April 2012 Archives
Miles Burris may one day discover what Mountain West opponents have known for the past two seasons: the challenge inherent to the tackling of Ronnie Hillman.
Burris, the ex-San Diego State linebacker and former teammate of Hillman's, became the second Aztec selected in the 2012 NFL Draft Saturday when he was taken by the Oakland Raiders with the 34th pick in the fourth round (129th overall).
As such, Burris could be in line to square off at least twice a year against Hillman, who was selected by AFC West rival Denver in Friday's third round.
In 50 career games, the 6-foot-2, 246-pound Burris, a two-time all-MW first-team selection, had 235 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
During a draft in which Boise State had a record six players selected, eclipsing the Broncos' previous record of four in 2007, San Diego State sent four players to the pro ranks for the first time since 2008 and the fourth time since 1983.
Boise State, which had two players selected in Thursday's first round in defensive end Shea McClellin (Chicago) and running back Doug Martin (Tampa Bay), and a third when defensive end Tyrone Crawford went to Dallas in Friday's third round, added three more names to its list of draftees on Saturday.
Following the selection of safety George Iloka by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 32nd pick in the fifth round, former Broncos defensive tackle Billy Winn went to Cleveland with the 35th pick of the sixth round (205th overall) and offensive tackle Nate Potter was taken by the Arizona Cardinals with the 14th pick of the seventh (221st overall).
Illoka finished the 2011 season as the Broncos second-leading tackler (58). In his four-year career in Boise, he collected 232 tackles (168 solo) and earned first-team all-conference honors following both his junior and senior seasons.
Winn completed his career at Boise State with 132 tackles (63 solo), including 36.5 for-loss and 15.5 sacks. He had 35 tackles (19 solo), including eight tackles for loss and three sacks in 2011 en route to second team all-Mountain West honors.
A consensus All-American following his senior season in 2011, Potter was also named Capital One Academic All-America First Team, the first Boise State football player to earn the honor since 1978. Potter will be joined in Arizona by former San Diego State quarterback Ryan Lindley, who was selected by the Cardinals with the 15th pick of the sixth round (185th overall). A four-year starter, Lindley had 90 career touchdown passes while throwing for a MW record 12,690 yards. The Aztecs' fourth pick of the draft came when former defensive tackle Jerome Long was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 11th pick of the seventh round (218th overall).
Ex-TCU linebacker Tank Carder, a two-time All-American in addition to being the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year the last two seasons, was taken by the Buffalo Bills with the 12th pick in the fifth round (147th overall). Carder tied for second on the team in 2011 with 70 tackles, including 4.5 for loss and two interceptions. He returned both his picks for scores and is TCU's career leader with three interception returns for touchdowns. Carder becomes the fifth Horned Frog linebacker in the last five seasons to head to the NFL.
Carder's former teammate, Greg McCoy, a cornerback who led the MW and ranked sixth nationally last season in kickoff return average (30.6 yards) went to Chicago with the 13th pick of the seventh round (220th overall). McCoy was named to multiple All-America teams as a return specialist in 2011 and was the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year.
Newcomer Notes: The Cleveland Browns selected Nevada linebacker James-Michael Johnson in the fourth round on Saturday to open up a run on a school-record four draftees for the Wolf Pack, who will join the MW next season along with Fresno State and Hawai‘i (football only). Nevada also had picks in the fifth (linebacker Brandon M. Marshall; Jacksonville) sixth (cornerback Isaiah Frey; Chicago); and seventh rounds (receiver Rishard Matthews; Miami). The previous record for most players drafted from Nevada was three, set in 1998 and equaled last year ... Fresno State wide receiver Devon Wylie was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 107th overall pick in the fourth round. Wylie is the 15th Fresno State wide receiver to be taken in the NFL Draft and the first since Paul Williams in 2007 ... Hawai‘i linebacker Aaron Brown was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round (209th overall). He is the program's 24th draft pick since 2000 and second UH player in as many seasons to be picked by the Rams.
San Diego hasn't seen the last of Ronnie Hillman.
After becoming the third-leading rusher in school history in just two seasons at SDSU, Hillman joined the ranks of the AFC West Friday night when he was selected by the Denver Broncos with the fourth pick in the third round of the NFL Draft.
With future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning now in the fold, Denver traded up to obtain Hillman, giving the Cleveland Browns the 87th and 120th picks in the draft to secure Hillman at No. 67 overall.
In 2010, Hillman set the Mountain West's freshman rushing record with 1,532 yards en route to being tabbed the league's Freshman of the Year. In his sophomore campaign on Montezuma Mesa, Hillman finished as the league's leading rusher in 2011, carrying the ball 311 times for 1,711 yards and a MW-best 19 touchdowns. He is one of six players in MW history to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons and only the third to do so in his freshman and sophomore campaigns.
Having frequently drawn comparisons to former SDSU great and NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk, Hillman became the highest Aztec running back selected since Faulk went to the Indianapolis Colts with the second pick of the 1994 draft.
How crucial was Hillman to the Aztecs' recent resurgence? In games in which he rushed for more than 110 yards, San Diego State was 12-2. When he did not, the Aztecs were 5-7. He finished his college career having amassed 3,243 career rushing yards and was the second SDSU player to have multiple 1,500-yard rushing seasons, joining Faulk, who did it three times from 1991-93. Hillman had 15 career 100-yard rushing games in just 26 contests.
"I'm excited," the 5-foot-8, 200-pound Hillman said. "It's been my dream to play in the NFL for a while now and I'm just thankful. I'm just going to come in and try to help win; that's all I can do. I'll just bring my versatility to the team and being able to create more on offense. I'll come in and learn from the best."
Hillman, a two-time first team All-Mountain West selection, was only a sophomore but was eligible for the draft because he was three years removed from high school, as stipulated by the NFL.
Meanwhile, Boise State produced its third pick in this year's draft when the Dallas Cowboys selected defensive end Tyrone Crawford with the 18th pick of the third round (81st overall).
"Boy, is that a good pick," NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. "Crawford is the prototypical five technique --- that's the defensive end in the 3-4. Fell in love with him at the (East-West Shrine Game). He's stout vs. the run. He can push the pocket. And with what Dallas' situation is, he provides tremendous depth day one."
