RUSTON ? The Western Athletic Conference office released its all-conference first and second teams on Monday and Louisiana Tech placed a total of seven players on the squads.

Earning first team all-conference honors for the Bulldogs were left guard Aaron Lips, defensive lineman Moqut Ruffins, linebacker Byron Santiago and defensive back Tramon Williams.

Second team selections for Louisiana Tech were center Marcus Stewart, linebacker Barry Robertson and place-kicker Danny Horwedel.

Lips earned is third all-conference team spot after anchoring a Bulldog offensive line that helped a trio of running backs rush for over 1,600 yards and 19 touchdowns while also allowing quarterback Matt Kubik to pass for over 2,200 yards and 18 more scores. The Tickfaw, La., native finished his Bulldog career by making what is believed to be a school record 47 consecutive starts.

Ruffins was named first team All-WAC after starting all 11 games at defensive end for Louisiana Tech. The New Jersey product finished the year with 38 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, five pass break ups, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.

Santiago, who was in the running for the league?s defensive player of the year award which ultimately went to Fresno State defensive lineman Garrett McIntyre, made the league?s first team for the second straight season. The Violet, La., native registered 79 tackles on the year, including five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a school record six forced fumbles, five pass break ups and two fumble recoveries.

Williams was considered by many as the league?s top defensive back. The former walk on led the country in passes defensed, averaging 1.73 per game while also ranking No. 1 in pass break ups with a total of 16. The New Orleans, La., native also totaled 43 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a team-high three interceptions.

Stewart was named to the second team unit after starting 10 games on the Bulldogs offensive line. Like his counterpart Lips, Stewart was instrumental in helping pave the way for the Bulldogs offensive success on both the ground and through the air.

Despite the fact he registered first team all-conference numbers during the season, Robertson was voted to the league?s second team. The Hattiesburg, Miss., native led Louisiana Tech with 103 tackles on the year, including six tackles for loss, three sacks, six pass break ups, and one interception. Robertson led Tech with six games of 10 or more tackles on the year.

Horwedel earned second team all-league accolades after connecting on 18-of-26 field goals and 34-of-38 extra points during his sophomore season. The Tennessee native led Tech and ranked second in the WAC in scoring, averaging 8.0 points per game while also ranking No. 1 in the league in field goals made. Horwedel connected on 4-of-7 field goals from 40-yards or more.

Nevada running back B.J. Mitchell and Fresno State defensive lineman Garrett McIntyre earned the league?s Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year awards.