Keeton is one of seven players from the Mountain West Conference who have been nominated for the award. He joins Boise State senior receiver Shane Williams-Rhodes, Colorado State senior defensive back Trent Matthews, Fresno State senior offensive lineman Justin Northern, Hawaii senior linebacker Lance Williams, Nevada senior running back Don Jackson and New Mexico junior offensive lineman Garrett Adcock.
Keeton, a senior from Houston, started the first three games of the season. He is currently sidelined because of a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in his right knee. The injury occurred in Utah State's 31-17 loss at Washington on Sept.