A first-team All-Mountain West performer last year, Crawford combined for 76 tackles in his two seasons at Boise State after registering 44 in 2011 and 32 in 2010. He led the team with 27.0 tackles for loss during his career at BSU, including 13.5 last season. He also recorded 13.5 sacks (seven in 2011, 6.5 in 2010) and combined for four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
The Broncos hadn't had a defensive lineman drafted since 1994, but can tout two defensive ends going in the first three rounds of the 2012 draft. Shea McClellin was selected by the Chicago Bears on Thursday with the 19th overall pick.
Crawford and McClellin were joined by fellow teammate Doug Martin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 31st overall) in the first three rounds of the 2012 draft. Boise State's three selections in the first three rounds are the most in school history, eclipsing last year's draft when Titus Young and Austin Pettis were selected in the second and third rounds, respectively. In the last five years, Boise State has had four first-round draft selections, including McClellin and Martin in 2012, CB Kyle Wilson in 2010 and OL Ryan Clady in 2008).
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| In case you missed it...
• Click HERE to watch as the Chicago Bears select Shea McClellin 19th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. 
• Click HERE to watch as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Doug Martin 31st overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.
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If it was the ultimate compliment, it was no less a definitive description.
"Shea McClellin is a trained assassin on the football field," Boise State coach Chris Petersen said this week. "That guy has been such an unbelievable player for a long time for us and completely and totally underrated, I think, in the public eye. I don't think so much in our opponents' eyes and certainly not in our coaches' eyes. I just think all that's coming to light right now."
The Chicago Bears apparently shared Petersen's sentiments.
The 6-foot-3, 260-pound product of Marsing, Idaho, became the first Mountain West player selected in the 2012 NFL Draft Thursday night when he was taken by the Bears with the 19th overall pick.
McClellin, who played defensive end, outside linebacker, nickel rusher and middle linebacker for the Broncos, is expected to be positioned at defensive end in the Bears' 4-3 alignment, opposite seven-time Pro Bowler Julius Peppers. The third first-round pick in Boise State history, he concluded his collegiate career with 130 tackles (64 solo), 33 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, four interceptions, five forced fumbles and two touchdowns. He is also the second-highest draft pick in school history. Offensive tackle Ryan Clady was taken by the Denver Broncos with the 12th pick in 2008, while cornerback Kyle Wilson was selected at No. 29 by the New York Jets in 2010.
A first-team All-MW pick as a senior, McClellin was the second outside linebacker selected in the first round, after the Seattle Seahawks took West Virginia's Bruce Irvin with the 15th pick.
"It finally came to an end now," said McClellin, who had 50 tackles (30 solo), seven sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss last season. "I know where I'm going and it's going to be awesome."
Awesome? Consider: Boise State, which has gone 50-3 over the past four seasons, produced its second first-round pick of the draft when running back Doug Martin was taken by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 31st selection in a trade with the Denver Broncos.
It's not only the first time two Bronco players have been selected in the first round of the same draft, but also the first time two MW players from same team have been chosen in the first round. It is also the first time since 2000 and second time in league history that two MW players have been selected in the opening round. Not to mention that Boise State is the first team from a non-automatic-qualifying conference to have two first round picks since Jackson State in 2000.
Martin, the second-leading rusher in the Mountain West last season with 1,299 yards and a career-high 16 rushing touchdowns, finished his Boise State career with 3,431 rushing yards, 17 100-yard games and 43 TDs. The product of Stockton, Calif., is just the seventh player in BSU history to eclipse 4,000-career all-purpose yards, finishing his Bronco career with 4,885, the fifth-most in school history. His 1,892 all-purpose yards in 2011 - including his school-record 301 against Arizona State en route to most valuable player honors in MAACO Bowl Las Vegas - ranked sixth on the all-time Boise State list. Martin, who joined McClellin as a first-team All-Mountain West selection in 2011, was one of only two running backs selected in the first round, after the Cleveland Browns took Alabama's Trent Richardson with the third pick of the night.
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FOOTBALL HEADLINES |
• Ex-Bronco running back Doug Martin looks to buck trend of recent NFL drafts.
• New Fresno State coach Tim DeRuyter no stranger to Mountain West.
• Battle for starting quarterback jobs among MW teams is far from over.
• Wyoming's Christensen awaiting arrival of reinforcements in fall.
• Cowboys emerge from spring still looking to tie up some loose ends.
• Nevada coach Chris Ault is excited about future in Mountain West.
• New schemes, new faces, new challenges for first-year MW coaches.
• Early returns place Boise State at head of the pack in 2012.
Have you seen a news article on the Mountain West, its teams and its players to share with fellow fans? E-mail them to Webmaster@TheMWC.com!
