The first of what promises to be a flood of postseason accolades for Eric Weddle was handed down yesterday–and it’s a big one. The American Football Coaches Association named the versatile senior defensive back an All-American after a stellar regular season in which he picked off six passes and scored eight touchdowns.

The nation’s coaches select the annual AFCA All-American team, and Weddle’s selection was no surprise. Across the board, he was a preseason All-America selection–only a drastic decrease in production would have kept him off the postseason awards list. And he hasn’t disappointed in his final season at the U.

Weddle, who has proven dominant in both pass coverage and run support, began the season at strong safety but quickly switched to full-time cornerback when Shaun Harper went down with an injury. It only made sense, as Weddle is the team’s best cover corner, and that move paid big dividends.

In an easy road victory over San Diego State, Weddle intercepted three passes and returned two of them for touchdowns. All in all, he finished the regular season with the most interceptions in the Mountain West–and, as the season wore on, he got more and more involved in all facets. He has become a central role player on the offensive side of the ball, as he had 34 carries for 147 yards and four rushing touchdowns, in addition to one passing TD.

Weddle, the MWC’s Defensive Player of the Year last season, is a strong candidate to repeat the honor this year.

Mike Terry

The first of what promises to be a flood of postseason accolades for Eric Weddle was handed down yesterday–and it’s a big one. The American Football Coaches Association named the versatile senior defensive back an All-American after a stellar regular season in which he picked off six passes and scored eight touchdowns.