Carey named Pac-12 offensive player of the year
Plenty of coaches around the Pac-12 Conference have called Ka'Deem Carey the best running back in the country. On Monday, all 12 tabbed him the best player in the league.
The nation's second-leading rusher was named Arizona's first Pac-12 offensive player of the year in school history and was the only unanimous selection to the all-conference first team. It is Carey's second career first-team selection.
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The 5-10, 207-pound junior ran for 1,716 yards and 17 touchdowns in the regular season, putting over 4,000 rushing yards for his career. Carey's 15 consecutive games with at least 100 rushing yards is the nation's longest FBS streak in a decade.
"He's a phenomenal player," UA head coach Rich Rodriguez said. "He runs extremely hard and he gives his best on every play. What he's been doing is phenomenal and he's had a tremendous year.
"And he's only a junior. Of course, I'd love to have him come back, but he's got at least one more game with us. I hope he has another whole year."
Carey and the Wildcats await their bowl fate, and the Tucson native is expected to make a decision on possibly entering next spring's NFL draft after the postseason.
Five other Wildcats earned honorable mention nods from the Pac-12. True freshman receiver Nate Phillips was recognized after posting 42 catches for team highs of 503 yards and seven receiving touchdowns.
Although he racked up just 37 tackles, Hood was arguably the most important piece to the 3-3-5 as the nose tackle on an undersized three-man front. The senior also had 7 1/2 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles.
Flowers led the team in tackles with 86 - including 8 1/2 for a loss - to go with two fumble recoveries, a sack and an interception.
Tevis tied for third on the team with 78 tackles and a team-best three forced fumbles.
Wright started all but one of his 12 games as a true freshman, recording 78 tackles as well - 9 1/2 for a loss.
Arizona State's Will Sutton repeated as defensive player of the year, while Todd Graham - who improved to 2-0 in the Territorial Cup against Arizona last Saturday - was named coach of the year after leading the Sun Devils to the South division title.
UCLA two-way standout Myles Jack was named both the offensive and defensive freshman of the year in the league - the first time that's happened since the separate honors were handed out in 2008.
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1" align="left" />Click Here to view this Link.Tracy McDannald
GOAZCATS.com Senior Editor