| 2012 Outlook |
| If the Wolf Pack's initial spring practice was as much get-cracking as it was meet-and-greet, there was ample reason. On the heels of making its seventh consecutive bowl appearance, Nevada hired a new offensive coordinator in Nick Rolovich, a new running backs coach in Larry Lewis, a new offensive line coach in Darren Hiller and moved Mike Bradeson from secondary coach to defensive coordinator. The Wolf Pack returns six starters on both sides of the ball, and has the potential to make a splash in its inaugural season in the Mountain West. But there are issues to address, the most glaring being the fact that none of the backup quarterbacks has ever taken a college snap. The defensive line is absent last season's four starters and the team lost five of its top seven receivers from 2011. Nonetheless, there is a reason why head coach Chris Ault has a career winning percentage of nearly .700. One of only two active coaches to have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, he is an astute job of talent whose no-nonsense approach may suggest old school, but whose introduction of the pistol offense has become the game's latest rage. |
| Wolf Pack Offense |
| Sophomore quarterback Cody Fajardo earned WAC Freshman of the Year honors in 2011, finishing with 2,401 total yards and 17 touchdowns in 10 games. Behind Fajardo, however, is chasm of inexperience: three freshmen and a sophomore transfer, none of whom has lined up behind center anywhere but on a scout team. The Wolf Pack, who must replace their top two backs in Lampford Mark and Mike Ball, also felt the effects of attrition at the wide receiver spot. The return of Brandon Wemberly (94 career catches, 1,215 yards), who did not play last season, will be crucial to a unit that features only one other player (sophomore Aaron Bradley) to have caught a pass in a college game. Junior Stefphon Jefferson is the projected starter at running back after carrying 70 times for 429 yards last year, while talented junior college transfer Nigel Westbrooks possesses the talent to significantly bolster the receiving corps. |
| Wolf Pack Defense |
| Bradeson's new assignment as defensive coordinator is hardly free of challenges. The defensive front will feature four new faces after the lone returning starter, Albert Rosette, moved back to middle linebacker. Junior Jack Reynoso started eight games in 2011 but is not participating in spring practice after suffering a broken leg last season. The strength of the defense is in the secondary, where Nevada returns no fewer than five seniors in Duke Williams, Khalid Wooten, Marlon Johnson, Jeremiah Green and Thaddeus Brown. |
| Wolf Pack Special Teams |
| Nevada employed three field goal kickers last season, largely due to injuries suffered by freshman Anthony Martinez. Senior-to-be Allen Hardison stepped into the breach to hit 7-of-11 attempts, while punter Jake Hurst was 3-of-4. Hurst has graduated, as has former standout receiver Rishard Matthews, who was also a threat as a return specialist. |
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| Quick Facts |
• 2011: 7-6 Overall, 5-2 WAC (T2nd)
• Overall Stats
• Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 29/19
• Starters Returning/Lost: 13/11
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| Wolf Pack Links |
• Head Coach Chris Ault (28th Year)
• Prospectus 
• Roster
• Nevada Football Home Page
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| 2012 Schedule |
| Date |
Opponent |
| Sept. 1 |
at California |
| Sept. 8 |
South Florida |
| Sept. 15 |
Northwestern State |
| Sept. 22 |
at Hawai‘i* |
| Sept. 29 |
at Texas State |
| Oct. 6 |
Wyoming* |
| Oct. 13 |
at UNLV* |
| Oct. 20 |
San Diego State* |
| Oct. 27 |
at Air Force* |
| Nov. 10 |
Fresno State* |
| Nov. 17 |
at New Mexico* |
| Nov. 24 |
Boise State* |
| * MW game. |
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| 2012 Outlook |
| Hawai‘i moves into the Mountain West under the direction of new head coach Norm Chow, a native of Honolulu. Chow's resume includes 39 years of coaching experience collegiately and in the National Football League. Among his 36 years as a college coach, Chow, a three-time national Assistant Coach of the Year, spent 27 seasons at BYU, one year at North Carolina State, four years at USC, three years at UCLA and one year at Utah. Chow also spent three years as offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. This is his first head coaching job. The Warriors, whose seven losses last season were all decided by eight or fewer points, return seven starters on offense and four on defense. |
| Warrior Offense |
| Quarterback Bryant Moniz has moved on after becoming the third quarterback in UH history to throw for more than 10,000 yards, but junior David Graves is a capable successor. Graves, who started two games in place of injured Moniz in 2011, completed 63-of-110 passes for 768 yards and five touchdowns for a team that ranked first in the WAC and 12th in the nation in passing offense. And Graves won't lack for players with whom to play catch. The Warriors return nearly their entire receiving corps, including junior Billy Ray Stutzmann, who finished as the team leader last season with 78 catches for 901 yards and four touchdowns. Also back are part-time starters Jeremiah Ostrowski, Justin Clapp and Trevor Davis, who combined for 131 receptions for 1,409 yards and 12 TDs. Sophomore running back Joey Iosefa, who led the team in rushing last season with 548 yards (seven TDs), will be running behind an offensive line that returns left guard Dave Lefotu and left tackle Levi Legay. |
| Warrior Defense |
| The Warriors enter 2012 having lost seven starters from last year's defense, including first-team all-conference linebacker Aaron Brown. Also gone are defensive linemen Vaughn Meatoga and Kaniela Tuipulotu, linebacker Corey Peredes (team-high 107 tackles) and defensive back Richard Torres, all of whom were named to the all-conference second team. Among the returning starters are junior defensive backs Mike Edwards and John Hardy-Tuliau, senior defensive lineman Paipai Falemalu and junior linebacker Art Laurel, who finished fourth on the team with 61 tackles. |
| Warrior Special Teams |
| Sophomore returner Scott Harding became one of the more intriguing stories in college football last season. As a 25-year-old true freshman, Harding, a native of Brisbane, Australia, was named to a pair of Freshman All-America teams after averaging 22.0 yards on kickoff returns and 7.4 yards on punt returns. Senior Alex Dunnachie, who had seven punts in excess of 50 yards, allowed opponents to return only four punts, fewest in the nation. Sophomore placekicker Tyler Hadden also returns for a team that ranked sixth nationally last season in kickoff coverage. |
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| Quick Facts |
• 2011: 6-7 Overall, 3-4 WAC (T4th)
• Overall Stats
• Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 54/24
• Starters Returning/Lost: 12/13
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| Warrior Links |
• Head Coach Norm Chow (1st Year)
• Prospectus
• Roster
• Hawai‘i Football Home Page
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| 2012 Schedule |
| Date |
Opponent |
| Sept. 1 |
at USC |
| Sept. 15 |
Lamar |
| Sept. 22 |
Nevada* |
| Sept. 29 |
at BYU |
| Oct. 6 |
at San Diego State* |
| Oct. 13 |
New Mexico* |
| Oct. 27 |
at Colorado State* |
| Nov. 3 |
at Fresno State* |
| Nov. 10 |
Boise State* |
| Nov. 17 |
at Air Force* |
| Nov. 24 |
