be closer to his family, Cowing transferred from UTEP to Arizona for his final two seasons of college. Cowing's senior season saw him break a single-season program record with 13 touchdowns, finishing seventh all-time in career-receiving yards at Arizona.

Klein goes to the Buccaneers in the sixth round 

As a pleasant surprise, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Elijah Klein in the sixth round.

Known for his versatility, Klein is coming off a productive offseason that saw him earn an invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl Game. He has played on the offensive line for the Miners since the 2018 season and has experience all over the offensive line. As a draft pick to Tampa Bay, he will have a real chance at earning snaps and playing behind an offense led by quarterback Baker Mayfield.