Three potential QB portal targets for UTEP in the spring window

Heading into Scotty Walden's first year at the helm, the UTEP Miners are in search of a starting quarterback to lead them into a new era.

As MinerInsider publisher Parker Thune alluded to earlier this week, the primary battle for the starting job right now appears to be between Cade McConnell and Skyler Locklear. The expectations for Locklear are high, as he followed Walden over from Austin Peay, but McConnell also has a leg to stand on in the race after starting six games for the Miners last season.

While freshman J.P. Pickles is making noise in spring ball, he's likely still a year away from challenging for the starting gig. There's a chance that UTEP could look to the transfer portal for more competition at quarterback prior to the 2024 season. If they do elect to bring someone in, who might it be?

Here's a short list of potential candidates who are currently in the portal.

Jeff Sims entered the transfer portal after spending just one season with Nebraska and Matt Rhule. Prior to that, Sims spent three seasons at Georgia Tech and really showed his ability as a ball carrier earlier in his career. Last season, though, things were downright tough for the fourth-year quarterback, as he completed less than 60% of his attempts for just one score and six interceptions. Add to that just one rushing score on 42 carries, and you have a forgettable year for Sims.

However, Big Ten football, and particularly Big Ten defenses, are a different breed of animal in today's game. Coming to a program like UTEP, which is trying to turn things around like Nebraska is attempting to do, could be just the ticket to rejuvenate his career. With 43 career touchdowns and over 6,000 all-purpose yards, Sims could be a perfect bridge answer at quarterback if someone other than Pickles doesn't lock down the position before the end of spring.

Micah Bowens has spent time with Penn State, Oklahoma, and Charlotte since graduating from Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV) High School as a member of the Class of 2020.

Bowen, listed at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, was one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in that class, but he has never been able to put it all together at the college level. With little to no experience in game settings, there's not a lot of film to go on, but the athleticism is definitely there.

With programs like Penn State and Oklahoma willing to take a chance on him, Bowens could come to El Paso and get a chance to bring a true dual threat to the roster. There were times during his time at OU when he flashed athleticism on the scrimmage field. If he can find a system fit that works for him, and under Walden could be it, there's no telling what kind of player he might be. Plus, with two years of eligibility still remaining, taking a flyer on Bowens could pay huge dividends if he were to hit.

After starting his career at Ole Miss, Kade Renfro transferred to Arkansas ahead of the 2021 season. A pair of knee injuries caused him to miss the 2021 and 2022 seasons, which was followed by his unusual exit from the program in 2023. He was dismissed from the Arkansas program in May of 2023 after being accused of sexual assault. However, Renfro amended a lawsuit on the accusations and filed two separate lawsuits claiming he suffered damages after the accusations.

Now, with that behind him, Renfro needs a fresh start and could find just that in El Paso. Listed at 6-foot-3, 201 pounds, and with experience under offensive minds like Jeff Lebby, Lane Kiffin, and Kendal Briles, Renfro would bring SEC pedigree to the quarterback room, which has standalone value in its own right.