UNLV* |
| Dec. 1 |
South Alabama |
| * MW game. |
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| 2012 Outlook |
| Head coach Bob Davie, who spent seven seasons at Notre Dame before moving into a television analyst role for the past decade, was only being slightly less than candid last month when he said that the Lobos could be the first team in NCAA history not to use a football during spring practice. The reason? Numbers. New Mexico, which will not stage its annual Cherry & Silver game, can ill afford injuries with a roster that features just 56 scholarship players and 20 walk-ons. Eight starters return on offense and six on defense, but all will begin from square one with the implementation of a pistol offense and the transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. "Our deal is about identifying the guys that will compete, the work ethic, all those things," Davie told the Albuquerque Journal. "It's really starting from scratch." |
| Lobo Offense |
| New offensive coordinator Bob DeBesse comes to Albuquerque from Sam Houston State, where the Bearkats last season averaged nearly 37.0 points and featured a running back tandem that combined for 2,623 yards, as well as a 2,000-yard passer. Lobos senior quarterback B.R. Holbrook, who has made 20 career starts, is expected to be under center for the season opener against Southern University on Sept. 1. Junior Demarcus Rogers emerged as the starting running back late last season and finished as the team's second-leading rusher. The running game should also get a boost from the return of junior Kasey Carrier, who redshirted last season after suffering an ankle injury in fall camp. Carrier was the team's leading rusher as a sophomore in 2010. Despite the transfer of Deon Long, the league's leading receiver last season, the Lobos are deep at the position, where senior Ty Kirk led the MW in receptions per game in 2011. Also back is senior Lamar Thomas, a transfer from Ohio State who was limited by injuries last season, and senior Quintell Solomon. Senior Lucas Reed is one of the top tight ends in the league. But there are significant issues up front, where attrition has left New Mexico with only eight offensive linemen during spring practice. Center LaMar Bratton started all 12 games last season. |
| Lobo Defense |
| A half dozen starters return on defense for the Lobos. Unfortunately, one of them is not named Carmen Messina, who as a four-year starting linebacker set the school record for career tackles with 454 and led the MW in tackles three consecutive seasons. Among the returnees are linebacker Dallas Bollema, the team's third-leading tackler in 2011, and defensive end Joseph Harris, who started all 12 games last year. Senior Reggie Ellis is likely to assume the nose tackle spot in the new 3-4 alignment, though the Lobos are excited about the potential of Gerron Borne, a highly touted true freshman who was arguably the team's top signee. With eight starts last season, senior cornerback Destry Berry is the most experienced player in the secondary. |
| Lobo Special Teams |
| Junior punter Ben Skaer, a two-year starter, returns to handle the punting duties, but there is competition at placekicker where James Aho was a four-starter and finished second all-time on the school's made field-goals list. The candidates include junior Justus Adams, who handled kickoffs last season, junior Jason Allen and senior Greg Rivara. |
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| Quick Facts |
• 2011: 1-11 Overall, 1-6 MW (T6th)
• Overall Stats
• MW-Only Stats
• Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 46/23
• Starters Returning/Lost: 15/9
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| Lobo Links |
• Head Coach Bob Davie (1st Year)
• Prospectus
• Roster
• New Mexico Football Home Page
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| 2012 Schedule |
| Date |
Opponent |
| Sept. 1 |
Southern |
| Sept. 8 |
at Texas |
| Sept. 15 |
at Texas Tech |
| Sept. 22 |
at New Mexico State |
| Sept. 29 |
Boise State* |
| Oct. 6 |
Texas State |
| Oct. 13 |
at Hawai‘i* |
| Oct. 20 |
at Air Force* |
| Oct. 27 |
Fresno State* |
| Nov. 3 |
at UNLV* |
| Nov. 10 |
Wyoming* |
| Nov. 17 |
Nevada* |
| Nov. 24 |
at Colorado State* |
| * MW game. |
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| 2012 Outlook |
| When Tim DeRuyter, who played at Air Force and served as the Falcons' defensive coordinator from 2007-09, was announced as the successor to Pat Hill in December, talk immediately turned to getting the Bulldogs up to speed --- literally. DeRuyter, who spent the past two seasons as defensive coordinator at Texas A&M, is an ardent advocate of playing with fanaticism and fervor while underscoring passion and pride. He has placed a priority on offseason conditioning for a team that is hardly bereft of talent. Fresno State, which concluded spring drills on March 25, returns eight starters on offense and seven on defense. |
| Bulldog Offense |
| Under offensive coordinator Dave Schramm, who spent 12 years at San Diego State and the last three seasons at Utah, the Bulldogs are transitioning from a pro-style offense to the spread to take advantage of two of the most talented players in the league, quarterback Derek Carr and running back Robbie Rouse. Carr led the WAC in passing yards (3,544) last season, while Rouse was the conference's leading rusher with 1,549 yards. Fresno State also returns a trio of accomplished receivers in senior Rashad Evans, who caught 44 passes for 351 yards and three touchdowns in 2011; junior Isaiah Burse (40-436-1); and sophomore Josh Harper (35-497-5). |
| Bulldog Defense |
| The Bulldogs are switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense, a move that comes on the heels of Fresno State allowing an average of 435.85 yards and 35.15 points last season. The unit should receive a substantial boost from the return of talented strong safety Phillip Thomas, who missed the 2011 season after suffering a leg injury in fall camp. Nose tackle Tyeler Davison, who is stepping into the sizable shoes left by Logan Harrell, had a strong spring, while the linebacking corps of two-time all-WAC selection Travis Brown, Donavon Lewis, Patrick Su'a and Jeremiah Toma could prove formidable in defensive coordinator Nick Toth's new scheme. |
| Bulldog Special Teams |
| While Fresno State has been without peer over the last decade in the area of blocking kicks, it was kicking the ball that proved problematic in 2011. In the eight-team WAC, the Bulldogs ranked seventh in punting average (35.8 yards) and sixth in field-goal percentage (58.8). |
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| Quick Facts |
• 2011: 4-9 Overall, 3-4 WAC (T4th)
• Overall Stats
• Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 37/16
• Starters Returning/Lost: 16/8
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| Bulldog Links |
• Head Coach Tim DeRuyter (1st Year)
• Prospectus
• Roster
• Fresno State Football Home Page
|
| 2012 Schedule |
| Date |
Opponent |
| Sept. 1 |
Weber State |
| Sept. 8 |
at Oregon |
| Sept. 15 |
Colorado |
| Sept. 22 |
at Tulsa |
| Sept. 29 |
San Diego State* |
| Oct. 6 |
at Colorado State* |
| Oct. 13 |
at Boise State* |
| Oct. 20 |
Wyoming* |
| Oct. 27 |
at New Mexico* |
| Nov. 3 |
Hawai‘i* |
| Nov. 10 |
at Nevada* |
| Nov. 24 |
Air Force* |
| * MW game. |
|
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FOOTBALL HEADLINES |
• Work ethic formed early by former CSU player Greg Myers has served him well away from game.
