Reno, Nev. -- Sophomore punt returner De’Angelo Wilson was named the WAC Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday for his punt returning efforts in Nevada’s 42-0 win at Louisiana Tech. Wilson returned three punts for 125 yards, including a career-best of 69 yards, in the victory. He also had returns of 11 and 45 yards in averaging 41.7 yards per attempt. Two of his returns set up Nevada touchdowns. Wilson now leads the WAC with 15.2 yards per punt return.
Joining Wilson among the honorees were Boise State quarterback Jared Zabransky and Hawai'i defensive end Melila Purcell.
Zabransky, a senior from Hermiston, Ore. (Hermiston HS), completed 21-of-23 passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in the 49-10 win over Utah State. He set a school record for completion percentage (.913), breaking the old record of .864 (19-of-22) set by Ryan Dinwiddie against Fresno State in 2002. For the game, Zabransky had a pass efficiency rating of 220.53.
Purcell, a senior from Pago Pago, American Samoa (Leone HS), made eight tackles (7 solo), including 3.5 for a loss of 10 yards and forced a fumble that led to a touchdown in the second half of the 51-17 win over San Jose State. He had 2.5 sacks and was also credited with four quarterback hurries.
Others nominated on offense: junior running back Dwayne Wright, Fresno State; junior quarterback Colt Brennan, Hawai'i; and sophomore running back Luke Lippincott, Nevada.
Also nominated on defense: senior linebacker Korey Hall, Boise State; sophomore linebacker Joshua Mauga, Nevada; and freshman linebacker Paul Igboeli, Utah State.
Other special teams nominations: senior punter Kyle Stringer, Boise State; and junior kicker Clint Stitser, Fresno State.
This marks the fourth straight week a Nevada player has been honored and the sixth honor of the season. Since Nevada joined the WAC in 2000, Nevada football players have won weekly awards 32 times.
