Ute is top defender

Utah cornerback Eric Weddle picked up some national attention for his performance in the Utes' 38-7 victory over San Diego State.

On Sunday, the senior was named National 1-A Defensive Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He scored three touchdowns and intercepted three passes in the Mountain West Conference opener at Qualcomm Stadium.

"It was a very productive evening for Eric Weddle," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham.

Weddle returned two interceptions 30 yards for touchdowns after scoring on a 2-yard run off a direct snap on offense.

Whittingham called the latter "icing on the cake." The picks, however, were motivated in part by an 18-yard touchdown pass from SDSU quarterback Darren Mougey to Brett Swain in the first quarter.

"He got beat early in the game on that one touchdown. It was a good route and a very good throw," said Whittingham. "It sparked him. He responded and just played a tremendous football game after that point."

Weddle is the first Utah player to win the prestigious defensive award.

"Obviously it's a great honor,"

defensive coordinator Gary Andersen said while noting that Weddle is a competitor who prepares well. "He's very deserving."

Former Ute quarterback Alex Smith was honored as a Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week in 2004. Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn is this week's offensive honoree.

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com