DENVER - University of Hawai`i linebacker Solomon Elimimian was named the Western Athletic Conference defensive player of the week following his performance in the Warriors' 52-37 win over Utah State.

The junior from Los Angeles, Calif. (Crenshaw HS) made a WAC season-high 20 tackles against the Aggies. He also had a half a sack, one tackle for a loss and broke up a pass in the game. The 20 tackles were three shy of tying the school record.

The award is Elimimian's second this season. He was named player of the week following his 14-tackle performance at UNLV last month. It also marks the sixth for a UH player this season. Quarterback Colt Brennan was offensive player of the week, twice, Dan Kelly earned special team honors once, and Myron Newberry was the defensive recipient last week.

Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews and kick returner A.J. Jefferson were named this week's offensive and special teams players of the week. UH nominated Tyler Graunke and Malcolm Lane for those awards.

Elimimian and Warriors head to San Jose this week to take on the Spartans in a nationally televised game on ESPN on Friday. Kickoff is 5:05 p.m. PDT/2:05 p.m. HST at Spartan Stadium.

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