Rebels’ Brimmer snubbed for top defensive honors

Steve Guiremand

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003 | 9:45 a.m.

UNLV junior safety Jamaal Brimmer led the Mountain West Conference with six interceptions and tied for first with four forced fumbles. He was the national player of the week following his performance in the Rebels' 23-5 upset of Wisconsin. And he was one of 12 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award that goes to the top defensive back in college football.

But all those credentials weren't enough to give Brimmer, a Durango High graduate, his second consecutive MWC defensive player of the year award.

That honor went to San Diego State junior linebacker Kirk Morrison instead when the Mountain West Conference revealed its 2003 all-conference team on Wednesday.

The league's eight coaches as well as a conference-wide media panel picked the awards. Brimmer and MWC tackle leader Adam Seward were the only first-team selections while four other players -- wide receiver Earvin Johnson, center Dominic Furio, punter Gary Cook and placekicker Dillon Pieffer -- were picked on the second team. The six selections were a school record.

Five other Rebels -- linebackers John Andrews and Ryan Claridge, running back Larry Croom, safety Joe Miklos and punt returner Tremayne Kirkland -- earned honorable mention recognition.

The good news for UNLV fans is all but Furio, Croom and Pieffer return in 2004.

Colorado State quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt was voted the offensive player of the year while Utah's Urban Meyer was named coach of the year.

San Diego State running back Lynell Hamilton, who broke his leg in the Aztecs' 7-0 win over UNLV, was named the freshman of the year and also was picked to the first team.

Las Vegas Bowl-bound New Mexico had the most first team picks (7) followed by Colorado State (6).

Conference champion Utah, San Diego State and BYU each had three first teamers followed by UNLV (2) and Air Force (1).