The UTEP football team should be loaded with returnees next season, but the Miners announced the signings of three junior college recruits at three spots of need.
All will compete in spring practice.
Linebacker Kalaii Griffin, tight end David Lucero and safety Kahani Smith will enroll for the spring semester and could contribute immediately to a team that needs players in those three positions.
The biggest need is at tight end, where UTEP graduated two of its top three players and all but one of its catches. Lucero caught nine passes last season at Arizona Western College after playing at Boise State in 2015.