UTEP knows what it's going to do at one of its two starting linebacker spots. Coach Dana Dimel calls Tyrice Knight the best linebacker he's ever coached, a senior who should be a Conference USA defensive player of the year candidate.
The Miners have a good history of finding a new face to pair with Knight and that's where they enter this season. Linebacker is one of the two spots in the defensive front seven where UTEP is looking to replace a graduated starter, as they have to find someone to match the remarkable production the Miners received from Cal Wallerstedt last year, a player who was fourth team in August before a stunning rise.