Ready to Roll - Justin Garrett

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 q u e s t i o n s 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 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 this football team and cares about helping us win football games. He is the most positive player we have on the team.”

Not only did he dazzle with his performances as a receiver for the Miners, but Garrett also garnered All-Conference USA Honorable Mention accolades as a punt returner with 15 returns for 83 yards last season.

As he enters a senior season that is sure to be like no other, Garrett talks about becoming a leader on and off the field, his commitment to excellence and how leading by example is his top focus for the 2020 campaign.

“Being a senior with everything happening right now, I love football and I’m going to give everything I’ve got,” Garrett stated. “This is my senior year of college, so it’s all or nothing. No matter what is going on outside, when I step on that field, I’m going to give everything I’ve got for every play.”

The Miners enter the 2020 campaign as one of few teams in the nation that have the opportunity to play a 12-game schedule, including a six-game home slate at the Sun Bowl. And although it’s been a tumultuous six months leading up to the season, Garrett and the Miners are ready to take it all in stride, no matter what is thrown their way.

“My expectation is for us to give everything we’ve got for every game,” Garrett said. “Week in and week out, give it your all. Every play, give it your all. Sacrifice everything, not just for yourself, but for your brothers, the team, the program, the University, for the city. It’s bigger than just you.”