RB's road to graduation took many strides

For senior running back Joe Banyard, graduating is only one more step to reaching his goals, but the journey along the way is what has helped him get there.

Banyard is graduating in December with a degree in multidisciplinary studies and has enjoyed his stay in El Paso. He now hopes his many options will lead him to the right path.

"El Paso's been good to me. UTEP has been really good to me. I can't do anything but appreciate everything that's come my way," said Banyard. "I'd like to pursue the NFL and see how that works out. If not, I'd like to become a special agent with the government. Either FBI, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), something along those lines. I have a plan, just hope one of them works out."

Banyard led the Miners for a second-consecutive season in rushing yards and attempts. He finished with career highs of 832 yards on 127 carries averaging 6.6 yards per carry and finding the end zone six times in 2011.

His journey to UTEP wasn't quite the normal path most student-athletes take.

Banyard played his prep football at Sweetwater High School in Sweetwater, Texas before taking his talents to TCU. But he never played a down for the Horned Frogs and decided to transfer to Division-2 Eastern New Mexico in 2008.

After one season at Eastern New Mexico, Banyard decided to walk on to UTEP in the spring of 2009 where he worked for the scout team.

Head coach Mike Price did not offer Banyard a scholarship and wasn't aware of his talent until it was displayed in front of him. Price and running backs coach Jeff Banks credit Banyard's success to his work ethic and leadership skills.

"He's done wonderful. He's an adult and he's a great leader, one of the best leaders I've ever been around. I mean he's a man; he's not a kid," Price said. "He sets a great example for the young players and he's not afraid to correct somebody when they step out of line, off the field, socially, in the locker room. Some guys will say, ‘that's your problem not his.' That's our problem."

Banyard once again was part of a rotation at the running back position, which featured fellow seniors Leilyon Myers, Vernon Fazier and redshirt freshman Nathan Jeffrey. It would be easy for a player to be selfish in such a competitive group that garnered 1,800 yards and 22 touchdowns.

"He's the ultimate warrior, a great face of our program. He's given everything, his heart and soul to this team and this season. He's in before the coaches are in and he leaves after the coaches leave; the ultimate team player," Banks said. "He had a great season and he's been very unselfish after coming off a good end of the season last season and having to share time. He did a great job being mature about it."

Banyard was able to leave a lasting impact on his coaches and teammates in only two seasons at UTEP. He too has created a bond and relationship with his fellow teammates, one he wasn't expecting but that has left him with good memories.

"Just the team, the bonding, you can't get that hardly anywhere else. Of course, you get it when you're younger with your friends," Banyard said. "Once you get here, and being the new guy, you don't know what to expect, but everybody accepted me with open arms. That was kind of surprising. I didn't expect that."

Daniel Ornelas may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.