The Fresno State Bulldogs earned recognition from the Mountain West Conference this season, with three players receiving all-conference honors and five more players earning honorable mentions.
On the first team, senior Jacob Spomer stood out, becoming the first Bulldog center to be selected to the first team. Spomer, who shifted from tackle to center over the offseason, was a starter in every game, leading Fresno State’s run game and pass protection.
Joining Spomer on the second team are cornerback Al’zillion Hamilton and linebacker Jadon Pearson. Hamilton capped a career with a second-team nod after recording 35 tackles and a career-best four interceptions. Of the four, his most notable was a 42-yard return in Hawaii.
During Pearson’s first year with the team, he has helped the defense with a team-best 92 tackles along with several tackles for loss and fumble recoveries over the 12 games. At Oregon State, Pearson had a season-high of 16 tackles.
Fresno State also has five players who have earned honorable mentions: wide receiver Josiah Freeman, defensive end Finn Claypool, defensive lineman Deijon Laffitte, defensive back Simeon Harris and running back Rayshon Luke.
Freeman had 45 total catches for nearly 500 yards and six touchdowns. Claypool had 6.5 sacks and 40 tackles. Laffitte had 26 tackles this year, which is a big jump from last year when he had just one. Harris had a strip sack, five interceptions and 49 tackles. Luke had 107 carries for nearly 700 yards and six rushing touchdowns as well as 36 catches for 228 yards. He also returned 16 kickoffs for 341 yards.
With these honors, the ‘Dogs finish the season with representation among the Mountain West Conference’s top performers. Spomer’s first-team selection stands out especially, hitting a huge milestone for the offensive line. On another note, Hamilton and Pearson’s work reflects a strength of the Bulldogs’ defense.
Looking forward, the challenge will be building on the momentum, returning contributors to the offensive and defensive lines, and turning these players’ honors into success for the team overall in the seasons to come as the Bulldogs transition to the Pac-12.
