TRUCKEE, Calif. — Truckee alumnus Marcus Bellon was named Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week after returning a punt 47 yards for a touchdown in the University of Texas at El Paso’s upset win against Boise State University.

Bellon, a sophomore, took advantage of a low punt, outraced the coverage along the left sideline, and dove for the pylon to give the Miners a two-possession lead at the end of the third quarter.

“It was a very cool moment because Boise State was my dream school growing up,” said. Bellon in an interview with El Paso, Texas NBC affiliate KTSM “My grandparents live in Idaho and I always went to Boise State games. Then they didn’t offer me so that was a very ideal first touchdown vs. Boise State. There’s never been a team I’ve wanted to beat more than them.”

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Bellon also added an eight-yard reception during the Miners’ 27-10 win.

Though now a return man, Bellon led Truckee to the 2018 state championship game as quarterback, and was named Class 3A co-MVP.

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Last year, at San Santa Barbara City College, Bellon returned four punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns, setting the Western State Conference record for most return touchdowns in a season.

This season, Bellon is the only player in the Conference USA to score a touchdown on a punt return. His 9.3 yards per return ranks second in the conference.

Bellon and the Miners will face the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on Saturday.