Fresno State Athletics
Jefferson Wins WAC Award Again
11/12/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 12, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - Despite Fresno State's heartbreaking 37-30 loss at No. 12 Hawaii, the Bulldogs gained some national respect, including continuing to receive votes in the national polls. This week Fresno State's A.J. Jefferson won his third WAC Special Teams Player of the Week Award. He also won the award last week.
Jefferson, a sophomore from Bakersfield, Calif. (West HS), returned seven kickoffs for 245 yards, including a 98-yarder for a touchdown, in the game at Hawaii. The scoring return came after the Warriors had taken a 21-0 lead and helped Fresno State get back into the game. The touchdown also gave Jefferson the school single-season and career records for most kickoff returns for a touchdown. He also became the first Fresno State player to have a kickoff return for a touchdown in consecutive weeks. Jefferson currently leads the nation in kickoff returns with a 35.8-yard average.
"A.J. is having a terrific season," said head coach Pat Hill. "Our special teams continue to perform at a high level and A.J. is a sample of that. We have two of the best return men in the country when you add Clifton Smith. We have always prided ourselves on performing well on special teams."
He is the first WAC player since Tulsa's Ashlan Davis in 2004 to win the award as many times in the same season.
Jefferson's return for a touchdown was the fifth touchdown by the Fresno State special teams units season. Smith has returned two punts for touchdowns. In contrast, there are six NCAA schools: Auburn, Navy , Rice, Louisiana Tech, Cincinnati and Vanderbilt that have not had a single punt return for a touchdown in the last 100-plus games.
San Jose State wide reciever Kevin Jurovich and Boise State linebacker Dallas Dobbs were named the Western Athletic Conference offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively. Fresno State quarterback Tom Brandstater and linebacker Marcus Riley were nominated.
The Bulldogs have this week off before returning to action Nov. 24 to play Big 12 opponent Kansas State. The Wildcats, who play No. 4 Missouri this week, are one of the most successful programs in nation in the last decade, having won 11 games in six different seasons. The Wildcats are one of nine NCAA teams to play a bowl game in 12 of the last 14 seasons. It will be the final home game for the Bulldogs. The game will begin at 12:30 p.m. and broadcast nationally on ESPN2.
Fresno State will enjoy an open weekend and with their 6-4 record, received votes again this week's in the USA Today Coaches Poll. Fresno State's four losses have come to No. 2 Oregon, No. 12 Hawaii, No. 15 Boise State and Texas A&M, which was ranked No. 23 when Fresno State at Kyle Field. Three of the losses were on the road. The combined record of the teams that Fresno State has lost to is 31-7.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Bulldogs return to Bulldog Stadium for their final home game of the season on Saturday, November 24 against Kansas State. For tickets, go to the ticket page at www.gobulldogs.com, call 559-278-DOGS or stop by the Bulldog Ticket Office.
