Now that all of the NCAA Award Watch Lists are out, I thought it’d be cool to do the same awards but to talk about which player on the WVU football team would win them within the team. Might seem a bit tedious, but bear with me, real football will be here soon. Here we go:
I’ll give you the award, what it is, and a reason why each player would win each award.
Maxwell Award – Player of the Year
Charles Sims, RB – While Sims hasn’t proved himself in a Mountaineer uniform just yet, head coach Dana Holgorsen had nothing but great things to say about him during WVU’s presser Tuesday at Big 12 media day. Holgorsen said, “We’re extremely fortunate to have his services for one year. He’s a playmaker.” Sims came to WVU to boost his draft stock according to Holgorsen. Sims will likely head a running back group that consists of three other potential starters. With the goal of boosting his draft stock, Sims will stand out and be this team’s MVP.
Bednarik Award – Defensive Player of the Year
Karl Joseph, S – Joseph is this team’s leader, no doubt. He’s only a sophomore but he proved last season as a true freshman that he could come in and make plays. He led the struggling defense in tackles and gained national attention for his solid tackles and bone crushing hits. Joseph was about the only positive consistency for the Mountaineers defense last season and he has a very bright future with WVU.
Mackey Award – Best Tight End
Cody Clay, TE – This isn’t a very hard decision at all. WVU doesn’t really use a tight end, but they might start this season. In his press conference, Holgorsen said, “Cody Clay may be our best football player on the team.” It’ll be interesting to see how Clay gets involved in 2013.
Rimmington / Outland Trophy – Best Center, Best Interior Lineman
Quinton Spain, OT – Spain has quickly caught on as one of the best offensive linemen on the team. He represented WVU as one of three players to travel to Dallas, Texas for the Big 12 media day. Weighing in at a whopping 335 pounds, Spain is hard to move at left tackle. This group is thin, one reason why I combined the two awards together.
Lou Groza / Ray Guy Award – Best Kicker, Best Punter
Michael Molinari, P – This is one spot where the Mountaineers haven’t really excelled at lately. Josh Lambert will likely do the place kicking duties but if last year is any indication, this position could see some movement.
Bronko Nagurski Trophy – Most Outstanding Defensive Player
Isaiah Bruce, LB – For the simple fact that I gave the other defensive MVP award to Joseph, I’ll throw Bruce a bone here. Bruce, like Joseph, is a young bright spot for this defense. As a redshirt-freshman, Bruce filled a much needed gap in the middle of the field for WVU. He was named a 2nd Team All-Big 12 team and an honorable mention by two different committees. Bruce will continue to get better, as he’s already proved. He was named an Iron Mountaineer for excelling in the weight room this spring.
Jim Thorpe Award – Best Defensive Back
Karl Joseph, S – I don’t like to double up, but there isn’t anyone who compares to Joseph in this secondary. Joseph was named the team’s defensive MVP last season, as well as a Freshman All American. He led the team in tackles, forced fumbles and interceptions. With his skill, he’ll hopefully make everyone around him better.
Butkus Award – Best Linebacker
Doug Rigg, LB – I’ll give Bruce a break here and let Rigg take home some hardware. Rigg, a senior linebacker, came along last season for the Mountaineers. He was in the top five in tackles and made the stat sheet for forced fumbles and interceptions, as well. He’ll be entering his third season as a starter and he’s making the move from Will to Sam, putting him in a better position to make an impact.
Biletnikoff Award – Best Wide Receiver
Kevin White, WR – White, a JUCO transfer, is a big target for whoever gets the starting quarterback job. He proved in the spring game that he can be a nice target over the middle, and he also showed off his strength on a nice screen play. He’ll contribute greatly to the passing game as well as being a solid run blocker.
Davey O’Brain Award – Best Quarterback
Clint Trickett, QB – “We’ve got Clint Trickett coming in, who has probably as much experience as any QB in the Big 12,” Holgorsen said of the quarterback competition without being prompted to speak about Trickett. He came here for one reason: to start. He has two seasons left and decent arm strength. Holgorsen loves to fling the football around the field and Trickett just might be the guy he needs.
Doak Walker Award – Best Running Back
Charles Sims, RB – Like I said before, Sims will be heading this group of running backs. Since I’ve already mentioned him, I’ll give some predictions: 1,348 yards 12 touchdowns, 32 receptions, 296 yards, 4 touchdowns.
Walter Camp Award – Most Outstanding Player
I’ll leave this one up to you. Who do you think will be WVU’s standout player this season? It can be offensive, defensive, special teams, anyone. Sound off in the comment section below if you think you have a winner.
