Rashard Higgins among multiple Rams honored by Mountain West

The Colorado State Rams aren’t the best in the Mountain West, but they do have some of the conference’s top players.

According to a release by the conference on Tuesday afternoon, Rashard Higgins was named first-team MW. The junior standout receiver finished the season with 66 receptions for 933 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games. Higgins sat due to injury against the Minnesota Golden Gophers and only had one reception in the Rams final game of the season, a win over the Fresno State Bulldogs. While he didn’t perform to the All-American level like in 2014 (96 receptions, 1,750 yards and 17 TDs), this first-team recognition is still an honor.

Second-team Rams include quarterback Nick Stevens, right guard Fred Zerblis, linebacker Cory James and punter Hayden Hunt.

Stevens grew over the course of the season, finishing with 2,369 yards, 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Stevens lit up the Savannah State defense for five touchdowns in the season opener and was named MW Offensive Player of the Week and was key in the 49-35 victory over UNLV two weeks ago.

Zerblis was one of the most consistent blockers on the offensive line, both protecting Stevens and opening holes for the many Rams running backs.

James moved from strong side to the middle linebacker spot before moving back outside at the end of the year. James’ 65 total sacks were fifth-most for CSU while he also racked up 10 tackles for a loss, two sacks and four quarterback hurries.

Finally, Hunt is in the running for the Ray Guy Award, given to the nation’s top punter. He enjoyed a 46.3 yard average on his punts, with 15 boots over 50 yards and 23-50 being downed within the 20.

Colorado State also had four players on the MW honorable mention list: Offensive lineman Sam Carlson, tight end Kivon Cartwright, linebacker Kevin Davis and safety Trent Matthews.

Currently, Colorado State (7-5, 5-3 MW) is awaiting to be invited a bowl game.