Dorsey, Brimmer get top MWC selection

Steve Guiremand

Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004 | 9:17 a.m.

Jamaal Brimmer has something else in common now with former UNLV football star Randall Cunningham.

This summer Brimmer joined Cunningham as the only Rebels to return as All-Americans for their senior seasons. And Monday Brimmer, a senior strong safety from Durango High School, joined Cunningham in becoming a three-time first-team all-conference pick.

Brimmer and senior tailback Dominique Dorsey were selected to the all-Mountain West Conference first team by a vote of league coaches and media members.

Brimmer (2002-04) and Cunningham, a first team all-PCAA pick in 1982-84, are the only Rebels to merit first-team all-conference selection in three years. Cunningham made it as a punter in 1982 and as a quarterback the next two years.

Dorsey, who leads the Mountain West Conference with 1,260 yards rushing and is 15th nationally in rushing with an average of 114.5 yards per game, was the only Rebels offensive player to make the first team.

Somewhat surprisingly, Rebels linebackers Adam Seward, who led the Mountain West Conference in tackles for the second time in three years, and Ryan Claridge, who leads the MWC in both sacks and tackles for loss, garnered just second-team honors, along with senior offensive guard Joe Critchfield.

Undefeated conference champion Utah picked up three of the conference's four individual trophies.

Utes quarterback Alex Smith, a Davey O'Brien Award finalist who is gaining his share of Heisman Trophy support, was named offensive player of the year, and senior safety Morgan Scalley, tied for the league lead with six interceptions, was named co-defensive player of the year along with San Diego State linebacker Kirk Morrison.

Utah coach Urban Meyer was voted the MWC coach of the year and BYU wide receiver Austin Collie was selected as the freshman of the year.