Fresno State senior linebacker Marcus Riley was named Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Defensive Player of the Year on Monday.

Riley became the third player in Fresno State history to win the award behind defensive linemen Alan Harper (2001) and Garrett McIntyre (2005).

“I’m speechless,â€Â Riley said in a press release. “This is really a surprise. I wouldn’t have been able to have the success I’ve had without all of the guys on defense and the coaches.â€Â

Riley ranked fourth in the conference and 25th in the nation, averaging 10.2 tackles per game. He amassed 123 total tackles, 60 of which were solo. Riley led the conference with 13 tackles for a loss, forced three fumbles and had an interception.

“There was no question in my mind that Marcus Riley was the best defensive player in the WAC this season,â€Â coach Pat Hill said in a press release. “He had a tremendous season and is a special person. He’s been a great leader for us this season and his play certainly speaks for itself.â€Â

Representing Fresno State on the First Team were defensive end Tyler Clutts, center Ryan Wendell and tight end Bear Pascoe.

Clutts is fifth all-time on the Fresno State career sacks list with 22 and currently ranks fourth among all active players in the NCAA.

Wendell, who split time at guard and center this year, has made 48 consecutive starts. He was the 2003 WAC Freshman of the Year and named to the Remington Watch list as one of the nation̢۪s top offensive lineman.

Pascoe had 39 receptions for 481 yards and four touchdowns this season for Fresno State, despite missing two games with an ankle injury. Pascoe was a nominee for the John Mackey Award as one of the nation̢۪s top tight ends.

The lone representative on the Second Team for the ‘Dogs was sophomore kick returner A.J. Jefferson.

Jefferson led the nation in kick return average this season, averaging 35.8 yards per return. He also returned two kicks for touchdowns, one of which was a 98-yard return.

Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan received Offensive Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive year. His head coach, June Jones, was named Coach of the Year.

The Warriors will be playing Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.

Brennan and his four wide receivers, called “The Dread Heads,â€Â received a special award called Offensive Unit of the Year. The group amassed 6,351 offensive yards this season, leading the nation in scoring with 46.2 points per game and has set numerous NCAA, WAC and school records.

Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick received Freshman of the Year honors, edging out Fresno State̢۪s Ryan Mathews and Ben Jacobs.

The WAC̢۪s nine head coaches voted on the awards.