According to an official release that came into my inbox, the Terp football team “officially capped the 2008 football season” at its annual awards banquet Sunday.
There were a few interesting things to glean from this usual mix of on and off field awards, although there were few surprises. (Who but fifth-year quarterback Jordan Steffy could have taken home the C.P. “Lefty” McIntosh Public Service Award?)
Darrius Heyward-Bey took home offensive MVP honors for the second striaght season. It’s a little surprising considering Heyward-Bey’s numbers were down a little in his last season as a Terp, and he missed the season finale at Boston College. Da’Rel Scott, who was named most improved offensive player, more than likely could’ve taken this honor if he didn’t miss significant portions of three games with injuries and a benching.
Linebacker Alex Wujciak was the defensive MVP, which was about right as he led the team in tackles. Few would’ve predicted Wujciak would take the title as leading tackler on a team that returned a veteran linebacking corps, but he was the most consistent part of an inconsistent defense. Moise Fokou was the only player in the ACC with at least 75 tackles and five sacks and could’ve made a strong case here as well.
On a team that featured the most seniors in the Friedgen-era (30), senior defensive tackle Jeremy Navarre took home the Ray Krouse Award for Most Valuable Player. Navarre made the move from end to tackle this season to help the team and had a fine season despite being a little undersized. Center Edwin Williams, a 3-year starter, received the Terrapin Club Award, given to the senior for “the greatest contribution to football.” On this team, that’s an award Williams can feel good about.
A final interesting (and potentially comforting) note is redshirt freshman quarterback Jamarr Robinson was named the offensive scout team player of the year. Robinson, who spent time as the No. 2 QB last season, heads into next season as the back-up for Chris Turner with Steffy’s graduation and Josh Portis’ transfer.
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Tags: Alex Wujciak, da'rel scott, Darrius Heyward-Bey, edwin williams, jamarr robinson, Jeremy Navarre, Jordan Steffy, Moise Fokou, Terp football