FRESNO – Fresno State had 16 football student-athletes recognized with Mountain West postseason honors while head coach Jeff Tedford was named the Mountain West Coach of the Year, as announced by the conference office on Wednesday morning. Sixteen postseason selections are the most that Fresno State has received since joining the conference in 2012. Sophomore linebacker Jeffrey Allison was the lone Bulldog to get a first-team All-MW nod.
"Program-wide, what we've been fortunate to accomplish this year is a reflection on the coaches and the players," said Tedford. "Really, it's all about them. They did all the work and they're the ones playing between the lines. It's nice for the program. I think the people associated with this team, the staff and the players, can take a lot of pride in that because they're the ones who earned it."
Four Bulldogs were named to the All-MW second-team as senior kicker Jimmy Camacho, junior wide receiver KeeSean Johnson, senior offensive lineman Aaron Mitchell and senior defensive lineman Tobenna Okeke earned honors.
Eleven more Bulldogs picked up All-Mountain West honorable mention nods: sophomore defensive back Mike Bell, sophomore defensive back Jaron Bryant, junior offensive lineman Christian Cronk, senior defensive lineman Malik Forrester, junior linebacker George Helmuth, sophomore defensive back Juju Hughes, junior quarterback Marcus McMaryion, redshirt freshman offensive lineman Netane Muti, senior offensive lineman David Patterson, junior offensive lineman Micah St. Andrew and senior defensive end Robert Stanley.
The 2017 All-Mountain West teams were voted upon by the league's 12 head coaches and media members covering the league institutions.
Tedford, who inherited a Fresno State team who was 1-11 (0-8 MW) in 2016, owns the best FBS win improvement in the nation (+8) with the Bulldogs finishing the regular season 9-3 (7-1 MW). Fresno State clinched its first MW West Division title since 2014, clinching its spot in the 2017 MW Championship game this coming Saturday. Tedford is Fresno State's first conference coach of the year since 1991 (Jim Sweeney).
"That's just the title. It's a whole team thing," Tedford said of the coach of the year award. "That belongs to the whole staff. It belongs to all of the players. I have very little to do with that. It's really everybody else. That's a program award and a team award all the way, from the strength coach to you name it."
Allison led the Bulldogs this season with 103 tackles (66 solo) and 8.58 tackles per game. He was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week twice during the 2017 season and posted a career-best 14 tackles twice (at Alabama, BYU), and has tallied four games with double-digit tackle outputs.
The sophomore forced two game-deciding fumbles, in wins over San Diego State and BYU. Allison also recovered a crucial fumble in Fresno State's win over Wyoming, clinching the West Division with a 13-7 win over the Cowboys. He is the first Bulldog to receive first-team honors since 2014.
For second-team, Johnson recorded 64 receptions for 860 yards and scored eight touchdowns leading the team in all three categories through 12 games. All eight of Johnson's touchdowns came during MW play as he has risen to No. 9 on the program's all-time career receptions list at Fresno State with 167.
Johnson had a season-high three touchdowns in Fresno State's win over Nevada, tying his career-high. He had four games with 100-yard receiving performances, including three games during conference play. Johnson has caught at least one reception in 34 consecutive games, which puts him in a group of 17 individuals in the nation that carry a streak of more than 30 games. This is Johnson's second career All-MW honor, after being an honorable mention selection in 2016.
Mitchell, a senior center, helped keep six opponents without a sack this season. He was a crucial member of the Bulldogs' offensive line that ranks No. 3 in the nation in tackles for loss allowed. The Fresno State offensive line didn't allow a tackle for loss in a crucial 27-3 win over San Diego State. The Bulldogs, who are averaging 158.5 yards on the ground, have ran for 1,902 yards on the season – the most since 2014.
Okeke, a senior defensive lineman, ranks first on the team in sacks (5) and is second on the team in tackles for loss (9.5). Okeke notched a career-high three sacks in the Bulldogs' 31-21 win over Hawai'i. The senior ranks ninth on the team in total tackles with 32 (19 solo). Okeke is one of five MW players with three forced fumbles, ranking second in the conference.
Camacho, a senior out of Perris, Calif., leads the MW and ranks No. 7 in the FBS in field goals per game (1.75). Camacho has 21 field goals this season to lead the conference. He has made 21-of-25. He has made at least one field goal in all 12 games, including eight games with at least two. Camacho leads the team in scoring this season with 99 points as he sits in a tie for eighth in scoring by a kicker in a single season.
2017 Fresno State Honorable Mention selections (11):
Mike Bell, So. (DB)
• Finished the regular season with 62 tackles (42 solo), fifth-best for the Bulldogs.
• Had three pass breakups and recovered two fumbles.
• Recovered a key fumble during the opening drive in Fresno State's 27-3 win over San Diego State.
• Recovered a fumble against BYU during on the Cougar's last possession of the game to secure a 20-13 win for the Fresno State.
Jaron Bryant, So. (DB)
• Finished the regular season with 55 tackles (40 solo), sixth-best for the Bulldogs.
