UteZone.com - Mountain West Conference All-Decade Team: Offense

July 20, 2008

James Durrant
UteZone.com Senior Writer

This season marks the tenth anniversary of the Mountain West Conference. From housing the original BCS busters in Utah's 2004 squad, to suffering through a television distribution crisis, the past decade has brought several highs and lows for the conference. Over the past decade, the Mountain West has produced some top-flight talent including the likes of NFL players Brian Urlacher, Alex Smith, and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. To commemorate a decade of Mountain West football, Utezone.com has selected the top performers at each position. Here's a look at the offense:

Mountain West All-Decade First Team Offense

Quarterback ? Alex Smith, Utah

Heisman Finalist in 2004, multiple All-America honors, The Sporting News National Player of the Year, Academic All-America, the list of accolades goes on and on. Smith's 21-1 career mark as Utah's starting quarterback is not only remarkable, but will most likely be the conference's best mark for years to come. Smith finished his career at Utah completing 389-of-587 pass attempts for 5,203 yards and 47 touchdowns while throwing just 8 interceptions. He also added 1,072 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. He led the Utes to a perfect 12-0 season in 2004 and established himself as the best dual-threat QB in college football.

Running Back ? Dontrelle Moore, New Mexico

Moore is statistically one of the top backs in college football history, not just the MWC. He finished his career as one of just six backs in history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons. Moore's career rushing totals place him at the top of the MWC record books with 4,973 yards and 51 touchdowns, good enough for 14th and 19th respectively in NCAA history.

Running Back ? Luke Staley, BYU

Doak Walker Award winner who turned in arguably the greatest single-season effort in conference history in 2001. Staley became a national name and garnered several post-season honors when he rushed for 1,596 yards and 24 touchdowns in 11 games. He added another 334 yards and 4 touchdowns receiving, leading the nation in total touchdowns (28) and yards per carry (8.1).

Wide Receiver ? Javon Bouknight, Wyoming

Bouknight was one of the best all-purpose players in MWC history. Over his career, Bouknight caught 250 passes for 3,626 yards and an MWC career record 29 touchdowns. He trails only DonTrell Moore on the MWC's career all-purpose yards list with 5,921 yards. Bouknight was a terrific return man, and is the conference's career leader in kick return yards with 2,016 on 87 career returns.

Wide Receiver ? David Andersen, Colorado State

Andersen might be the best receiver in conference history. A three year starter at CSU, Andersen set numerous school and conference receiving records. Andersen was named first or second team All-MWC three times. Caught 223 passes for MWC record 3,634 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Wide Receiver ? J.R. Tolver, San Diego State

MWC's career leader in receptions (262) is also third in yards (3,572), and touchdowns (18). Tolver turned in the best season ever by a MWC receiver in 2002 when he hauled in 128 passes for 1,785 yards and 13 touchdows, all MWC records.

Tight End ? Johnny Harline, BYU

Most prolific receiving tight end in conference history, Harline caught 121 passes for 1,788 yards and 17 touchdowns in his career. Two-time All-MWC player, and was a Mackey Award finalist as well as being named to seven All-America teams as a senior, when he caught 58 passes for 935 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Offensive Tackle ? Jordan Gross, Utah

Top lineman in MWC history, Gross (8th overall in 2003) was also the highest drafted player in MWC history until Alex Smith became the top overall pick in 2004. Gross did not allow a sack his final two seasons at Utah, which helped earn him Consensus All-American honors as well as being named a finalist for the Outland Trophy.

Offensive Guard ? Morgan Pears, Colorado State

Pears had a great career at Colorado State, culminating in a terrific senior campaign that earned him First Team All-MWC honors and name a Second Team All-American by The Sporting News.

Center ? Ryan Cook, New Mexico

Three-time All-MWC First Team selection, a rarity among offensive linemen. Cook was the key cog to New Mexico's ground game, helping pave the way for the Lobos to rush for over 7,000 yards and 71 touchdowns his three years as a starter.

Offensive Guard ? Chris Kemoeatu, Utah

Kemoeatu is just behind Gross when it comes to the most decorated lineman in MWC history. Battling inconsistency and anger issues, Kemoeatu broke out in 2004, earning First Team All-MWC honors while being named to five All-American teams, including first team honors from Pro Football Weekly, the Football Writer's Association of America, and SI.com.

Offensive Tackle ? Claude Terrell, New Mexico

Workhorse lineman on perhaps the best line in MWC history, Terrell was the perfect fit for the Lobos power running scheme. A tremendous drive blocker who was also a solid pass protector, Terrell earned three All-MWC honors, First Team as a junior and senior.

Kicker ? Louie Sakoda, Utah

Sakoda has been a fantastic kicker and punter since his freshman season. Sakoda was named MWC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2006 and 2007 and was named to seven All-America teams in 2007. Career 83% field goal kicker and a career punt average of 42.1 yards with 80 of 186 career punts downed inside the 20 yard line.

Return Specialist ? Steve Smith, Utah

Elite return man also earned second-team All-MWC honors twice as a receiver. Smith's electrifying ability to return kicks and punts made him a fan favorite and earned him All-MWC honors in 1999 and 2000. Smith's 4 career punt returns for touchdown are a MWC record, as are his 3 returns for scores in 1999. Smith's best performance as a return man came in a 1999 game against New Mexico, when he returned 4 punts for 163 yards and 2 scores.

Second Team

QB ? Bradlee Van Pelt, Colorado State

RB ? Cecil Sapp, Colorado State

RB ? Dominique Dorsey, UNLV

WR ? Ryan McGuffey, Wyoming

WR ? Jeff Webb, San Diego State

WR ? Hank Baskett, New Mexico

TE ? Joel Dreessen, Colorado State

OT ? Dallas Reynolds, BYU

OT ? Herbert Taylor, TCU

OG ? David Moreno, San Diego State

OG ? Brett Huyser, Air Force

C ? Mike Malano, San Diego State

K ? Jeff Babcock, Colorado State

KR ? Dexter Wynn, Colorado State

Honorable Mention

QB ? John Beck, BYU

RB ? Curtis Brown, BYU; Larry Ned, San Diego State; Chad Hall, Air Force

WR ? Travis Brown, New Mexico; Paris Warren, Utah; Steve Savoy, Utah; Austin Collie, BYU

OL ? Adam Goldberg, Wyoming; Jake Kuresa, BYU; Doug Kaufusi, Utah; Robert Turner, New Mexico; Jon Wilson, Air Force; Erik Pears, Colorado State

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