UTEP football: FIU tailback returns to father’s alma mater

Nov. 15--Sitting on opposite ends of a far-flung Conference USA, there aren't a whole lot of player connections between Florida International and UTEP.

There is one big family connection, though, as Panther tailback and leading rusher Lamarq Caldwell is the son of former UTEP receiver and kick returner Kevin Caldwell, who was recruited to UTEP in 1987 by then-coach Bob Stull. He played with UTEP coach Sean Kugler in '87 and '88 and also played in '89 before spending the 1990 season as a full-time track athlete for the Miners.

The following year, Kenny Caldwell played his senior year of UTEP football and his 81-yard reception from Mike Perez against BYU in 1991 is still the 10th-longest pass play in school history.

"We've been talking about it all week," Lamarq said of this game. "It's pretty cool. My grandfather (Roland Caldwell of Albuquerque) used to come down and watch my dad play. Now he's going to come down and watch his grandson play.

"It's going to be very special, but I'm trying not to think about it too much. I'm not going to let it get to the personal side, I've got to keep it on the business side. I'm treating it like any other game, but it's going to be fun to be back to where my dad played."

Lamarq attended a UTEP reunion with his father a few years ago that marked his only trip to El Paso until today.

Kenny and Lamarq's mother Leigh attend every FIU game in the state of Florida and own a health insurance company in Tampa but won't be able to make this trip.

"My dad said he might have an FIU shirt on with a UTEP hat during the game," Lamarq said.

Injury update

UTEP got more bad news stemming from Wednesday's practice as tight end Kevin Perry is likely out for the year and tailback LaQuintus Dowell is out for this game at the very least with knee injuries. They will have MRIs this week and there is some hope Dowell could return.

They join a list of injured starters that includes tailback Aaron Jones, fullback Darrin Laufasa, quarterback Jameill Showers, guard Jerel Watkins and safety Wesley Miller.

"Special teams and we've got low numbers now on offense," Kugler said when asked of the impact.

One sliver of good news: Cornerback Adrian James practiced in a limited capacity and will be available against FIU.

Changes

A week after suffering its third shutout of the year against Middle Tennessee, FIU coach Ron Turner is changing quarterbacks again, going back to Jake Medlock, who started six of the first seven games before being pulled for E.J Hilliard in the previous two.

"They run the same stuff, there really isn't a lot of difference," UTEP coach Sean Kugler said.

"It's competitive between those two," Turner said.

Medlock has completed 50.4 percent of his passes for 830 yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions. Hilliard has completed 63.9 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Bag-packing

In a history dating back to 2002, this is the second-longest trip Florida International has made for a road game and matches the longest flight they've had. In 2004, FIU flew into El Paso for its game with New Mexico State. Las Cruces is 1,653 miles from FIU's Miami campus, the Sun Bowl is 1,634 miles.

Bret Bloomquist may be reached at 546-6359.

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