Rice University Athletics
Football: Dawson Wins Second WAC Defensive Honor
11/6/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dawson, a junior from Bauxite, Ark. (Bauxite HS), picked off two passes against SMU to equal Rice's single-season record with seven interceptions on the year. Dawson returned the two interceptions for a school-record 113 yards including a 45-yard return for a touchdown. He also had five solo tackles in the game including one for a six-yard loss.
Dawson's big day also netted him the Rice interception return yardage records for a career (236) and a season (206). He previously had won WAC defensive player of the week honors after intercepting three passes in the Owls' 38-13 win over Hawaii on Oct. 21.
Perez, a senior from San Antonio (Holmes HS), completed 20-of-35 passes for a career-high 323 yards and two touchdowns and ran for two more scores in UTEP's 45-22 win at Nevada. The touchdown passes went for three and 43 yards. UTEP improved to 6-0 in the WAC, 7-2 overall.
Brown, a senior from East Palo Alto, Calif. (Menlo-Atherton HS), blocked a field goal attempt that was returned by Dante Marsh 81 yards for a touchdown in Fresno State's 45-27 win against Hawaii. Brown also had two tackles on return coverage units.
Other offensive nominees included junior quarterback David Carr, Fresno State; senior running back James Fenderson, Hawaii; and senior running back Anthony Griffin, Rice.
On the defensive side, nominees included senior linebacker Trey Merkens, UTEP.
Special team nominations included junior place kicker Derek Crabtree, Rice; and sophomore Neil Parry, San Jose State.
