READY TO ROLL
Despite facing an unprecedented offseason and fall camp, UTEP Football senior receiver Justin Garrett is locked in and ready to lead the Miners in 2020. This year’s senior class has faced more adversity and questions than probably any other in the history of college football. But it’s all outside noise to Garrett, who relishes the opportunity to persevere and prove the doubters wrong. “This year is a little bit different,” he said. “Everything is different with COVID, but believe it or not, we are ready. We’ve been training hard. With everything that has been thrown at us, we are just taking it to the chin and keep pushing forward. One thing I would guarantee is that
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when we step on that field, we are going to give it our all.” Between last season and now, Garrett’s role on the team has expanded. Not only is he making moves on the field as one of the Miners’ top returning receivers, but his leadership style off the field is something he cherishes just as much. “Being in that leadership role, you always have to lead by example whether you’re going to be vocal or not,” Garrett said. “You can’t preach one thing and doing the opposite, so I think it’s important to do both. It has transformed to a lot of opportunities, a lot of guys looking up to you and everybody really expects you to make a play, so the pressure is either going to make you a diamond or make you fold. I was taught to never fold or bend, so I’m just going to give everything I’ve got. I’m not going to fold and I’m going to lead
the team and give them everything I’ve got. And I’m going to make the commitment to everybody to be the best me and show that to everyone in the program. A native of Compton, Calif., Garrett enters the 2020 campaign with momentum on his side after playing in all 12 games for UTEP last season. As a junior, he led the Miners with 40 receptions for 446 yards and three touchdowns. Garrett compiled 370 yards receiving in the last six games of the 2019 season alone. “Justin Garrett has been just like a coach on the field for us,” head coach Dana Dimel said. “He’s just tremendous with what he brings to the table. He has a toughness in his character and brings it to the field with him each and every day. He makes those around him better and he has all those strong leadership qualities. He really cares about @UTEP @UTEPATHLETICS ATHLETICS
