Following the Warriors' 40-17 victory over Appalachian State on Saturday night, the Western Athletic Conference selected Cockheran as the offensive player of the week and Dickerson as the top player on special teams.

"I'm happy, but still sleepy," said Cockheran, who was told of the award during yesterday morning's one-hour team meeting.

Cockheran, a senior who transferred from Chaffey College (Calif.) in August 2002, caught seven passes for 154 yards and three touchdowns.

"Jeremiah has worked really hard in the last year and a half he's been with us," UH coach June Jones said. "He has learned to compete and play the game of football very well. He is reaping what he sows."

Cockheran, a resident of Fontana, Calif., stayed with quarterback Tim Chang and his family during the summer. Chang and Cockheran often would work out together at Mililani District Park. Two weeks ago, Cockheran was voted as a co-captain.

"I'm happy to be rewarded for my effort," he said. "It shows that hard work pays off. This offseason, I worked hard, just like the other fellows, and it was my time to have a game like that."

The three scoring passes came from Jason Whieldon, Cockheran's new roommate.

Dickerson, a second-year freshman from Saint Louis School, has been trying to break into the lineup at left slotback.

Jones said the coaches have tried to craft a role to take advantage of Dickerson's speed and elusiveness.

"We chose to put him in (on) kickoffs, and sure enough, he made a big play," Jones said of Dickerson's 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

After yesterday morning's workout on the grass practice field, Dickerson said of the award: "It feels good knowing it wasn't only me, that it was a team effort. The guys out there were blocking for me."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.

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Grading the game