Dec. 4, 2006
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - San Diego State senior linebacker Joe Martin (Palmdale, Calif.) and junior linebacker Freddy Dunkle (Chula Vista, Calif.) have been named Mountain West Conference Players of the Week on defense and special teams, respectively, the league office announced Monday. It was the second weekly award of Martin's career, while Dunkle earned his first conference recognition after both players turned in impressive performances in the Aztecs' season-ending 17-6 victory over Colorado State on Saturday.
In his final game as a collegian, Martin recorded a team-high 14 tackles (four solo), including 1.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback sack. With his effort, the Paraclete High alumnus notched his fourth game of the year in double-digit tackles, as five of his stops against the Rams resulted in gains of one yard or less. Martin finished the 2006 campaign with a team-best 109 tackles, including 57 solo stops. He also registered 7.5 tackles for loss, along with three sacks and two pass breakups.
Dunkle, meanwhile, pulled off SDSU's first punt block of the season in the third quarter of Saturday's contest. The Aztecs cashed in on Dunkle's feat, kicking a field goal five plays later to increase their lead to 10-3. On the ensuing kickoff, the Castle Park High product made the tackle, pinning the Rams inside the 20-yard line.
Martin and Dunkle became the second San Diego State duo this season to capture MWC honors in the same week. Following the Aztecs' win over Air Force on Oct. 21, Martin and place-kicker Garrett Palmer received Player of the Week accolades on defense and special teams, respectively. Defensive back Ray Bass also collected the weekly award on defense for his performance in SDSU's defeat of UNLV on Nov. 11.
Mountain West Conference Players of the Week (Dec. 4)
Offense: Jeff Ballard (TCU)
Defense: Joe Martin (SDSU)
Special Teams: Freddy Dunkle (SDSU)
SDSU 2006 Mountain West Conference Players of the Week
Dec. 4 - Joe Martin (Defense), Freddy Dunkle (Special Teams)
Nov. 13 - Ray Bass (Defense)
Oct. 23 - Joe Martin (Defense), Garrett Palmer (Special Teams)