Dec. 10, 2015
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State junior cornerback Damontae Kazee (San Bernardino, Calif.) and junior running back Donnel Pumphrey (Las Vegas) have each been named honorable-mention All-Americans by Sports Illustrated, the publication announced today.
Kazee, who yesterday was named a second-team All-America selection by USA Today, has 69 tackles (team-high 53 solo) to go along with 5.5 tackles for loss, seven interceptions, seven pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 13 starts this year. The seven picks are the most by a SDSU player since Larry Parker had seven in 2011, match the most by a San Diego State player since Tom Deckert had eight in 1969, are tied for the second most in MW single-season history and are tied for the third most in Aztec single-season history. For his efforts, Kazee was named the MW Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection. Kazee, who was also chosen as one of the team's defensive players of the year at the team banquet on Sunday, ranks second in the MW and is tied for seventh in FBS play in interceptions per game (0.54). Additionally, he has returned five punts for 70 yards (14.0 avg.), including a 66-yard touchdown.
Pumphrey, meanwhile, has rushed for 1,554 yards and 16 touchdowns so far this season, while adding a team-high 27 catches for 397 yards and three more touchdowns. Pumphrey, who also has been chosen as the MW Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team all-league pick, while being named the team's MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, ranks sixth in the country in all-purpose yards (1,951), tied for seventh in points among non-kickers (114), ninth in rushing yards and 14th in rushing touchdowns. Among the SDSU single-season leaders, Pumphrey is tied for second in 100-yard rushing games (9), fifth in all-purpose yards, sixth in rushing yards, seventh in overall touchdowns (19) and tied for eighth in rushing touchdowns.
San Diego State (10-3) plays Cincinnati (7-5) on Dec. 24 in the Hawai‘i Bowl. The Aztecs have won their last nine games, the third-longest active streak in the nation. SDSU finished a perfect 8-0 record in the Mountain West regular season and defeated Air Force, 27-24, on Saturday in the 2015 Sports Authority MW Championship for the school's 20th conference title. San Diego State is one of just 25 schools to advance to six straight bowl games and one of just three "Group of 5" programs.
Tickets for the Hawai‘i Bowl are on sale now and available for $45 with no limit on the amount of tickets allowed to be purchased. Season-ticket holders will be given priority seat placement (by points). Additionally, a special ticket and tailgate combo is available for $70. Fans also have the opportunity to sponsor a spirit squad member, a member of the military or a youth for $45.
Tickets are available through GoAztecs.com, Qualcomm Window E or by calling (619) 283-7378.