Washington’s Vea named Pac-12 defensive player of the year

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Herald news service

SAN FRANCISCO — Stanford running back Bryce Love has been named the Pac-12 offensive player of the year and Washington lineman Vita Vea the defensive player of the year.

Stanford’s David Shaw was the coach of the year and Arizona linebacker Colin Schooler was the defensive freshman of the year in awards announced Tuesday. Arizona running back J.J. Taylor and Stanford lineman Walker Little shared offensive freshmen of the year.

Love, a junior, ran for 1,973 yards and 17 touchdowns, finishing second nationally with 164.4 yards rushing per game.

Vea, a junior, anchored a defense that was third nationally against the run at 92.3 yards allowed and was fifth in total defense at 277.4 yards allowed per game.

Shaw helped the Cardinal bounce back from a 1-2 start to clinch the Pac-12 North.

All-Pac-12 teams announced

The Huskies placed 11 players on the Pac-12 All-Conference team and the Washington State Cougars had five, the league announced Tuesday.

UW’s Dante Pettis was selected as a first-team wide receiver and return specialist. Other Huskies on the first team were offensive linemen Kaleb McGary and Coleman Shelton, defensive lineman Vea, and defensive back Taylor Rapp.

Running back Myles Gaskin, tight end Will Dissly, defensive lineman Greg Gaines, linebackers Keishawn Bierria and Ben Burr-Kirven, and defensive back Jojo McIntosh were second-team selections for the Huskies.

Offensive lineman Cody O’Connell and defensive lineman Hercules Mata’afa made the first team for Washington State.

Offensive lineman Cole Madison, defensive back Jalen Thompson and place kicker Erik Powell were second-team selections for the Cougars.