UTEP Miners

2011 (FRESHMAN): Averaged 65.5 yards on 64 kickoffs with 21 touchbacks ... 13 of 21 touchbacks came against C-USA opponents ... top kickoff average was 69.8 versus Stony Brook ... registered two contests with four touchbacks ... kicked a 46-yard field goal versus East Carolina. PRIOR TO UTEP: Played his prep ball at Bowie High School in Arlington before spending time at Air Force Prep prior to making his way to El Paso ... second team All-State punter, as well as first team All-Area and All-District kicker during his prep career ... averaged 45 yards per punt as a senior ... was a part of teams that captured consecutive district, bi-district and area titles ... selected a Texas Scholar for his achievements in the classroom. PERSONAL: Full name is Steven M. Valadez ... parents are Ruben and Juanita Valadez ... has three brothers and one sister ... born 4/2/92 (Dallas, Texas) ... undeclared major.