Former NFC quarterback JP Pickles steps in as UTEP's starter against Middle Tennessee State

So much can happen in a month in college football.

Just ask JP Pickles.

Less than a month ago, the former North Florida Christian star quarterback and true freshman at the University of Texas at El Paso was the fourth string.

On Saturday against visiting Middle Tennessee State (3-6), Pickles made his first career start for the UTEP Miners (1-8).

“I’m thrilled,” Pickles told the El Paso Times earlier this week.

“We have a great opportunity in front of us and I’m excited to see what this team does. We always have to be ready, you never know when your name will be called.”

Former NFC star JP Pickles plays well in first college start for UTEP

It wasn't a storybook ending, but Pickles played well in the 20-13 Conference USA loss in El Paso, Texas.

The athletic quarterback completed 18 of 33 passes for 145 yards with one interception. He also rushed 17 times for 77 yards and a touchdown on a 17-yard scraper that gave UTEP a 10-3 lead in the second quarter.

With a touchdown left with 1:54 left in the game, Pickles drove the Miners 56 yards in 10 plays to the MTSU 19.

However, with two seconds left, his pass attempt near the goal line was blocked.

Pickles saw his first collegiate action against Louisiana Tech on Oct. 22 when UTEP starting quarterback Skyler Locklear was injured in a targeted tackle.

Pickles finished the 14-10 loss with 53 rushing yards and completed 2 of 5 passes.

Cade McConnell opened the season as UTEP's starter but was sidelined for the season due to wrist surgery.

Locklear stepped in, but he suffered a concussion this week. Pickles, coming off strong workouts over the last two weeks, and fellow true freshman Shay Smith have seen an increase in their snaps.

UTEP coach Scott Walden told the El Paso Times that Pickles was a “great leader.”

He pointed to a moment in practice last week when the offense didn't have a proper breakdown before leaving the field. According to the newspaper, Pickles urged players to get it right.

Pickles, who enrolled at UTEP last January, threw for 9,513 career yards in the NFC while racking up 2,037 as a three-year starter for the Eagles.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: True freshman QB and former NFC star makes first career start for UTEP