University of Hawaii linebacker Solomon Elimimian was picked Western Athletic Conference preseason defensive player of the year in a poll of 45 WAC media members today.

Hawai'i, the defending WAC football champion, was picked to finish fourth this season in both the WAC coaches and media polls. Boise State was picked to win the WAC in the media poll and Fresno State was the top choice in a poll of the nine league coaches.

Elimimian, a 6-foot, 220-pound senior, was an All-WAC first team selection last season, leading the team in tackles with 141, including 12 for loss.

Boise State running back Ian Johnson was voted by the media as the WAC preseason offensive player of the year.

WAC Media Poll

1. Boise State (25) — 383 points

2. Fresno State (20) — 379

3. Nevada — 296

4. Hawai'i — 243

5. Louisiana Tech — 209

6. San Jose State — 183

7. New Mexico State — 167

8. Idaho — 87

9. Utah State — 78

Coaches Poll

1. Fresno State (7) — 63

2. Boise State (2) — 57

3. Nevada — 43

4. Hawai'i — 41

5. Louisiana Tech — 33

San Jose State — 33

7. New Mexico State — 26

8. Idaho — 15

9. Utah State — 13

Read more about the WAC football preview meetings in Salt Lake City at Stephen Tsai's blog: http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/