Victor Calzada / El Paso Times
From the moment they committed to be linebackers for UTEP in the spring, the Miners' newest arrivals Julian Jackson and Jamar Smith couldn't wait to relocate southwest to El Paso.
After a few weeks working out in 100-degree heat, at 3,500 feet of elevation that makes oxygen precious, they are actually thankful they arrived for the worst of summer.
"I'm getting used to it now," said Jackson, a graduate transfer from Wake Forest who played all 13 games for the Demon Deacons last year.