Vigil wins player of the year
Senior linebacker Zach Vigil was named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year on Tuesday.
“He’s the most dominant defensive player in the league, and I don’t think it’s even close,” said Utah State head coach Matt Wells. “That’s a bias but no knock on any other linebacker.”
Vigil is the ninth player in school history and the first since 1998 to earn conference defensive player-of-the-year honors. He is the 11th player in school history to earn conference player of the year accolades.
“I’m just enjoying the moment,” Vigil said before the season began. “I’ve had a wonderful time here playing in a lot of big games, and I’ve had a lot of fun doing it. I’ve been a part of the transition for Utah State. I’m just soaking it in.”
From Clearfield, Utah, Vigil played in every game for the Aggies this season. He ranks first in the Mountain West and tied for 12th in the nation in tackles for loss with 19.5.
“He knows the defense as well as anyone in the building,” Wells said. “He’s done a great job but has done that the last two years. He’s just taken another step in the right direction. That’s why you’re seeing more tackles and more TFLs (tackles for loss).”
His 145 total tackles places him first on the team and second in the MW. Vigil is tied for first on the team with 9 sacks. He also ranks second on the team with five quarterback hurries.
“To see him come and shed blocks,” Wells said. “Whether it’s a tight-end out of the backfield or an uncovered guard, from the time he collides and sheds to finish the tackle, I see a different cat. I really do think he has taken another step mentally.”
Vigil has made plays all over the field this season with three pass breakups, one forced fumble and one interception, which he returned 35 yards for a touchdown. Playing against Air Force earlier this season, he recorded a career-high 22 tackles, which is tied for the most in a game at the FBS level of football this season.
“This kid has just gone up from the beginning of the season,” Wells said. “He was second-team all-WAC as a sophomore, second-team all-Mountain West last year. To me he’s played himself into an NFL draft pick and into being the Defensive Player of the Year.”
— kalen.s.taylor@aggiemail.usu.edu
Twitter: @kalen_taylor