Boise State junior linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (Salmon River High, Riggins) has been named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year, the conference announced Wednesday. Vander Esch is the first Bronco to win the defensive POY award since Korey Hall (Glenns Ferry High) in the WAC in 2006.
Six Broncos made the All-Mountain West first team: Vander Esch, senior wide receiver Cedrick Wilson, senior tight end Jake Roh, senior center Mason Hampton (Meridian High), freshman STUD Curtis Weaver and junior cornerback Tyler Horton. Weaver is the first Boise State freshman to earn All-MW first-team honors.
In all, 19 Boise State players were honored, including four seniors, seven juniors, five sophomores and three freshmen.
Fresno State placed 16 players on the All-MW Team, including Coach of the Year Jeff Tedford.
Boise State (9-3) and No. 25 Fresno State (9-3) meet in the Mountain West Championship Game at 5:45 p.m. Saturday at Albertsons Stadium. The winner is likely headed to the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 16.
The top five awards went to Vander Esch, Tedford, San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny (offensive and special teams POY) and UNLV quarterback Armani Rogers (freshman)
Click here for Boise State’ release on the All-Mountain West Football Team.
Click here for the complete 2017 All-Mountain West Football Team.
