UTEP Grad Kai Locksley Earns Texans Mini-Camp Invite

Former UTEP quarterback Kai Locksley earned an NFL mini-camp invite to the Houston Texans, he announced on social media Thursday.

"Officially invited to the #HoustonTexans Mini Camp God I Great! Wish I could call my brother- but I know he’s upstairs along side God, helping orchestrate this blessing and opportunity. Let’s Work It," Locksley wrote on Twitter. 

The 2020 NFL draft came and went without a Miner selected on a roster amid the global pandemic. Locksley is the first UTEP NFL hopeful to earn a rookie mini-camp invite from the 2019 season.

Locksley finished his senior year juggling the starting job with fellow Miner quarterbacks Brandon Jones and Gavin Hardison. He wrapped up the season throwing for 1,329 yards, six passing touchdowns and five interceptions. But his dual-threat abilities are what became intriguing for NFL teams. Locksley totaled 535 rushing yards and scored five touchdowns on the ground last year.

His junior year showed a lot of promise with the Miners too before he was sidelined with injuries at the end of 2018. Locksley ended his first season with the Miners throwing for 937 yards and rushing for 340. He didn't immediately assume the starting role his senior year due to his suspension on the team stemming from an arrest over the summer, yet once he was reinstated, he managed to see action throughout last year.

The Ft. Washington, MD. native will now have an opportunity to earn a roster spot with the Houston Texans, who have quarterbacks Deshaun Watson, A.J. McCarron, Nick Tiano and Alex McGough on their depth chart.

Due to his athleticism, Locksley will have the intangibles needed to have success in mini-camp with the intention of making the roster. Former UTEP quarterback Jameill Showers saw similar success as an undrafted prospect that worked his way onto the Dallas Cowboys squad as a safety.