July 21, 2008

LAS VEGAS - The Mountain West Conference announced its 2008 preseason all-conference team today as selected by members of the league's media. Max Hall (BYU) was named Preseason MWC Offensive Player of the Year, Jason Phillips (TCU) was selected Preseason MWC Defensive Player of the Year, Louie Sakoda (Utah) was chosen Preseason MWC Special Teams Player of the Year and Braylon Broughton (TCU) was tabbed Preseason MWC Freshman of the Year.

Hall, a first-team all-MWC honoree last season, passed for league-highs of 3,848 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2007, ranking as the top sophomore quarterback nationally. His passing and total yardage (3,862) numbers set MWC records for a sophomore signal-caller.

Phillips, a 2008 preseason All-American, was a second-team all-MWC selection on defense a year ago after collecting a team-high 87 tackles while ranking ninth in the league with 11.0 tackles for loss in 13 games played.

Sakoda, a 2008 preseason All-American, led the league with a 44.3 punting average and was 38-of-40 in point-after attempts last season while leading Utah in scoring for the second consecutive year with 95 points.

Broughton was a two-time all-District selection in high school, recording 50 tackles and three sacks as a junior and ranking as the nation's No. 59 defensive end following his senior year in 2006.

The 2008 preseason team is loaded with experience, featuring 18 players that were all-Conference selections in 2007, including six first-team honorees. Fifteen seniors, eight juniors and two sophomores comprise the 25-member squad.