Improved UTEP Defensive Line Early Takeaway from Camp Ruidoso

The big takeaway from Sunday's first UTEP football scrimmage of Camp Ruidoso is a defensive line that looks much improved from 2016. Denzel Chukwukelu and linebackers Lawrence Montegut and Jamar Smith were three players that impressed in the scrimmage.

In addition, sophomore running back Kevin Dove broke a 75-yard touchdown run, and he put himself in the lead regarding the wide open battle to replace Aaron Jones. While Ryan Metz has the starting quarterback job locked up, former Eastwood High School star Mark Torrez has the inside track on the backup spot. Here are some highlights from Sunday's scrimmage, along with comments from head coach Sean Kugler, Dove, and Smith.

The Miners continue to practice in Ruidoso this week and they will conclude with their second scrimmage and annual family barbecue on Sunday. Their season opener will be September 2nd in Norman against the Oklahoma Sooners, and the game will be nationally televised on FOX.