• Team-high three interceptions and six pass breakups.
• Fourth in the MW in interceptions (3).
• Career-high game in the conference opener against Nevada (Sept. 30) recording his first two collegiate interceptions, returning the first for a touchdown & made six tackles.
Christian Cronk, Jr. (OL)
• Started all 12 games of the season.
• Member of the unit that ranks second in the nation (and best in the Mountain West) in sacks allowed per game (.583).
• Member of the Bulldogs' offensive line that ranks No. 3 in the nation in tackles for loss allowed (3.08).
• Fresno State has outgained its opponent on the ground nine times in 2017 and are 8-1 in those games.
Malik Forrester, Sr. (DL)
• Started 11 games, played in all 12 games.
• Finished the regular season with 29 tackles (19 solo).
• Recorded four sacks on the season, second-best for the Bulldogs.
• Recorded seven tackles for a loss, totaling 39 yards.
• Had a season-high two sacks in Fresno State's 27-10 win at SJSU (Oct. 7).
George Helmuth, Jr. (LB)
• Started nine games, played in all 12 games.
• Finished the regular season with 77 tackles (48 solo), second-best for the Bulldogs.
• Lead the Bulldogs in QB hurries with four.
• Recorded six tackles for loss, totaling 25 yards.
• Had two sacks, two fumble recoveries and one pass breakup on the season.
• Recorded a career-best 11 tackles at Wyoming (Nov. 18). Stopped Cowboy quarterback Nick Smith on fourth-and-1 at the Fresno State 37-yard line in the second quarter. Less than two minutes later, recovered a muffed punt in which lead to a Fresno State touchdown, the only touchdown in the 13-7 win that clinched the West Division title.
• Earned MW Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 20 after Fresno State's win over Wyoming.
Juju Hughes, So. (DB)
• Started all 12 games of the season.
• Finished the regular season with 64 tackles (48 solo), third-best for the Bulldogs.
• Lead the team in pass breakups with seven.
• Recorded six tackles for loss, totaling 12 yards.
• Compiled career-best 11 tackles and two tackles for loss in Fresno State's 28-0 shutout over New Mexico (Oct. 14), as the Bulldogs' recorded their first-ever shut out of a Mountain West opponent.
• Earned MW Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 9 after recording his first-career interception and 2.0 tackles for loss, a sack, forced fumble and a quarterback hurry in Fresno State's win over San Jose State (Oct. 7).
Marcus McMaryion, Jr. (QB)
• Played in all 12 games, started nine.
• Passed for 169-of-269, with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions.
• Ranks No. 2 in the MW in pass efficiency (146.8).
• Had a season-high four touchdowns in Fresno State's 31-21 win over Hawai'i (Nov.11).
• Recorded a season-high 332 passing yards in Fresno State's 28-17 win over Boise State (Nov. 25).
• Produced 38 pass completions of 20-plus yards this season, including 21 pass completions for 30 or more yards.
• Owned a streak of 149-straight attempts without an interception until a fourth quarter interception at Hawai'i, ranking No. 6 in program history.
• Earned MW Offensive Player of the Week honors on Nov. 27, after Fresno State's 28-17 win over Boise State.
Netane Muti, Fr. (OL)
• Started all 12 games of the season.
• Member of the unit that ranks second in the nation (and best in the Mountain West) in sacks per game (.583).
• Member of the Bulldogs' offensive line that ranks No. 3 in the nation in tackles for loss allowed (3.08).
• Fresno State has outgained its opponent on the ground nine times in 2017 and are 8-1 in those games.
David Patterson, Sr. (OL)
• Started all 12 games of the season.
• Member of the unit that ranks second in the nation (and best in the Mountain West) in sacks per game (.583).
• Member of the Bulldogs' offensive line that ranks No. 3 in the nation in tackles for loss allowed (3.08).
• Fresno State has outgained its opponent on the ground nine times in 2017 and are 8-1 in those games.
Micah St. Andrew, Jr. (OL)
• Started all 12 games of the season.
• Member of the unit that ranks second in the nation (and best in the Mountain West) in sacks per game (.583).
• Member of the Bulldogs' offensive line that ranks No. 3 in the nation in tackles for loss allowed (3.08).
• Fresno State has outgained its opponent on the ground nine times in 2017 and are 8-1 in those games.
Robert Stanley, Sr. (DL)
• Started all 12 games of the season.
• Finished the regular season with 33 tackles (23 solo),
• Led the team with 9.5 tackles for loss.
• Notched three sacks on the season, fourth-most on the team.
• Ranks No. 4 in the MW in fumbles recovered with two.
• Had a season-high three tackles for loss in Fresno State's 27-3 win over San Diego State (Oct. 21).
