University of Connecticut Athletics
Football Team Holds Annual Awards Ceremony
12/14/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 14, 2010
STORRS, Conn. - The University of Connecticut football team held its annual awards ceremony Sunday evening when the team had a dinner at The Burton Family Football Complex, honoring 11 student-athletes for their accomplishments this season.
Junior running back Jordan Todman (North Dartmouth, Mass.) was named the Teams Most Valuable Player after ending the regular season as the BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year, ranking second nationally in rushing, averaging 143.1 yards per game. Todman, who was recently named a Walter Camp Second Team All-American, leads the Huskies with 1,574 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns along with 18 receptions so far this season.
The Offensive Player of the Year award went to redshirt senior quarterback Zach Frazer (Mechanicsburg, Pa.) who recorded 1,202 passing yards and five touchdowns. Frazer also tallied 55 yards of rushing offense posting crucial first downs in multiple games this season. Frazer has been a stable part of the UConn offense, leading the Huskies to their second BIG EAST Championship.
Redshirt senior linebacker Lawrence Wilson (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) was tabbed the Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season after leading the UConn defense with 115 tackles. During BIG EAST games only Wilson posted 67 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one interception, earning first team All-BIG EAST honors.
The Special Teams Player of the Year went to the duo of senior long snapper Derek Chard (Burlington, Conn.) and redshirt junior kicker Dave Teggart (Northborough, Mass.) who were both instrumental in UConn's success on special teams this season. Teggart, who was a perfect 34-for-34 on extra point attempts this season, converted 23 of his 29 field goals, and leads the BIG EAST in field goals made, averaging 1.92 per game. Chard has been a consistent performer for the Huskies at the long snapper position, playing in every game this season except for one.
Redshirt junior tailback Kelmetrus Wylie (Washington, Ga.) was honored with the Jasper T. Howard - Play-Every-Play Award, which is presented to a strong team player who best exemplifies a "battle-to-the-end" spirit during every game through every play. Wylie, who has only played in three games this season due to an injury, continues to lead the Huskies from the sidelines, encouraging his teammates to fight until the end of every game.
The Brian Kozlowski Award was given to one of the four 2010 captains, senior fullback Anthony Sherman (North Attleboro, Mass.). This award is designated for a courageous, hard working and productive person. The award is named for the former Husky tight end, later a 13-year NFL veteran, who through relentless hard work, effort and dedication was able to have a lengthy NFL career. Sherman has had an outstanding senior season, registering 13 tackles, eight receptions and his first career touchdown in the win over Cincinnati.
Redshirt senior captain Zach Hurd (Waterford, Conn.) was given the Kendall Madison Award which is presented to a strong team player whose dedication, hard work, positive attitude and outstanding citizenship best exemplifies the proud spirit of the UConn Huskies. The award is named for the former Husky who was tragically killed in the mid 1990s while being a good Samaritan in his attempt to break up an altercation. Hurd, who has been a leader on and off the field, has started all 12 games this season on the offensive line allowing UConn to gain 1,741 yards of passing offense and 2,159 yards of rushing offense.
The Football Alumni Award, which is given to a player who has demonstrated leadership and dedication and is the ultimate team player, was presented to redshirt senior captain Scott Lutrus (Brookfield, Conn.). Lutrus, who has played in just nine games this season due to injury, has recorded 48 tackles including 30 solo, 2.5 for a loss and one interception and has been a commanding presence on the Husky defense.
The John L. Toner Scholar-Athlete Award was given to redshirt junior safety John Yurek (Greencastle, Pa.). This award was designed to honor a senior member of the football program who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance and citizenship while making a significant contribution to the overall success of the team. Selected by the Football CPIA Staff, the award is named after the former UConn athletic director and football coach and NCAA President. Yurek, a biological sciences major, joined the team as a walk-on in 2007 and was a member of the kickoff defensive team this season playing in six games.
The 2010 Joseph M. Giannelli Unsung Hero Award went to redshirt senior offensive guard Mathieu Olivier (Woburn, Mass.). The award is presented to a University of Connecticut football player, selected by the coaching staff, who by his effort, dedication and steady performance without notice or acclaim, has made a significant contribution to the UConn football program. Olivier has played in 11 games this season as part of the offensive line, allowing the Huskies to gain 3,900 yards of total offense.
Players Mentioned
