Freshman UTEP running back, Quardraiz Wadley from Kennedale High School, is in the running for the backup slot at tailback this fall.
Wadley who ran for 2,511 yards last year for the Wildcat has his chance after the backup for junior starter Aaron Jones, Trayvon Hughes was lost to the season with a knee injury. {{more: Read more …}}
Bret Bloomquist of the El Paso Times said this of the Kennedale product.
“Wadley is a special talent, one of those freshmen who looks like he should be playing in the Big 12 or SEC. He was a three-star recruit after rushing for 2,511 yards at Kennedale High School in East Texas, the highest level of recruit UTEP is realistically going to get out of high school, and he looks underrated.”
Miners Coach Sean Kugler told Bloomquist, “He’s talented, he really reminds me a lot of Aaron [Jones] as a freshman,” Kugler said. “The thing I’m impressed with, he runs between the tackles. He also reminds me of the guy at New Mexico State (Larry Rose III).”
Wadley, who didn’t emerge in high school until his senior season, only had offers from Colorado State, New Mexico State and UTEP.
“I really didn’t get a chance until my senior year, then I made the most of it,” he told Bloomquist.
The transition to UTEP “has gone smoother than I thought it would, it’s not as hard as I thought. The people are bigger and faster. I’m excited to show my teammates and coaches what I can do.”
Wadley is competition with another true freshman, Dove, a 250lbs running back who played three years on the varsity squad at El Campo, recording 1,964 yards on 233 attempts (8.4 avg.) and 30 touchdowns during his senior season. Wadley had 2,511 yards on 224 carries (11.2 avg.) and 45 touchdowns in 13 games during his senior year.
The Miners open their season against New Mexico State September 3 at New Mexico State.Read full story at Minersdiscover young talent in backup tailback