• Rehab is part of the regimen for pair of CSU offensive tackles.
• Wyoming looking to get its running game in gear during spring practice.
• Cowboys are encouraging linebacker Devyn Harris to bring the noise.
• Ex-Rebel not finished with leading the charge at UNLV.
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BASEBALL HEADLINES |
• UNLV pitcher and his mother taking the fight to cancer.
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WOMEN'S BASKETBALL HEADLINES |
• At long last, former UNLV great Linda Frolich to be enshrined in school's hall of fame.
Have you seen a news article on the Mountain West, its teams and its players to share with fellow fans? E-mail them to Webmaster@TheMWC.com!
| 2012 Outlook |
| The loss of four-year starting quarterback Ryan Lindley and standout running back Ronnie Hillman is compounded by the fact that across the offensive line, the top 10 active players have combined for just one career start, although senior center Alec Johnson (foot) and senior guard Nik Embernate (shoulder) are expected to return from injuries. In an attempt to address the inexperience factor, the Aztecs, who wrapped up spring drills on March 17, have moved former tight end Bryce Quigley left tackle. Quigley, a junior, started 10 games last season at tight end. |
| Aztec Offense |
| In an attempt to replace Lindley, the quarterback competition during spring drills featured no fewer than five candidates. The leader in the clubhouse heading into fall camp appears to be senior Ryan Katz, a transfer from Oregon State who started all 12 games for the Beavers in 2010 and the first two games of the 2011 season. While San Diego State's receiving corps was decimated by injury prior to the start of the 2011 season, things should get a lot better in 2012, particularly with the addition of talented USC transfer Brice Butler. The senior suffered a torn labrum during spring practice, but is expected to forego surgery until after the season. The void left by Hillman, who opted to leave school early for the NFL draft, is likely to be filled by either sophomore Adam Muema, who rushed for 242 yards in a backup role last season, or senior Walter Kazee, who is recovering from knee surgery and did not participate in spring drills. The other candidates are redshirt freshmen Brandon Wright, Chase Price and De'Saan Hardwick. |
| Aztec Defense |
| As is the case with the offense, the Aztecs are largely inexperienced up front, though sophomore nose tackle Sam Meredith (shoulder) and junior defensive end Jordan Thomas (Achilles), both of whom missed spring practice, are expected to be ready for fall camp. Linebacker Rob Andrews (foot) missed spring practice due to injuries, but is also expected to be ready come August. The loss of first-team all-MW linebacker Miles Burris is significant, but the linebacker position is deep and talented, led by returning starter Jake Fely, a sophomore. Also returning is senior defensive back Leon McFadden, a first-team all-MW pick who led the league in passes defended. |
| Aztec Special Teams |
| One of SDSU's biggest losses came with the graduation of punter Brian Stahovich, who led the MW last season with an average of 43.8 yards. The Aztecs must also identify a successor to placekicker Abelardo Perez, who struggled through the 2011 campaign by connecting on just 6-of-15 field goal attempts. |
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| Quick Facts |
• 2011: 8-5 Overall (RV/RV), 4-3 MW (4th)
• Overall Stats
• MW-Only Stats
• Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 36/25
• Starters Returning/Lost: 13/12
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| Aztec Links |
• Head Coach Rocky Long (2nd Year)
• Prospectus
• Roster
• San Diego State Football Home Page
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| 2012 Schedule |
| Date |
Opponent |
| Sept. 1 |
at Washington# |
| Sept. 8 |
Army |
| Sept. 15 |
North Dakota |
| Sept. 22 |
San Jose State |
| Sept. 29 |
at Fresno State* |
| Oct. 6 |
Hawai‘i* |
| Oct. 13 |
Colorado State* |
| Oct. 20 |
at Nevada* |
| Oct. 27 |
UNLV* |
| Nov. 3 |
at Boise State* |
| Nov. 10 |
Air Force* |
| Nov. 24 |
at Wyoming* |
* MW game.
