COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- A Texas A&M cadet is being rewarded for throwing himself in front of an out-of-bounds football player who was hurtling toward the school's collie mascot during last weekend's game.

Sophomore Ryan Kreider (KRY'-der) deflected Southern Methodist University receiver Der'rikk Thompson away from Reveille VIII during A&M's 58-6 win Saturday. Kreider said Monday he was just doing his job to protect the 8-year-old dog.

Reveille VIII remained perched on a bed as Thompson approached.

Brig. Gen. Joe Ramirez Jr., the commandant of the Corps, was watching the game on TV when he saw Kreider's action. Ramirez later offered to pay for Kreider's pricey custom-made senior boots, a school footwear tradition.

Albert Caudillo (kuh-DEL'-oh) owns Victor's Shoe & Boot Repair in Bryan. He says the average cost for the boots, with tax, is $1,326.