BYU nominated almost every starting lineman as a candidate for preseason honors. Left tackle Ray Feinga is the most talented, but Travis Bright is the strongest man on the team, if not in the MWC. Dallas Reynolds and Dave Oswald are back. Many believe redshirt freshman Matt Reynolds could end up as the league's freshman of the year. The lone departee is center Sete Aulai. Key reserves are all back.

The pretty boys, the QB spot, is always key to a league race. TCU believes Andy Dalton survived enough growing pains as a freshman last year that he'll be a marquee quarterback in the league this fall. UNM's Donovan Porterie also swallowed a tough freshman season, but his inconsistency with the pass remains a question mark.

With SDSU's Kevin O'Connell drafted into the NFL ranks, the above quarterbacks are expected to carry the load, unless a surprise transfer at Wyoming or someplace steps up. This is not a top-heavy QB year in this league. Johnson and Hall are head and shoulders above the rest in experience and skill.

Freshman of the year? Utah's Dave Kruger and BYU's Reynolds or kicker Justin Sorensen have a chance.

Best secondary? Utah, hands down.

Best special teams player? No brainer, the Utes' Louis Sakoda.

Best defensive line? TCU or BYU, led by sack leader Jan Jorgensen.

Best receiver? Brent Casteel and Austin Collie can make a case, but SDSU, who throws a lot of talent at the NFL, can brag on Vincent Brown and Darren Mougey. But who will throw them the ball?

Best tight end? No brainer. BYU's Dennis Pitta.

Best running back? I love Ferguson at UNM, he's tough and fast. But Unga and Mack will each go over a thousand yards and battle it out for most yardage at the end.

Dark horse player of the year? CSU running back Gartrell Johnson or any unidentified overachieving Air Force runner/receiver.

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E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com