Utah senior defensive back Eric Weddle was named to the NCAA Consensus All-America Football Team on Friday, joining Luther Elliss (1994) and Jordan Gross (2002) as the only Consensus All-Americans in Utah football history.
The five organizations used in the consensus chart were the American Football Coaches Association, Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News and Walter Camp Foundation. The 29 players on the NCAA Consensus All-America Football Team received the majority of votes competing against players at their position only.
Weddle, the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006, was named to eight All-America teams this past season, including six first-team citations. He led the conference and finished No. 8 in the nation in interceptions with seven-returning two for touchdowns.
Other key defensive stats for Weddle included 64 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, two pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
One of the most versatile players in the nation, Weddle played cornerback, safety, quarterback, running back, holder, punt returner and kick returner, while also contributing on the punt and kickoff coverage teams. He scored eight touchdowns in 2006 — two on interceptions returns, one on a fumble return and five rushing. He also passed for a touchdown. Weddle's five rushing touchdowns was tied for the team lead, and he averaged 4.6 yards per carry.
Weddle finished his Ute career in typical fashion at the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 23. He recorded six tackles, an interception, an assisted sack and a fumble recovery, and rushed for 56 yards and a touchdown. Weddle also held for four successful field goal kicks by Louie Sakoda in Utah's 25-13 victory over Tulsa. Weddle and Sakoda were named to the Rivals.com 2006-07 All-Bowl Team.
POSTON TO RETURN: Utah tailback Darryl Poston has received another year of eligibility from the NCAA.
Poston, who led the Utes in rushing with 553 yards last season, played at Southern California in 2001 and early in 2002 before injuring his back. After missing the 2003 season, he transferred to Utah and injured his knee in the 2004 season opener, missing the rest of the season.
Poston was granted an extension after 2005 and was able to play a complete season for the first time in his career, starting 11 of Utah's 13 games last fall. The NCAA granted another extension to Poston, making him eligible for 2007.