UTEP's depth at tight end is not a concern for head coach Mike Price as the Miners concluded their eighth practice of the fall in Socorro, N.M., Friday.
"We have great potential there with (Casey) Mauch and (Jake) Sears battling for the second position," said Price. Jonas Crafts can play much better than he has been playing. He kind of has a sore shoulder right now."
Crafts, who has caught 53 passes for 564 yards in his three-year career, sat out Friday's practice to rest his shoulder. Last season he gained All-WAC honorable mention with 24 catches for 256 yards before missing the final five games with a separated shoulder.
He will be participating in the scrimmage tomorrow.
Mauch, a sophomore, was the second tight end last season and took over for Crafts when his season ended prematurely. He reeled in 11 passes for 108 yards in his initial campaign with the Miners.
Sears, who redshirted in 2003, has suburb athletic ability and has improved on his blocking and receiving this spring.
Jamar Hunt continues to make strides despite being a true freshman. Price said the offense has to work on getting the ball to him more to utilize his size. Hunt is the tallest Miner on the roster, standing 6-7.
Senior Justin Hunt, older brother of Jamar, has not been cleared to play after having reconstructive knee surgery. He hopes to get clearance by the end of October. Hunt missed the entire 2003 season.
The quarterback race continues to be a subject of interest with Orlando Cruz, Omar Duarte and Jordan Palmer each vying for the starting nod. Price won't say who has the advantage, but stated, "If we continue at this pace we will be really good there (at quarterback)."
Price added he would have a better idea of who the quarterback would be after Saturday's scrimmage.
On the defensive side of the ball, Joe Fleskoski shined on Friday with an interception and two pass breakups.
Tomorrow, UTEP will practice at 9 a.m. MST and then hold its first full scrimmage of Camp Socorro at 3:30 p.m. MST.
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