Nov. 27, 2006
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – University of New Mexico senior kicker Kenny Byrd and junior linebacker Cody Kase have been named the Mountain West Conference special teams and defensive players of the week, respectively, the conference office announced this morning. Byrd earned the special teams award for the third time this season, while Kase was honored for the first time in his career. BYU quarterback John Beck and UNLV quarterback Rocky Hinds were named co-Offensive Players of the Week.
Byrd made both of his field goal attempts from 35 and 45 yards, and connected on all five extra points in the Lobos’ 41-14 victory over San Diego State. He also tied his career-high with six touchbacks on kickoffs, giving him a league-leading 32 on the season.
His three Special Teams Player of the Week awards match kicker/punter Jason Bloom (1997) for the most by a Lobo in a single season. The former walk-on from St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque had never been honored by the conference entering the season.
Kase, meanwhile, earned his first award with one his best performances of the season against the Aztecs. Kase recorded a season-high eight tackles (six solo) and an interception on the third play of the game to establish the tone for the Lobo defense in the first half. His second interception of the season set up a Byrd field goal as the Lobos went on to a 24-0 lead at the end of the first period. Kase also equaled his career high with two sacks for 15 yards and had a pair of quarterback hurries.
He is the second UNM player to be named Defensive Player of the Week this fall, joining defensive end Michael Tuohy (vs. New Mexico State).
New Mexico has won seven MWC Player of the Week awards (three special teams, two offense, two defense) in 2006, the most in two years since taking home eight (four defense, three special teams, one offense) in 2004.