# CenturyLink Field (Seattle, Wash.) |
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| 2012 Outlook |
| Less than three weeks before the start of spring practice, Colorado State's football office posted a notice that it was looking to add depth to its lines by attracting potential players from the student population. If the Rams' first scrimmage was any indication, the defense is in little need of bolstering after posting 27 sacks and 30 tackles for loss. "It tells me one of two things," said head coach Jim McElwain. "You either can't protect or you have pretty decent rushers." Know this: It won't take McElwain long to find out. The former Alabama offensive coordinator has wiped the slate clean in terms of prioritizing starters over subs, emphasizing that past accomplishments will have no bearing on which players ultimately surface as No. 1s on the depth chart. |
| Ram Offense |
| While the Rams entered spring practice with five quarterbacks on the roster, sophomore Garrett Grayson, who started the final three games last season, is the only one to have played in a college game. Grayson, who also poses a threat as a runner, averaged 48.2 yards on the ground last season while completing 43-of-77 passes for 542 yards. Junior running back Chris Nwoke, who didn't start until the seventh game of the season, became the team's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2008. Along with Oregon's LaMichael James, Nwoke became one of only two backs in the nation to rush for more than 230 yards in a game, finishing with 232 against San Diego State and 269 versus Air Force. Crockett Gillmore, a defensive end as a freshman, emerged as one of the top tight ends in the MW after making a position switch prior to the start of last season. Gillmore, who caught 45 passes for 468 yards, was on the receiving end of four of the Rams' 12 touchdown receptions. CSU must still address its depth issues across the offensive front, but does have experience in place with junior center Weston Richburg and junior guard Jordan Graggert, both of whom started every game last season. Also back is senior left tackle Joe Capriglio, who started the first three games of 2011 before sustaining a season-ending knee injury. |
| Ram Defense |
| While the Rams did not lack for a pass rush last season, ranking No. 2 in the MW with 26 sacks, they struggled against the run, allowing an average of 233.7 yards on the ground. Senior defensive end C.J. James finished second on the team in both sacks (five) and tackles for loss (eight). CSU, which returns a pair of starters at linebacker in junior Shaq Barrett and senior James Skelton, also boasts three returning starters in the secondary, including all-MW performer Momo Thomas. Barrett flashed big-time potential last season, finishing third in the MW with an average of 8.2 tackles per game. He led the team with 99 tackles (45 solo), while recording 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups, one forced fumble and an interception and fumble recovery, both of which he returned for touchdowns |
| Ram Special Teams |
| Senior Pete Kontodiakos returns to handle the punting duties after earning second-team all-league honors with an average of 43.6 yards last season. In addition to handling his duties in the secondary, Thomas was all-MW honorable mention as a punt returner in 2011. |
|
| Quick Facts |
• 2011: 3-9 Overall, 1-6 MW (T6th)
• Overall Stats
• MW-Only Stats
• Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 44/23
• Starters Returning/Lost: 14/10
|
| Ram Links |
• Head Coach Jim McElwain (1st Year)
• Prospectus
• Roster
• Colorado State Football Home Page
|
| 2012 Schedule |
| Date |
Opponent |
| Sept. 2 |
vs. Colorado% |
| Sept. 8 |
North Dakota State |
| Sept. 15 |
at San Jose State |
| Sept. 22 |
Utah State |
| Sept. 29 |
at Air Force* |
| Oct. 6 |
Fresno State* |
| Oct. 13 |
at San Diego State* |
| Oct. 27 |
Hawai‘i* |
| Nov. 3 |
at Wyoming* |
| Nov. 10 |
UNLV* |
| Nov. 17 |
at Boise State* |
| Nov. 24 |
New Mexico* |
* MW game.
$ Sports Authority Field at Mile High (Denver, Colo.) |
|
| 2012 Outlook |
| Growing pains are a grind, and perhaps no coach in the MW is more acutely aware of that than head coach Bobby Hauck. And while the majority of those currently listed as No. 1s on the Rebels' spring depth chart have at least a year of experience to draw from, it's a group currently populated by just two seniors on offense (right guard Doug Zismann and right tackle Yusef Rodgers) and one on defense (weakside linebacker John Lotulelei). There are also two new coordinators in place. Third-year assistant Brent Myers will serve as the offensive coordinator while continuing to work with the team's tight ends. The new defensive coordinator is third-year assistant J.D. Williams, who will also continue coaching the secondary. |
| Rebel Offense |
| Although there is no No. 1 listed on the depth chart in the quarterback competition between juniors Caleb Herring and Sean Reilly and redshirt freshman Nick Sherry, Herring made eight starts last season while Reilly made two. Junior transfer James Boyd, who formerly played at USC, is not listed and could be moving to defensive end, a position he auditioned for in 2010 with the Trojans. Junior Tim Cornett returns as the team's leading rusher, but the Rebels must offset the loss of Dionza Bradford, who left the program after rushing for 640 yards last season as a true freshman. Sophomore Marcus Sullivan, who did not play last season, has big-play capabilities as both a receiver and kick returner. With the exception of Zismann and Rodgers, UNLV remains young up front, though redshirt freshmen Brett Boyko (left tackle) and Robert Waterman (center) started every game last season. Myers believes redshirt freshman Jake Phillips has the potential to become one of the league's top talents at tight end. |
| Rebel Defense |
| Williams' new assignment as defensive coordinator is not without challenges. The Rebels frequently found themselves on their heels last season because of a defense that yielded averages of 40.4 points and 443.2 yards. UNLV must address some key losses in defensive end James Dunlap, linebacker Nate Carter and defensive backs Quinton Pointer and Daniel Harper, but there is talent from which to build in junior tackles Tyler Gaston and Nate Holloway, senior linebacker Princeton Jackson, junior linebacker Tani Maka and junior cornerback Sidney Hodge. The Rebels are also excited about the prospects of defensive end Parker Holloway, who signed with UNLV in December. Holloway was also offered scholarships by North Carolina, Oklahoma State, Syracuse, Miami and Mississippi. The defense could also get a boost from the return of talented senior free safety Dre Crawford, who did not play last season. Crawford originally signed with Minnesota. |
| Rebel Special Teams |
