Dec. 8, 2009
UTEP senior offensive lineman Mike Aguayo, junior running back Donald Buckram and senior defensive back Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith received first team All-Conference USA accolades on Tuesday, based on a vote by league head coaches.
UTEP has now had 16 first team All-Conference USA selections in five seasons as a league member.
Aguayo and Buckram helped UTEP set a school record by compiling 5,144 yards of offense in 2009. Aguayo started every game at left tackle, giving him 37 starts in his Miner career. He helped pave the way as Buckram set a school single-season record by rushing for 1,594 yards. Buckram led Conference USA and ranked fourth nationally in rushing, averaging 132.8 yards per game, while setting a school seasonal record with eight 100-yard games. He was also tied for fourth in the country in scoring (10.5 ppg) and 10th in all-purpose yards (170.6 avg.). He was one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, presented to the nation's top running back.
Cromartie-Smith was first in the league and 10th in the nation in tackles, averaging 10.8 per contest. He had 19 tackles in the season opener against Buffalo - tied for the third-top total in the country this year -- and concluded his UTEP career with 300 stops.
UTEP had 14 honorable mention All-Conference USA selections - senior DB Braxton Amy, senior DB Cornelius Brown, junior OL Tanner Cullumber, senior P Greg Hiett, junior OL Rod Huntley, senior DL Aaron King, senior Jeff Moturi (both as a wide receiver and punt returner), senior OL Cameron Raschke, senior DL Steve Riddick, junior DL Robert Soleyjacks, junior OL Alex Solot, junior QB Trevor Vittatoe and senior DB Clarence Ward. A minimum of one vote is required to earn honorable mention.
In addition, the Miners' DeShawn Grayson and Marlon McClure both earned spots on the C-USA All-Freshman Team. Grayson, a defensive back, was fifth on the team with 65 tackles. McClure was recognized as a kick returner after averaging 23.7 yards per attempt.
The league's individual awards, including the offensive and defensive player of the year, will be announced on Wednesday.