The new UTEP coaching staff has been busy recruiting for the last month, and this weekend they will host a player that could have a huge impact on their program over the next two years. Kai Locksley, a junior college quarterback will be in El Paso today on an official visit.

Locksley was named the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Offensive Player of the Year at Iowa Western where he threw for 2,238 yards, 20 touchdowns, and he ran for another 20 scores. The 6'4 quarterback has offers from UTEP and NMSU but Power 5 schools like Kentucky, Indiana, Ole Miss, and Pittsburgh. The deadline for junior college midyear transfers is Monday, January 15th. The Miners would love for Locksley to commit to UTEP while he is in town for his visit this weekend.

If the Miners need a backup plan, they also have Manny Harris on campus for an official visit. Harris originally signed with UTSA, but then transferred to Cisco Junior College and threw for 12 touchdowns this past season before suffering an injury. The former Copperas Cove star is 6'3 and possesses good athletic ability.

The Miners still have quarterbacks Ryan Metz and Mark Torrez on their roster. Former signal caller Kavika Johnson was converted to wide receiver last season, but he could also play QB since his style fits the type of offense that head coach Dana Dimel prefers to utilize. UTEP has already received verbal commitments from defensive tackle Savien Jenkins (Schertz, TX 5'11" 257) and linebacker Hassan Belton (Blythewood, SC 6'0" 215). National Signing Day is Wednesday, February 7th.

More From 600 ESPN El Paso