UTEP Emphasizes Ball Security in Spring Practice

Miners look to cut down on late-game turnovers that have cost them wins

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented UTEP football game or practice, with sharp planes of burnt orange, navy blue, and white representing the team's emphasis on protecting the ball.UTEP's renewed focus on ball security aims to eliminate the costly turnovers that have plagued the team in close games.El Paso Today

The UTEP Miners football team is placing a major emphasis on ball security during spring practice under head coach Scotty Walden. After struggling to close out close games the past two seasons due to late turnovers, the team is incorporating ball security drills into every practice and making it a top priority for players, especially at the quarterback position.

Why it matters

UTEP has gone 1-6 in close games over the past two seasons, often due to costly turnovers in the fourth quarter. Improving ball security is seen as a key to the Miners' chances of making a bowl game this upcoming season.

The details

Coach Walden says ball security is the "number one objective" this spring, with players understanding that turnovers will result in them losing playing time. The team is working on decision-making at the quarterback position, with Walden encouraged by the progress of EJ Colson and the other QBs in making smart choices with the football.

  • UTEP has 9 practices remaining in its spring window before shifting focus to summer workouts.

The players

Scotty Walden

UTEP's head football coach, entering his third season with the program.

Elijah McCoy

UTEP running back who emphasized the importance of ball security, saying "Ball security is job security."

EJ Colson

UTEP's quarterback, one of the players Walden says is making progress in decision-making.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Taking care of the football is the number one objective this spring and going forward in everything we do.”

— Scotty Walden, UTEP Head Coach

“Ball security is job security. That being held over our heads is a good thing. We know we need to protect that ball. The ball is the program and we need to die for that ball.”

— Elijah McCoy, UTEP Running Back

“I think we are coaching decision making better. Does that decision have ROI on it, return on investment? Or are you forcing something? I am seeing clean decisions being made. When it is time to run they are running and they are finding the backs more.”

— Scotty Walden, UTEP Head Coach

What’s next

UTEP has 9 practices remaining in its spring window before shifting focus to summer workouts, where the team will continue to emphasize ball security as it prepares for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Improving ball security and cutting down on late-game turnovers is a critical focus for the UTEP Miners this spring, as they look to take the next step and reach a bowl game after struggling to close out close contests the past two seasons. The team's emphasis on decision-making and protecting the football at all positions, especially quarterback, will be key to their success in 2026.