Football Banquet and Awards

[Brad]

Courtesy USF

The Future & Senior Class Honored at 2009 Football Banquet

TAMPA – The University of South Florida capped the 2009 regular season with its annual football banquet at the Hyatt in downtown Tampa on Friday, Dec. 11.

The night was a chance to honor the bright future of the program, including freshmen Julius Forte and B.J. Daniels, while also honoring the seniors that have won more games (33) than any class in USF history.

Senior linebacker Kion Wilson won the team awards for Defensive Playmaker of the Year and Defensive MVP. The MVP award came on an unanimous vote by his teammates.

After recounting the story of Wilson splitting open his hand, receiving 26 stitches and returning to the Florida State game, defensive coordinator Joe Tresey called Wilson, “The toughest player I have ever had the honor to coach.”

George Selvie was also honored twice when he received the Lee Roy Selmon Award and Outstanding Defensive Front Seven Award. 

One of the most touching moments of the night came when offensive line coach Larry Scott talked about the day his son told him, “If I could be like any player, I would be Matt Grothe.” The story served as a perfect introduction to Grothe receiving the Coaches Award.

B.J. Daniels, the player who filled Grothe’s shoes after he was sidelined for the majority of his senior season, won three awards. 

Daniels was named the offensive Rookie of the Year, Offensive Playmaker of the Year and Offensive MVP.  The MVP award was voted on by his teammates.

“I knew B.J. was going to have a good night against Florida State when he told me his mother threatened either McDonald’s or home cooking after the game,” said offensive coordinator Mike Canales.  “We won and he filled up on mama’s home cooking. “

The biggest surprise of the night was Forte, a true-freshman defensive lineman from Boca Ciega HS.  Forte earned the Overachiever Award for his tireless effort in the weight room and the Golden Bull Award for his excellence on scout team.

Below is a complete list of the awards with descriptions:

ROOKIES OF THE YEAR AWARD- B.J. Daniels and Jason Pierre-Paul

In recognition of the football player who achieved outstanding performance through great work ethic, dedication and pride in his first year of competition

OVERACHIEVER AWARD – Julius Forte

Presented to the freshman football player who achieved outstanding performance levels in the areas of strength and conditioning while demonstrating an intense, tireless work ethic

GOLDEN BULL AWARD – Julius Forte and Joel Miller

In recognition of the Scout squad player who provided the greatest contribution to the team through hard work effort, dedication and weekly preparation for the opponent

SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD – Chaz Hine

In recognition of the individual who through his efforts on the field and in the classroom distinguished himself as both a quality student and a quality athlete

GREEN & GOLD PRIDE AWARD-  Mistral Raymond

In recognition of the walk on who through his efforts on and off the field best represents South Florida football with quality play, leadership and work ethic

LEE ROY SELMON AWARD – George Selvie

In recognition of the individual who displays the greatest courage perseverance and determination in pursuit of team goals

FIRST TEAMER AWARD- Nate Allen

In recognition of the player that exemplifies leadership on and off the field, great character, physical and mental toughness. Is dependable and has high academic

standards.

COACHES AWARD- Matt Grothe

In recognition of the player who makes a substantive yet recognized contribution; a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged

OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE FRONT SEVEN PLAYER- Geoge Selvie

In recognition of the defensive front seven player who demonstrated the most outstanding performance, leadership and effort throughout the season

OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE LINEMAN- Sampson Genus

In recognition of the offensive lineman who demonstrated the most outstanding performance, leadership and effort throughout the season.

OUTSTANDING SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER – Eric Schwartz and Mike Walsh

In recognition of the individual who demonstrated the most outstanding performance on Special Teams and took great  pride in making the Special Teams an equal partner to the offensive and defensive units of the Bulls football program

OFFENSIVE PLAYMAKER OF THE YEAR – B.J. Daniels

In recognition of the offensive skill player who showcases his skills and talents by making plays on game day

DEFENSIVE PLAYMAKER OF THE YEAR- Kion Wilson

In recognition of the defensive skill player who showcases his skills and talents by making plays on game day

OFFENSIVE MVP- B.J. Daniels

DEFENSIVE MVP – Kion Wilson

TEAM CAPTAINS-

Nate Allen

Matt Grothe

Mo Plancher

George Selvie

Kion Wilson