DENVER Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Louisiana Tech safety Antonio Baker and Fresno State kick returner A.J. Jefferson were named the Western Athletic Conference offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week, respectively.
Kaepernick, a freshman from Turlock, Calif. (Pitman HS), accounted for five touchdowns and 373 yards of total offense in Nevada’s 40-38 win at New Mexico State. Kaepernick threw for 237 yards and three touchdowns and also ran for 136 yards and two more scores. Both of his touchdown runs came in the fourth quarter with the first from 31 yards out and the second from 35 yards. With 1:00 left in the game, he hit Mike McCoy on a 31-yard touchdown pass for the game-winner.
This is the fourth time a Nevada player has won a weekly WAC award and the third straight such honor. This is the first WAC award for Kaepernick. Since Nevada joined the WAC in 2000, Nevada players have won the weekly award 36 times.
Baker, a sophomore from Amite, La. (Amite HS), had a team-high eight tackles, one interception and recovered a fumble in Louisiana Tech’s 28-16 win at Idaho. Midway through the first quarter, Baker intercepted a pass, his third straight game with an interception. At the end of the second quarter, Baker recovered a fumble at Tech’s three-yard line to help preserve the Bulldogs’ 14-10 lead at the intermission.
Jefferson, a sophomore from Bakersfield, Calif. (West HS), returned three kicks for 158 yards and one touchdown in Fresno State’s 38-27 win over Utah State. He had an 88-yard return for a score after the Aggies cut the lead to 31-17 in the middle of the third quarter. Jefferson also added a 65-yard return on the opening kickoff that set up the Bulldogs’ first touchdown.
Others nominated on offense: senior quarterback Taylor Tharp, Boise State; senior running back Clifton Smith, Fresno State; junior running back Patrick Jackson, Louisiana Tech; and junior quarterback Chase Holbrook, New Mexico State.
Also nominated on defense: junior linebacker Tim Brady, Boise State; senior linebacker Marcus Riley, Fresno State; senior linebacker Ezra Butler, Nevada; and senior linebacker Dante Floyd, New Mexico State.
Other special teams nominations: senior punt returner Marty Tadman, Boise State; junior punter T.J. Conley, Idaho; junior punter Chris Keagle, Louisiana Tech; senior return specialist Alex Rosenblum, Nevada; and senior return specialist Kevin Robinson, Utah State.
