Staff Report
Although the football team finished second behind Utah in the MWC, it showed its talent by finishing first among teams with the most players named to the first and second all-conference teams.
A program and conference-best 13 Lobos were selected to be members of the Mountain West Conference first and second-teams. Conference-winner Utah and Colorado State followed UNM with eight selections apiece.
Tailback DonTrell Moore led the way for the Lobos becoming one of only two players to be both unanimously selected and be named to the first-team for the second time.
Three of the five men who helped Moore become the conference's leading rusher were also recognized. Offensive linemen Jason Lenzmeier, Claude Terrell and Ryan Cook all earned first-team accolades.
Junior kicker Wes Zunker was also named to the MWC first team after hitting 15 of 17 field goal attempts this season.
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Earning second-team honors for the Lobos on offense was wide receiver Dwight Counter, who led the MWC in yards per catch.
UNM's defensive unit, which led the conference in allowing the fewest points per game, defending against the rush, total defense and sacks received only two first-team selections in lineman D.J. Renteria and safety Brandon Ratcliff. Ratcliff was named to the squad for the second time in his career.
But the MWC reconciled with the Lobos with five second-team selections including defensive ends Zach Rupp and Daniel Kegler, linebackers Daniel Gawronski and Billy Strother, and cornerback Gabriel Fulbright.
Quarterback Casey Kelly, linebacker Nick Speegle and safety Sidney Wiley earned honorable mention.
The seven players who earned first-team honors are the most for UNM since 1978 when six players were recognized.
Despite having what could be called nothing less than a stellar season, Moore fell short of capturing Offensive Player of the Year honors, after leading the conference in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, all-purpose yards and scoring average per game. Colorado State Quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt took home the honor despite failing to lead the conference in a single major offensive category.
