BOISE - Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch was named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year Wednesday. He's the first Bronco to be named conference defensive player of the year since Korey Hall earned the honor in the WAC in 2006.
Boise State had a staggering 19 players earn all-conference honors, including six players each on the first and second teams.
Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson, tight end Jake Roh, center Mason Hampton, cornerback Tyler Horton, Vander Esch and STUD Curtis Weaver were named to the first team.
Weaver is the first freshman in Mountain West history to land on the first team defense.