Night Lights Illuminate First Camp Session
Under the glow of the Sun Bowl lights, the UTEP football squad gathered on August 4 for its inaugural night practice of the preseason, marking a symbolic start to a campaign that will culminate in a September 4 showdown with Oklahoma. The cool desert air and stadium ambience set a different tone from typical daytime drills, as players adjusted to the rhythm of evening workouts.
Coach Scotty Walden, now in his third year at the helm, used the occasion to unveil a fresh drill he calls "The Program," a focused exercise designed to tighten ball security — a lingering weakness from previous seasons. He emphasized that the team’s preseason rankings, hovering around ninth or tenth in the Mountain West Conference, do not reflect the depth of talent and cohesion he believes the squad has cultivated.
Emphasis on Ball Security
The new drill, which blends situational scrimmaging with targeted ball‑handling drills, reflects Walden’s commitment to eliminating turnovers and building a more reliable offensive foundation. Players reported feeling the intensity of the exercise, noting that the focus on protection aligns with the team’s broader goal of establishing a relentless, attack‑oriented identity.
Quarterback E.J. Colson highlighted the mantra of daily execution, stating that consistency in practice will be the measuring stick for game‑day performance. Running back Tavorus Jones, returning to his roots in El Paso, spoke of the unique motivation that comes from playing in front of familiar faces under the night sky.
Beyond individual narratives, the session illustrated a cultural shift within the program. The Miners are embracing a faster tempo, more aggressive play‑calling, and a collective mindset that prioritizes dominance in every snap. Walden’s vision of daily improvement sets a high bar, one that the team hopes to meet as they prepare for their season opener.