Welker named
Tatupu winnerThe Texas Tech punt returner
will play in the Hula Bowl
Texas Tech punt returner Wes Welker was named the winner of the Mosi Tatupu Award yesterday. The award, in conjunction with the Hula Bowl Maui, goes each year to the top special teams player in the nation.
Welker is among more than 90 college football standouts who have committed to play in the Jan. 17 game at War Memorial Stadium.
Hula Bowl Maui
When: Jan. 17, 3 p.m.
Where: War Memorial Stadium, Maui
Tickets and information: (808) 874-9500 or hulabowlmaui.com
TV: ESPN
"The bottom line is not only is he a really good guy, but he had an unbelievable career," Hula Bowl spokesman Jason Johnson said. "He set almost every punt return record."
Welker holds the NCAA career punt return marks for yardage with 1,761 and touchdowns with eight. He finished his four-year career with 152 punt returns for second all-time behind Vai Sikahema of Brigham Young, who had 153.
Welker was named the Big 12's first-team kick returner twice.
The 5-foot-9, 190-pound inside receiver also led Texas Tech's high-powered offense with 1,054 receiving yards on 86 catches this past season. He caught seven touchdown passes.
The Hula Bowl also added several players to both teams yesterday:
Kai -- Zack Abron (Missouri fullback), Jeff Dugan (Maryland tight end), J.P. Foschi (Georgia Tech tight end), Maurice Mann (Nevada receiver), Darrel Lee (Florida defensive end), William Henry (Clemson tackle), Mark Moroz (Wake Forest tackle) and Tony Bua (Arkansas safety);
Aina -- Sam Moore (Washington State receiver), Todd Backert (Washington offensive lineman) and Jeremiah Williams (Washington State defensive tackle).