| The Rebels return two of the top specialists in the MW last season in junior placekicker Nolan Kohorst and senior punter Chase Lansford. Kohorst, who was the only kicker in the MW in 2011 to make all of' his extra-point attempts (24-of-24), also hit 9-of-14 field goals. Lansford was the league's third-leading punter, averaging 41.2 yards. UNLV also figures to greatly benefit from the return of Sullivan, who averaged 27.9 yards on kick returns in 2010. Seven of Sullivan's 35 returns went for at least 37 yards, while five went for 50 or more. |
|
| Quick Facts |
• 2011: 2-10 Overall, 1-6 MW (T6th)
• Overall Stats
• MW-Only Stats
• Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 47/25
• Starters Returning/Lost: 15/9
|
| Rebel Links |
• Head Coach Bobby Hauck (3rd Year)
• Prospectus
• Roster
• UNLV Football Home Page
|
| 2012 Schedule |
| Date |
Opponent |
| Aug. 30 |
Minnesota |
| Sept. 8 |
Northern Arizona |
| Sept. 15 |
Washington State |
| Sept. 22 |
Air Force* |
| Sept. 29 |
at Utah State |
| Oct. 6 |
at Louisiana Tech |
| Oct. 13 |
Nevada* |
| Oct. 20 |
at Boise State* |
| Oct. 27 |
at San Diego State* |
| Nov. 3 |
New Mexico* |
| Nov. 10 |
at Colorado State* |
| Nov. 17 |
Wyoming* |
| Nov. 24 |
at Hawai‘i* |
| * MW game. |
|
| 2012 Outlook |
| While Kellen Moore was unquestionably the face of Boise State football, he was far from the sum of its parts. In 2012, the Broncos will be faced with replacing no fewer than seven players who earned first-team all-MW honors in 2011, including consensus All-American left tackle Nate Potter. In all, Boise State is absent 15 starters from a year ago (six on offense, nine on defense). Not only must the Broncos identify a successor to Moore, the winningest quarterback in NCAA history, they must also replace leading rusher Doug Martin, leading receiver Tyler Shoemaker and six of their top seven tacklers on defense before opening the season at Michigan State on Aug. 31. |
| Bronco Offense |
| During the course of his star-studded career, Moore threw 140 touchdown passes. Enter backup Joe Southwick, who needs only 138 to match Moore's total. Three others are also competing for the starting job this spring, including sophomore Grant Hedrick, redshirt freshman Jimmy Laughrea and highly touted true freshman Nick Patti. The Broncos are hoping senior D.J. Harper can fill the void left by Martin. Harper was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA due after suffering season-ending knee injuries in 2009 and 2010. Shoemaker's departure, though significant, is tempered by the return of sophomore Matt Miller and senior Mitch Burroughs, who combined for 113 receptions and 1,179 yards last season. The loss of Potter, whose spot is expected to be assumed by senior Faraji Wright, can't be understated. But Boise State has experience to build around in right tackle Charles Leno Jr., guards Joe Kellogg and Jake Broyles and center Cory Yriarte. |
| Bronco Defense |
| All four starting defensive linemen --- Shea McClellin, Billy Winn, Tyrone Crawford and Chase Baker --- are gone after accounting for 16.5 of the Broncos' 24 sacks in 2011. Look for senior Mike Atkinson (31 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss) and junior Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe (15 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks in seven games) to fill the vacancies inside, while junior college transfer Demarcus Lawrence and redshirt freshman Sam Ukwuachu battle for the outside linebacker/end hybrid spot formerly occupied by McClellin. Both have been impressive in spring drills. Also gone are linebacker Byron Hout and safety George Iloka, who ranked first and second, respectively, in tackles last season for Boise State. Jerrell Gavins and Jamar Taylor will be the cornerstones of a secondary that also lost Cedric Febis, Travis Stanaway and Hunter White. |
| Bronco Special Teams |
| Burroughs led the league in punt return average (13.3 yards) last season, but the Broncos must replace punter Brad Elkin and settle the placekicking competition between sophomore Dan Goodale and senior Michael Frisina. |
|
| Quick Facts |
• 2011: 12-1 Overall (6/8), 6-1 MW (2nd)
• Overall Stats
• MW-Only Stats
• Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 48/20
• Starters Returning/Lost: 14/16
|
| Bronco Links |
• Head Coach Chris Petersen (7th Year)
• Prospectus
• Roster
• Boise State Football Home Page
|
| 2012 Schedule |
| Date |
Opponent |
| Aug. 31 |
at Michigan State |
| Sept. 15 |
Miami-Ohio |
| Sept. 22 |
BYU |
| Sept. 29 |
at New Mexico* |
| Oct. 6 |
at Southern Miss |
| Oct. 13 |
Fresno State* |
| Oct. 20 |
UNLV* |
| Oct. 27 |
at Wyoming* |
| Nov. 3 |
San Diego State* |
| Nov. 10 |
at Hawai‘i* |
| Nov. 17 |
Colorado State* |
| Nov. 24 |
at Nevada* |
| * MW game. |
|
| 2012 Outlook |
| Some thought there was little reason to expect big things from the Cowboys in 2011, particularly when head coach Dave Christensen announced that the starting quarterback duties would be handled by a true freshman. If fans were wont to raise an eyebrow at the time, they were ultimately rewarded with the team's first eight-win season in 13 years, as Christensen went on to be named the MW Coach of the Year and quarterback Brett Smith was tabbed the league's Freshman of the Year. The Cowboys' five league wins and third-place finish matched the team's best performance since 2006. Wyoming earned a bid to the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, marking the first time since 1988-90 that it played in a postseason game twice in a three-year span. The biggest challenge will be identifying capable replacements for starting offensive tackles John Hutchins and Clayton Kirven, along with starting defensive ends Josh Biezuns and Gabe Knapton. |
| Cowboy Offense |
| While Smith is participating in spring practices, he is not taking part in any live action after undergoing offseason surgery on the thumb of his right throwing hand. Smith turned in a spectacular freshman season, completing 61 percent of his passes for 2,622 yards with 20 touchdowns. He was also the Cowboys' leading rusher with 710 yards and 10 touchdowns and finished with 3,332 yards of total offense. Junior wide Josh Leonard, who has made 13 career starts, and sophomore Daniel Fleischman have emerged as the early candidates to replace Hutchins and Kirven. The Cowboys entered spring drills with just two proven running backs on scholarship in senior Brandon Miller and sophomore Kody Sutton. Wyoming returns its top two receivers in sophomore Dominic Rufran (44 catches, 402 yards, two touchdowns) and junior Robert Herron (43 catches, 379 yards, three touchdowns). |
| Cowboy Defense |