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Rashaad Penny, Sr., RB, San Diego State
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Leighton Vander Esch, Jr., LB, Boise State
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Rashaad Penny, Sr., KR/PR, San Diego State
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Armani Rogers, QB, UNLV
COACH OF THE YEAR
Jeff Tedford, Fresno State
2017 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST FOOTBALL FIRST-TEAM
OFFENSE
QB: Nick Stevens, Sr., Colorado State
WR: Cedrick Wilson, Sr., Boise State
WR: Michael Gallup*, Sr., Colorado State
RB: Rashaad Penny, Sr., San Diego State
RB: Lexington Thomas, Jr., UNLV
TE: Jake Roh, Sr., Boise State
OL: Mason Hampton, Sr., Boise State
OL: Jake Bennett, Sr., Colorado State
OL: Zack Golditch, Sr., Colorado State
OL: Dejon Allen, Sr., Hawai'i
OL: Austin Corbett, Sr., Nevada
PK: Dominik Eberle, So., Utah State
PR/KR: Rashaad Penny**, Sr., San Diego State
DEFENSE
DL: Curtis Weaver, Fr., Boise State
DL: Malik Reed, Jr., Nevada
DL: Youhanna Ghaifan, So., Wyoming
DL: Carl Granderson, Jr., Wyoming
LB: Leighton Vander Esch, Jr., Boise State
LB: Jeffrey Allison, So., Fresno State
LB: Frank Ginda, Jr., San José State
DB: Tyler Horton, Jr., Boise State
DB: Kameron Kelly, Sr., San Diego State
DB: Jalen Davis, Sr., Utah State
DB: Andrew Wingard*, Jr., Wyoming
P: Corey Bojorquez, Sr., New Mexico
2017 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST FOOTBALL SECOND-TEAM
OFFENSE
QB: Brett Rypien, Jr., Boise State
WR: KeeSean Johnson, Jr., Fresno State
WR: Wyatt Demps, Sr., Nevada
RB: Dalyn Dawkins, Sr., Colorado State
RB: Diocemy Saint Juste, Sr., Hawai'i
TE: David Wells*, Sr., San Diego State
OL: Alex Norton, Sr., Air Force
OL: Archie Lewis, Sr., Boise State
OL: Aaron Mitchell, Sr., Fresno State
OL: Keith Ismael, Fr., San Diego State
OL: Tyler Roemer, Fr., San Diego State
PK: Jimmy Camacho, Sr., Fresno State
PR/KR: Avery Williams, Fr., Boise State
DEFENSE
DL: Jabril Frazier, Jr., Boise State
DL: David Moa, Jr., Boise State
DL: Tobenna Okeke, Sr., Fresno State
DL: Mike Hughes, Jr., Sr., UNLV
LB: Jahlani Tavai, Jr., Hawai'i
LB: Ronley Lakalaka, Jr., San Diego State
LB: Logan Wilson, So., Wyoming
DB: Kekoa Nawahine, So., Boise State
DB: Dameon Baber, Jr., Nevada
DB: Tariq Thompson, Fr., San Diego State
DB: Rico Gafford, Sr., Wyoming
P: Michael Carrizosa, Sr., San José State
2017 HONORABLE MENTION
Air Force (1): Grant Ross, Sr., LB.
Boise State (7): Ezra Cleveland, Fr., OL; Haden Hoggarth, Jr., PK; Alexander Mattison, So., RB; Tyson Maeva, So, LB;
Durrant Miles, Jr., DL; John Molchon, So., OL; DeAndre Pierce, So., DB.
Colorado State (5): Evan Colorito, Sr., LB; Dalton Fackrell, Sr., TE; Trae Moxley, Sr., OL; Ryan Stonehouse, Fr., P;
Josh Watson, Jr., LB.
Fresno State (11): Mike Bell So., DB; Jaron Bryant, So., DB; Christian Cronk, Jr., OL; Malik Forrester, Sr., DL;
George Helmuth, Jr., LB; Juju Hughes, So., DB; Marcus McMaryion, Jr., QB; Netane Muti, Fr., OL;
David Patterson, Sr., OL; Micah St. Andrew, Jr., OL; Robert Stanley, Sr., DL.
Hawai'i (2): Meffy Koloamatangi, Sr., DL; Viane Moala, So., DL.
Nevada (4): Ty Gangi, Jr., QB; Sean Krepsz, Jr., OL; Austin Paulhus, Sr., LB; Asauni Rufus, Jr., DB.
New Mexico (4): Blaise Fountain, Sr., OL; Garrett Hughes, Sr., DL; Aaron Jenkins, Jr., OL; Jake Rothschiller, Sr., DB.
San Diego State (2): Parker Baldwin, Jr., DB; Mikah Holder, Sr., WR.
San José State (2): Bryce Crawford, Jr., PK; Chris Gonzalez, Sr., OL.
UNLV (2): Nathan Jacobson, Jr., OL; Kyle Saxelid, Sr., OL.
Utah State (4): Roman Andrus, Jr., OL; Quin Ficklin, Jr., OL; Dallin Leavitt, Sr., DB; Dax Raymond, So., TE.
Wyoming (2): Josh Allen, Sr., QB; Tyler Hall, So., RS.
*--Two-Time First-Team Selection
**--Three-Time First-Team Selection
