Eric Weddle did it again.
For the second consecutive season, the Utah senior has been named Mountain West Conference defensive player of the year.
"Certainly he's deserving of it," coach Kyle Whittingham said. "What he's done for our program in his career at Utah is invaluable."
Weddle, he continued, is more than just a talent on the field. Whittingham praised his leadership and the way he represents the program.
Weddle joins former San Diego State linebacker Kirk Morrison as the only two-time recipient of the league's top defensive award. Morrison, though, shared the 2004 accolade with former Ute star Morgan Scalley. Weddle is the first to take solo honors twice.
The all-American wasn't the only Utah player to earn an individual honor this year. Sophomore Louie Sakoda was named the MWC's co-special teams player of the year, sharing the award with New Mexico's Kenny Byrd.
"I thought Louie had a fine year both punting and place kicking," Whittingham said. "There's not a lot of guys in the country that can handle those two duties as well as he did."
Weddle and Sakoda headlined Utah's honorees when the MWC announced its annual all-conference teams. The Utes placed three players on both the first and second squads.
"All coaches like their players. I love our players. I think they're great," Whittingham said. "I'm sure that's a biased opinion, but I think we are well-represented."
Utah's three first-teamers share a lot of common ground. Weddle, offensive lineman Tavo Tupola and defensive tackle Kelly Talavou are senior captains. Whittingham said each had excellent years and were consistent performers.
The Utes were represented on the second team by sophomore wide receiver Brent Casteel, junior linebacker Joe Jiannoni and senior defensive lineman Paul Soliai.
"I'm very proud of Soliai for what he's accomplished," Whittingham said. "There was a time at Utah where we weren't sure where he was going to play or if he was even going to be a part of the program. And to go from that to second-team all-conference I think is a real tribute to him and the hard work he has put in."
As for the others, Whittingham is hopeful that Casteel's showing is a sign of things to come. Jiannoni, he explained, achieved his recognition despite missing one-third of the season with a foot injury.
Eight Utes earned honorable mention recognition — junior offensive lineman Jason Boone, junior defensive end Martail Burnett, sophomore offensive lineman Robert Conley, senior safety Casey Evans, sophomore cornerback Brice McCain, junior receiver Derrek Richards, junior safety Steve Tate and Sakoda.
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com