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Football Hands Out Awards at Annual Team Banquet
May 4, 2007 ORONO, Maine - The University of Maine football team honored the 2006 season on Friday night at the annual award's banquet in Orono. Eleven team awards were handed out on the night, including the Harold Westerman MVP Award, which was given to senior defensive lineman Matt King. King, who signed as a rookie free agent with the New York Jets this past week, earned the MVP award after he garnered numerous honors in 2006, including being a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding defensive player -- just the second Black Bear in history to do so. Selected a First-Team All-American by the AFCA, Walter Camp Foundation, The Sports Network and the Associated Press, King ranked third in the nation this past season in sacks (1.05 per game). The Jack Butterfield Outstanding Offensive Player Award was given to both Ron Whitcomb (Sr., QB) and Arel Gordon (Sr., RB). Whitcomb was among the national and conference leaders in total offense this past season, while Gordon racked up 1,378 all-purpose yards and ranked second in the Atlantic 10 in that category. The other offensive award given out on the night was the Sam Sezak Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award, which was awarded to sophomore center Ryan Canary. In his first full season as a starter, Canary helped pave the way for Gordon to rush for a career-high 843 yards. Several defensive awards were given, including the Walter Abbott Outstanding Defensive Player Award to senior defensive lineman Mike DeVito. A First-Team All-Atlantic 10 selection, DeVito ranked fifth in the A-10 in sacks this past season, marking the second-straight year he finished in the top-five in the league in quarterback hits. He also signed as a rookie free agent with the New York Jets earlier this week. The Roger Ellis Outstanding Defensive Lineman Award was given to junior defensive end Patrick McCrossan, after he ranked 97th nationally in quarterback sacks per game. A pair of senior defensive backs were honored for their commitment to the program. Joe Vanidestine won the Woody Carville Student-Athlete Achievement Award, while Manauris Arias earned the Ron Rogerson Spirit Award. Vanidestine was named to the Academic All-Atlantic 10 team for the second-straight season in 2006, while Arias was named to the All-Atlantic 10 First-Team. A pair of first-year players were tabbed the Thurlow Cooper Rookies of the Year. Sophomore tailback Jhamal Fluellen won the award on the offensive side, while Jordan Stevens earned the defensive honor. Fluellen led the team in average yards per rush, while Stevens saw action in all 11 games and was among the team leaders in special teams tackles. Senior wide receiver Steve Williams and redshirt freshman defensive back Levi Ervin were honored as the Jim Butterfield Scout Team Players of the Year for their efforts in helping their teammates prepare for that week's opponent. The George Wood Outstanding Special Teams Player Award went to senior defensive back Alex Goyins, who led the Black Bears in special teams tackles for the second-straight season in 2006. The "Maine Man" Strength & Conditioning Awards were given to Canary and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Matthew Barber. Junior tight end Matthew Mulligan was also recognized for his All-America honor in strength & conditioning by the National Strength & Conditioning Association. Also of note during during conditioning during the spring was junior defensive lineman Bryan Grier, who broke the school record in the squat.
Maine will conclude its spring football schedule on Saturday when it plays host to the Third Annual Jeff Cole Memorial Spring Scrimmage at 10 a.m., at Alfond Stadium. The event is FREE and open to the public.
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