10 More Mountain West Conference stars to watch this season

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2003 | 8:50 a.m.

Casey Bramlet Quarterback 6-4, 231, Wyoming

Ranked 12th in the NCAA in total offense (277.08 yards per game) in 2002 despite being surrounded by a poor supporting cast. Has thrown for 6,547 yards and 34 touchdowns in his career and has an NFL-caliber arm.

Adam Hall Quarterback 6-3, 200, San Diego State

Transfer from Texas is coming off a monster junior season directing Tom Craft's spread offense throwing for 3,253 yards, 17 touchdowns and just nine interceptions. Had back-to-back 500-yards passing games against Idaho and Arizona State.

Chance Harridge Quarterback 5-11, 185, Air Force

Latest in a long line of talented option quarterbacks for Fisher DeBerry's Falcons. Set an NCAA single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 22 last season while also becoming just the 16th player in NCAA history to rush and pass for 1,000 yards in a season.

Marcus Houston Running back 6-3, 210, Colorado State

Transfer from Colorado was considered by some prep scouts to be the nation's No. 1 running back prospect his senior year at Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver. Has been plagued by injuries in college (knee, torn hip flexor) but has shown Heisman Trophy-like ability when healthy.

Earvin Johnson Wide receiver 6-3, 200, UNLV

Second team all-MWC pick as a sophomore has caught at least one pass in 19 consecutive games and was third in the conference in receptions with 51.

Jason Kaufusi Defensive end 6-3, 250, Utah

A two-time first-team all-MWC choice for the Utes despite battling chronic shoulder problems. Enters senior year with 38.5 tackles for loss and 19 career sacks.

DonTrell Moore Running back 5-11, 211, New Mexico

Named MWC freshman of the year by league coaches after rushing for 1,134 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns while helping lead the Lobos to the Las Vegas Bowl. Got stronger as the season went on averaging 141.7 yards over New Mexico's final six regular-season games.

Matt Payne Punter/kicker 6-4, 240, BYU

Preseason All-American led the nation with a 47.6 average last season and had punts of 76, 72 and 70 yards. Also converted on 13 of his 16 field goal tries including a 52-yarder.

Bradlee Van Pelt Quarterback 6-3, 200, Colorado State

"Bad Brad" walked the walk and talked the talk (ask Colorado) in leading the Rams to their third conference title in four years. Was named MWC's offensive player of the year after accounting for 21 touchdowns, including 10 rushing.

Dexter Wynn Cornerback/kick returner 5-10, 175, Colorado State

Pre-season first team all-conference as both a defensive back and a return man. Was sixth in the nation in punt returns (16.2-yard average) and third in the MWC in kickoff returns (22.3-yard average).