Pochman, who holds the Cougar record for most points in a career, 333, booted a 56-yard field goal against New Mexico in 2000.

Others considered: Joey Ashcroft, Air Force (2002); Kenny Byrd, New Mexico (2006); Deric Yaussi, Wyoming (2004).

PUNT/KICK RETURNER: Steve Smith, Utah (1999).

Smith possessed confidence and the skill to back it up. He proved that he was one of the best players not only in the MWC, but also in the nation, based on his outstanding NFL career as a wide receiver.

Others considered: Pete Rebstock, Colorado State (2000, 2001); Cory Rodgers, TCU (2005); Dexter Wynn, Colorado State (2002, 2003).

DEFENSIVE LINE: Brady Poppinga, BYU (2002, 2003); Jason Kaufusi, Utah (2001, 2002); Chase Ortiz, TCU (2005, 2006, 2007); Tommy Blake, TCU (2005, 2006).

Ortiz and Blake were a formidable one-two punch for the Horned Frogs in 2005 and 2006. Blake turned in two amazing seasons before suffering from depression during his senior season in 2007. Poppinga, who also made the all-conference team in 2004 as a linebacker, went on to start for the Green Bay Packers, while Kaufusi was a defensive stalwart for the Utes before giving up the sport due to injury.

Others considered: Patrick Chukwurah, Wyoming (2000); Ryan Denney, BYU (2001); Steve Fifita, Utah (2004, 2005); John Frank, Utah (1999); Byron Frisch, BYU (1999); Setema Gali, BYU (2000); Clark Haggans, Colorado State (1999); Jan Jorgensen, BYU (2007); Sione Po'uha, Utah (2004); D.J. Renteria, New Mexico (2003); Bryan Save, Colorado State (2003); Garrett Smith, Utah (2001, 2002); Kelly Talavou, Utah (2006); Evroy Thompson, New Mexico (2005).

LINEBACKERS: Rob Morris, BYU (1999); Kirk Morrison, San Diego State (2002, 2003, 2004); Beau Bell, UNLV (2007).

Morris, who enjoyed a long career with the Indianapolis Colts, leads the way, along with Morrison, who led the Oakland Raiders in tackles last season. Bell was a fourth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns last April.

Others considered: Gary Davis, New Mexico (2001); Justin Ena, BYU (2000, 2001); Drew Fowler, Air Force, 2006; Cameron Jensen, BYU (2006); Bryan Kehl, BYU (2007); Mike Mahoric, New Mexico (2005); Kautai Olevao, Utah (1999, 2000); Jason Phillips, TCU (2006); Anthony Schlegel, Air Force (2002); Spencer Toone, Utah (2005).