The question put to UTEP football coach Scotty Walden was obvious, and so was his answer.

With a former five-star recruit at quarterback in Malachi Nelson , competing as part of a nominally four-way quarterback battle, is there some pressure to make him the starter?

There was only one way Walden would reply.

UTEP coach Scotty Walden: 'The best player plays'

"No," Walden said. "The best player plays. Outside perspective, the 'rat poison,' that's all outside. That's not in this building. There is zero pressure (to play one quarterback over another).

"Even Malachi would say, being a five-star is in the past. He wants to be a five-star player right now. That's what we're after. I love his attitude, his grit, his mindset. We have to play the best player that gives us a chance to win. I

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