UTEP football players were well represented over the weekend in the first week of NFL Preseason. From a touchdown by El Paso's all-time leading rusher in high school history, to earning starting positions in training camp, there have been solid storylines involving former Miner football players.

Here's a list of former UTEP players in the NFL:

• Vikings RB Aaron Jones Sr.
• Cardinals OG Will Hernandez
• Browns CB Nik Needham
• Dolphins C Andrew Meyer
• Buccaneers OT Elijah Klein
• Seahawks LB Tyrice Knight
• Giants DL Roy Robertson-Harris
• Bears RB Deion Hankins
• 49ers WR Jacob Cowing
• Bills WR Kelly Akharaiyi

Deion Hankins Scores Receiving TD with Bears

Undrafted free agent and UTEP/Texas State running back Deion Hankins got his opportunity Sunday in the second half when he caught a touchdown pass from Chicago quarterback Case Keenum. The El Pasoan finished with seven carries for 23 yards (3.3 yards per carry).

Hankins has received praise throughout camp and reporters around Chicago believe he has a good chance to make the 53-man roster when it's all said and done. The former UTEP standout running back wasn't drafted by the Bears, but received a rookie camp invite and has parlayed it into a real opportunity to make the roster with this group.

Nik Needham snags INT in first outing with Browns

After spending his first six seasons in the league with Miami, defensive back Nik Needham signed with the Browns during the offseason. Though he is listed as a third-string free safety in Cleveland, reporters have been beaming about Needham's strong summer and training camp.

On Friday night, he reminded the doubters why he is still a high-level defensive back.

The former Miner grabbed the interception from Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton. After Needham’s interception, Cleveland quarterback Shedeur Sanders responded with the final touchdown drive of the evening.

Elijah Klein gets reps at center for the Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers surprised some last year when they selected Elijah Klein in the sixth round of the 2024 draft. Since he was drafted, Klein has been a steady player on the offensive line. The former UTEP offensive lineman played in 16 of the 17 games for the Buccaneers last year. This year, he has a chance to even start in certain games.

A wrinkle with Klein, however, is his versatility up front. He spent training camp serving as the backup center to Tampa Bay. He played in 84% of the Bucs' snaps on Saturday.

Roy Robertson-Harris adds depth to Giants D-Line

The Giants added former Miner Roy Robertson-Harris to add to depth in their defensive line this offseason. In limited snaps, the former UTEP pass rusher hit the quarterback twice against the Bills in the preseason. He finished with two tackles and the two hits to the quarterback.

More Miner takeaways

The productive weekend got underway when former Miner Will Hernandez announced via his Instagram that he would be returning to Arizona. Reporters indicated it will be a one-year deal following a tough 2024 when Hernandez tore his ACL. Now recovered, Hernandez will be a key cog to this Arizona offensive front.

Speaking of healing and recovering, there are a few former Miners dealing with some nagging injuries during training camp. Seattle linebacker Tyrice Knight didn't play in their preseason opener and is "getting close" to returning from a knee injury.

Miami center Andrew Meyer, whom coach Mike McDaniel deemed as "one of the top performers of camp," is dealing with an undisclosed injury. He will be out for weeks, according to McDaniel. Reporters think that Meyer can get a shot to play significant snaps at center this season.

Another former Miner who was out from the first preseason game included 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing.

Then, unfortunate news hit with Kelly Akharaiyi getting cut from the Bills. The former UTEP/Mississippi State wideout will hope to get a practice squad invite down the line.

Finally, one of the top Miners in the league, Aaron Jones Sr. is embarking on another season in the NFL and his second with the Vikings. Even though there hasn't been as much buzz around the Minnesota run game, reporters are expecting a strong season from Jones Sr.