UTEP's Maurice Westmoreland Earns National and Conference Honors as Defensive Player of the Week
EL PASO, TX - UTEP defensive end Maurice Westmoreland has been named the National Defensive Player of the Week, as well as the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week, following his stellar performance against Southern Utah. This well-deserved recognition comes as Westmoreland, a senior hailing from Houston, TX, showcased his dominance on the field, recording an impressive four sacks.
Westmoreland's outstanding game was instrumental in the Miners' triumph over Southern Utah. The senior defender demonstrated his remarkable skill, disrupting the opposing team's offensive plays and causing significant disruptions in the backfield. His four sacks were a standout performance, solidifying his status as a key defensive threat.
Grateful for the honors bestowed upon him, Westmoreland expressed his gratitude towards his teammates and gave a special mention to Defensive Line Coach Kenechi Udeze.
"I want to thank my teammates for their unwavering support and trust in me," said Westmoreland. "None of this would have been possible without their contributions and our collective effort. I am extremely grateful for the recognition and I want to give a special shoutout to Coach Udeze, whose guidance and mentorship have played a vital role in my development as a player."
Westmoreland's exceptional performance not only showcased his individual talent but also reflected the collective strength of the UTEP defense. His ability to consistently apply pressure and disrupt the opposing offense played a crucial role in the team's victory.
The National Defensive Player of the Week award recognizes Westmoreland's standout performance on a national level, reflecting his remarkable talent and impact on the game. Additionally, being named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week highlights his dominance within the conference, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top defensive players in the region.
As UTEP continues its football season, Westmoreland's accolades serve as a testament to the Miners' defensive prowess and their quest for success. The team will look to build upon their strong start, with Westmoreland poised to continue making a significant impact on the field.
UTEP Bolsters Defense with Signing of 3-Star Recruit Alec Clauss
EL PASO, TX - UTEP's football program has scored a significant victory on the recruiting trail by securing the commitment of 3-star recruit Alec Clauss. The 6'4, 289-pound edge rusher from Sacramento, CA, had garnered interest from other schools such as San Jose State and Arizona State, but ultimately chose UTEP. Clauss attributed his decision to join the Miners to the presence of Defensive Line Coach Kenechi Udeze, whose coaching prowess and mentorship played a pivotal role in sealing the deal.
Clauss's signing represents another positive addition to the UTEP defense as the team focuses on strengthening their roster. With his impressive physical attributes and outstanding performance on the field, the edge rusher brings an intimi****** presence to the team. Last season, Clauss recorded an impressive 13.5 sacks, ranking third in the state while helping his team reach the state semifinals.
The opportunity to work with Coach Udeze was a major factor in Clauss's decision, as he believes the experienced coach can help take his game to the next level. Udeze is known for his ability to develop talent and refine players' skills, making him an appealing mentor for aspiring defensive linemen.
Expressing his enthusiasm about Clauss joining the Miners, Coach Udeze stated, "We are thrilled to add Alec to our program. He is an exceptional athlete with a high motor and a relentless pursuit of the ball. I'm excited to coach him and help him further refine his skills. Alec has all the tools to make a significant impact on our defense, and we are fortunate to have him on our team."
Clauss's commitment to UTEP marks a significant step forward for the program. The signing of the talented edge rusher demonstrates the team's commitment to bolstering their defense and recruiting top-tier talent. As Clauss prepares to embark on his collegiate career with the Miners, UTEP looks forward to his contributions on the field and the positive influence he will bring to the program