A winning focus: Utah

CORONADO, Calif. — Eric Weddle is turning things up a notch. The Mountain West Conference's reigning defensive player of the year is determined to make the most of his senior season.

"The intensity goes up," Weddle said. "Everything goes up."

A tall order considering the stellar consistency the Utah defensive back has maintained throughout his career. Weddle, however, savors the self-imposed pressure.

If things don't go well, he'll take it personally. Weddle is determined never to be in a situation where someone looks at him and says he wasn't doing his job.

"That would be worse than anything," he said. "I'm going to do everything on my part to succeed as a football team, succeed with the players on the field and hopefully go out with a bang."

The table is set.

Before picking up preseason MWC defensive player of the year honors at this week's league media blitz, Weddle was named to all-American teams by The Sporting News and Athlon Sports. TSN ranks him as the top strong safety in the nation.

Weddle is also on the watch list for several national awards.

The attention, insists Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, is not hype. Weddle has earned the accolades by his play on the field. In 35 games over three seasons with the Utes, the former California prep star has racked up 213 tackles, 11 interceptions and nine sacks. Statistically, he's gotten better each year — rising from freshman all-American status.

"The last three years I couldn't ask to be in a better situation," Weddle said. "All I can ask for is to end on a high note, winning another championship."

Team success is Weddle's primary concern. Winning, he added, is what he's all about. Though appreciative of the individual recognition that's been coming his way, he's keeping in it perspective.

"That's where you go wrong. If I'm a guy that looks at myself as this or higher than anyone else on the team, that's where the team will go down the drain," Weddle said. "That's where the respect will be gone."

Leadership is something Weddle takes seriously, on and off the field. It involves practice habits, performance on the field and his overall demeanor.

If given a choice between being an all-American or contributing to a 12-0 team again, Weddle doesn't hesitate.