| Despite the losses of Biezuns and Knapton, the Cowboys are not without experience. Senior tackle Mike Purcell will be a four-year starter when the season begins, while senior end Ben Durbin and tackle Kurt Taufa'asau both started games last season. Also back is junior tackle Patrick Mertens, who missed the 2011 season with an undisclosed illness. Opposite Durbin at right defensive end is Sonny Puletasi, who played behind Knapton last season. Senior Ghaali Muhammad, who was moved to running back last season, returns to a seasoned linebacking corps that includes 2011 starters Devyn Harris and Korey Jones. Also back in the fold is senior Oliver Schober, who was sidelined with an injury last season. Senior strong safety Luke Ruff, a second-team all-MW pick in 2011, is the leader in the secondary. |
| Cowboy Special Teams |
| Australian native Tim Gleeson has taken over the punting duties and averaged more than 50 yards during a recent scrimmage. Sophomore Daniel Sullivan returns as the team's placekicker, while cornerback Blair Burns, who earned MW honorable mention last season, will once again return punts. |
|
| Quick Facts |
• 2011: 8-5 Overall, 5-2 MW (3rd)
• Overall Stats
• MW-Only Stats
• Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 43/16
• Starters Returning/Lost: 14/11
|
| Cowboy Links |
• Head Coach Dave Christensen (4th Year)
• Prospectus
• Roster
• Wyoming Football Home Page
|
| 2012 Schedule |
| Date |
Opponent |
| Sept. 1 |
at Texas |
| Sept. 8 |
Toledo |
| Sept. 15 |
Cal Poly |
| Sept. 22 |
at Idaho |
| Oct. 6 |
at Nevada* |
| Oct. 13 |
Air Force* |
| Oct. 20 |
at Fresno State* |
| Oct. 27 |
Boise State* |
| Nov. 3 |
Colorado State* |
| Nov. 10 |
at New Mexico* |
| Nov. 17 |
at UNLV* |
| Nov. 24 |
San Diego State* |
| * MW game. |
|
| 2012 Outlook |
| Key injuries on defense, particularly up front, had the Falcons on their heels from the outset last season, a disadvantage reflected in opponents' ability to often run the ball with a large measure of success. Finding a remedy will be no small feat, particularly given that Air Force lost nine defensive starters, among them defensive linemen Harry Kehs, Ryan Gardner and Ross Fleming, and inside linebackers Brady Amack and Jordan Waiwaiole. To that end, head coach Troy Calhoun staged one of the competitive (read physical) springs of his tenure, with more than a few players limited by various bumps and bruises when practices concluded on March 20. Yet with fall camp only four months removed for a team returning just six starters, the Falcons don't enjoy the luxury of spending unlimited time on auditions. |
| Falcon Offense |
| Make no mistake: While filling the void left by quarterback Tim Jefferson will be a challenge, Air Force has the ideal candidate in fifth-year senior Connor Dietz. Though perhaps not possessing the passing skills of Jefferson, Dietz is more than capable of directing the Falcons' complex option attack, having played in 21 career games with three starts. Last year's starting fullback, Wes Cobb, has moved to tailback to offset the loss of 1,000-yard rusher Asher Clark, while Ty MacArthur figures to be the leading candidate to supplant that multi-talented Jonathan Warzeka at the "Z" receiver spot, a hybrid wide receiver/running back position. The offensive line will be absent three starters from last season, but the foundation is in place to begin anew with the return of Jason Kons and Jordan Eason. |
| Falcon Defense |
| In addition to filling the aforementioned vacancies up front, a team that ranked sixth in the nation last year against the pass must also find a way to replace the likes of Anthony Wright, Jr., Jon Davis and Josh Hall in the secondary. The linebacking corps took a hit with the losses of Amack and Waiwaiole, but the return of starter Alex Means (77 tackles, six sacks) and the potential of Jamil Cooks should lessen the blow. |
| Falcon Special Teams |
| Placekicker Parker Harrington earned first-team all-MW honors in 2011, connecting on 15-of-18 field goals and 45-of-48 extra-point attempts. Punter David Baska also returns after averaging 40.8 yards last season. |
|
| Quick Facts |
• 2011: 7-6 Overall, 3-4 MW (5th)
• Overall Stats
• MW-Only Stats
• Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 51/24
• Starters Returning/Lost: 7/17
|
| Falcon Links |
• Head Coach Troy Calhoun (6th Year)
• Prospectus
• Roster
• Air Force Football Home Page
|
| 2012 Schedule |
| Date |
Opponent |
| Sept. 1 |
Idaho State |
| Sept. 8 |
at Michigan |
| Sept. 22 |
at UNLV* |
| Sept. 29 |
Colorado State* |
| Oct. 6 |
Navy |
| Oct. 13 |
at Wyoming* |
| Oct. 20 |
New Mexico* |
| Oct. 27 |
Nevada* |
| Nov. 3 |
at Army |
| Nov. 10 |
at San Diego State* |
| Nov. 17 |
Hawai‘i* |
| Nov. 24 |
at Fresno State* |
| * MW game. |
|
|
MEN'S BASKETBALL HEADLINES |
•
Southern Mississippi's Larry Eustachy set to become new basketball coach at CSU.
• Winston Shepard becomes highest-rated prep prospect to choose SDSU in school history.
• Cowboys sign versatile guard; still have two scholarships left.
|
FOOTBALL HEADLINES |
• CSU's McElwain placing strong emphasis on "all for one, one for all" approach.
• UNLV excited about prospects of team's young tight ends.
• Wyoming's "other" Smith is proving to be more than backup QB.
• Boise State's defensive linemen have some sizable shoes to fill.
Have you seen a news article on the Mountain West, its teams and its players to share with fellow fans? E-mail them to Webmaster@TheMWC.com!
MICK MCGRANE
 Mick McGrane has covered the Mountain West since the league's inception in 1999. He spent 12 years at the San Diego Union-Tribune, where he served as the beat writer for San Diego State football and men's basketball. He currently represents the MW as a member of the Football Writers Association of America All-America Committee and is a member of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. McGrane serves as senior writer to the Mountain West, providing readers with exclusive, in-depth information about the Conference by highlighting its 10 member institutions and contributing feature stories on student-athletes that participate in the league's 18 sponsored sports.
Have a question for Mick? E-mail him at mick@TheMWC.com or check him out on Twitter @MWCMick.
MARK KNUDSON
 Mark Knudson is a Colorado State journalism school graduate and a 12-year veteran of professional baseball. During his playing career, Mark pitched for three major league teams, including the Colorado Rockies, where he was the first Colorado native to play for the hometown team. He recorded wins over three of the four legendary pitchers who make up the 4,000 strikeout club: Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens. His win over Ryan came for the Milwaukee Brewers on Opening Day in 1991.
Since his retirement, Mark has been a feature writer and columnist for Mile High Sports, a radio talk show host and TV analyst for numerous sports media outlets. For the past six years, he was a columnist and baseball analyst for The Mtn., along with being one of Colorado's six Heisman Trophy voters.
Have a question for Mark? Visit him at ElevationSportsNetwork.com or check him out on Twitter @MarkKnudson41.
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