Story courtesy of the Western Athletic Conference
Photo courtesy of San Jose State Athletics
DENVER – San Jose State running back De’Leon Eskridge, Utah State defensive back Will Davis and UTSA punt returner Kenny Harrison were named the Western Athletic Conference offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week, respectively.
Eskridge, a senior from San Francisco, Calif. (Serra HS), rushed for 217 yards and three touchdowns on 28 carries in the Spartans’ 52-43 win over Louisiana Tech. His last two touchdowns came in the second half with San Jose State trailing 37-31 to give the Spartans a 45-37 lead. Eskridge gained 143 yards in the second half. His total tied for the seventh best single-game performance in school history.
Davis, a senior from Spokane, Wash. (De Anza College), made four tackles (3 solo) and returned an interception 59 yards for his first career touchdown in the 45-9 win over Idaho. The interception return for a touchdown was the first by a Utah State player since 2007. Davis helped hold the Vandals to just 52 passing yards, the fewest by an Aggie opponent since 1998. He has now intercepted a pass in five-straight games.
Harrison, a sophomore from Linden, Texas (Linden-Kildare HS), returned two punts for 81 yards in UTSA’s 38-31 win over Texas State. Harrison scored in the first quarter on a 79-yard return, the first punt return for a touchdown by a Roadrunner in the school’s two-year history. He also added three receptions for 32 yards in the game.
Others nominated on offense: senior wide receiver Myles White, Louisiana Tech; junior quarterback Eric Soza, UTSA; and senior running back Kerwynn Williams, Utah State.
Also nominated on defense: junior defensive back Bene Benwikere, San Jose State; and senior linebacker Brandon Reeves, UTSA.
Other special teams nominations included: senior punter Ryan Allen, Louisiana Tech; freshman placekicker Austin Lopez, San Jose State; and sophomore placekicker Nick Diaz, Utah State.