Three Vandals All-WAC

Three University of Idaho football players received first-team All-WAC honors, the school’s most all-conference selections since 2000.

Junior linebacker David Vobora, junior cornerback Stanley Franks and senior guard Jade Tadvick made the first team. There were no Vandals on the second team. WAC coaches vote on the awards.

Hawaii had nine first-team selections, followed by WAC champion Boise State’s seven.

Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan was named offensive player of the year, BSU’s Korey Hall claimed defensive honors, Utah State’s Paul Igboeli was voted top freshman and Hawaii’s June Jones was named coach of the year.

Vobora finished second in the WAC and seventh nationally with 134 tackles. Franks intercepted nine passes, sharing the top spot nationally with San Jose State’s Dwight Lowery, who was also a first-team All-WAC selection.

“As I speak, I see David and Stanley in the weight room working out,” said Vandals defensive coordinator Jeff Mills, who had just returned from a recruiting trip Monday when informed of the All-WAC selections. “That tells you something right there.”

Tadvick played through various injuries to start 10 of 12 games this season. The Stevensville, Mont., native started 35 games in his career.

“He played banged up,” Mills said. “He’s a tough young guy.”

Franks’ nine interceptions tied Idaho’s single-season record set by Jim Norton in 1958 and equaled by Ken Dotson in 1968.

“He’s just scratched the surface of how good he can be,” Mills said. “He’s fast, athletic and he’s only going to get better next season.”

Vobora’s 134 tackles ranked eighth on UI’s single-season list.

“He had quite a season,” Mills said. “It’s no surprise he was selected with the time he invested going into the year and the way he prepared each week.”

Idaho had four first-team All-Big West selections in 2000.