Utah State's Jojo Natson named Mountain West's special teams player of the week

It took a little while, but Jojo Natson finally found the end zone.

He'd been lined up a lot of places for the Aggies: receiver, returner, and running back. He had yet to score a touchdown in any of his roles. The 5-foot-7 Natson kept looking for opportunities.

"They've been using me in all type of packages," he said Saturday. "I guess it hasn't been working out in the best way, but coach told me he wanted me to make plays in the special teams game."

With less than two minutes before halftime against the Lobos, Natson caught a punt, cut inside on a tackler and ran untouched to the house - Utah State's first punt return for a touchdown since 2007. It helped clinch Utah State's big 45-10 win over New Mexico on Saturday night.

Natson was recognized Monday by the Moutain West as the special teams player of the week for his 65-yard return, which was his season-best. Overall, he had 102 yards in the return game.

Matt Wells said he was impressed with how Natson had contributed in all his roles.

"Really good night for Jojo all around," Wells said. "He graded out as special teams player of the week for us, too, but he graded out as the champion for what he did. Lined him up at running back, caught some balls out there, had a really good night catching punts."

Natson could've well had another. He ran a second-half punt back for a touchdown, but it was recalled after a block in the back penalty by Keylon Hollis.

The sophomore said he didn't worry about what could've been.

"It was all good," Natson said. "I talked to Keylon, who they threw the flag on, and I said it's alright. We'll get another one playing against Hawai'i."

Natson is the second Utah State player to earn conference weekly honors - Nevin Lawson was the defensive player of the week against Boise State after getting two picks.

— Kyle Goonkgoon@sltrib.comTwitter: @kylegoon