DEFENSIVE BACKS: Brian Urlacher, New Mexico (1999); Jamal Brimmer, UNLV (2002, 2003, 2004); Eric Weddle, Utah (2005, 2006); Aaron Francisco, BYU (2003, 2004).

Of the MWC alumni, Urlacher has become the brightest star, thanks to a prodigious NFL career with the Chicago Bears. All-everything Weddle just completed his rookie season with the San Diego Chargers. Brimmer and Francisco were defensive anchors on their respective teams for several years.

Others considered: Carson Bird, Air Force (2007); Quincy Butler, TCU (2005); Will Demps, San Diego State (2000, 2001); Andre Dyson, Utah (2000); Gabriel Fulbright, New Mexico (2005); Erik Olson, Colorado State (1999); Brandon Ratcliff, New Mexico (2002, 2003); Morgan Scalley, Utah (2004); Kevin Thomas, UNLV (2000, 2001); John Wendling, Wyoming (2006).

PUNTER: Louie Sakoda, Utah (2007).

The Ute senior was the MWC special teams player of the year the past two seasons and a first-team All-America selection in 2007. He is Utah's career field-goal percentage leader (83 percent) and has had 17 career punts downed inside the 5-yard line.

Others considered: Joey Huber, Colorado State (2001); Matt Payne, BYU (2002, 2003, 2004).

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E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com