Oct. 9, 2006

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State football player Ben Calderwood was named the Western Athletic Conference defensive player of the week for his efforts in USU's 13-12 win against Fresno State on Saturday it was announced by the league office on Monday.

Calderwood, a 6-2, 260-pound defensive end, recorded a career-high nine tackles, including two for loss as the Aggies limited Fresno State to its fewest points in its last 61 games. His nine tackles were the most by an Aggie lineman since John Chick had nine against Wyoming in 2003.

Calderwood, a sophomore, who prepped at Sky View High School in Smithfield, Utah, has recorded 29 tackles on the season to tie for fourth on the team. He has six tackles for loss, including two sacks. His 1.00 tackles for loss per game rank second in the WAC and 80th in the NCAA.

He opened the year with a seven-tackle game against Wyoming and in the last two weeks recorded six tackles against Idaho and nine vs. Fresno State.

Calderwood became the fourth Aggie to win a WAC player of the week honor since USU joined the league ahead of the 2005 season. Last year Tony Pennyman earned two special teams honors for his efforts against UNLV and Nevada, while Kevin Robinson was named the special teams player after the 2005 San Jose State game.

The last Aggie defender to earn a conference player of the week award was linebacker Robert Watts, who claimed the Sun Belt Conference honor after his performance against UNLV in 2004.

Hawai'i quarterback Colt Brennan was the league's offensive player of the week, while New Mexico State's Chris Williams earned special team accolades. USU nominated Riley Nelson for the offensive award and Kevin Robinson for the special teams honor.

The Aggies will play at San Jose State on Saturday in a 4:07 p.m. mountain time kickoff. USU will then head to Louisiana Tech on Oct. 21 in a game that will be available on ESPN Game Plan beginning at 5:07 p.m. mountain time.