120 Players You Need To
Know
UTEP QB Trevor Vittatoe
By Richard Cirminiello
Who is Trevor Vittatoe?
… In two years, Vittatoe has evolved into the face of
the UTEP program. More than just a skilled passer with 33 touchdowns
a year ago, he’s also the undisputed offensive leader and the best
chance the Miners have of snapping their streak of three straight
losing seasons. He’s earned his teammates’ respect by never giving
up on a play, a game, or a season. And when things really start to
get chaotic on the field, he’s in complete control of his team and
his emotions. Vittatoe was actually a better basketball player for
much of his youth before concentrating solely on football as a high
school sophomore. Still, the college offers didn’t flow his way,
largely because his high school team rarely threw the ball. He
originally committed to Texas State and David Bailiff, but one look
at the Bobcats’ stadium left him a little underwhelmed. That wasn’t
a problem in El Paso, where the Sun Bowl met his need to play in
front of large audiences, and the staff made him feel as if he
wasn’t so far from home. The Miners liked Vittatoe at the time.
Today, they couldn’t imagine living without him at the controls.
Vittatoe’s
best game so far was … Tulsa two years ago. Even in just the
sixth game of his career, you could see that Vittatoe was going to
be special. A redshirt freshman at the time, he brought the Miners
back from behind in a thrilling 48-47 win, going 21-of-27 for 319
yards, three touchdowns, and one Conference USA Player of the Week
award.
Why you should
care about Trevor Vittatoe? … Alongside Houston’s Case Keenum,
Vittatoe enters 2009 as one of Conference USA’s premier
quarterbacks. He’s a great fit for Mike Price’s offense and a
prolific passer, who has already thrown 58 touchdown passes in his
first two years on campus. With top receivers Kris Adams, Jeff
Moturi, and Tufick Shadrawy back together for another year, there’s
no telling how good Vittatoe might be this fall.
Positives about Trevor
Vittatoe … In terms of confidence, poise, and leadership
ability, Vittatoe is exactly what any coach looks for in a
quarterback. He’s the guy in charge in the huddle, raising his voice
when his teammates need a lift or telling a joke when they need to
lighten up. He’s forever positive, and at his best late in tight
games. He has a firm grip on the Miner offense, and a lighting-quick
release when his protection begins to break down.
Negatives about Trevor
Vittatoe … Even one of the league’s top returning quarterbacks
has work to do in the offseason. Vittatoe is constantly trying to
improve his accuracy and get better at the little things, like his
footwork when dropping back to throw. While he has good arm
strength, he won’t be confused in that area with predecessor Jordan
Palmer, who was better equipped to stretch a secondary.
A cool thing about Trevor
Vittatoe you probably didn’t know … If you want to make a good
first impression with Vittatoe, make sure you floss regularly and
brush three times a day. Teeth are the first things he looks at when
meeting someone, and he strongly considered dental school before
learning UTEP didn’t offer a program. He has a great set of chompers,
by the way, and used to get as many as eight cleanings a year before
settling down in El Paso.
Career Statistics
2007: 224-of-407 for 3,101 yards, 25 touchdowns,
and seven interceptions
2008: 246-of-418 for 3,274 yards, 33
touchdowns, and nine interceptions
Statistics, information and photo provided by the
UTEP sports information department