Reno, Nev. Senior quarterback Jeff Rowe was a unanimous selection for the Golden Helmet Award at the 2006 Nevada Football Awards Banquet held Sunday morning at the Silver Legacy.
Senior center Jimmy Wadhams won the Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year honor and senior defensive end J.J. Milan captured the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year award. For the second year in a row, senior Travis Branzell was the Outstanding Special Teams Player of the Year.
Nevada finished the season with an 8-4 overall record and 5-3 (third place) in the Western Athletic Conference.
The following is a full list of the awards handed out today:
Golden Helmet Award (MVP)
Jeff Rowe, senior quarterback
Outstanding Offensive Player
Jimmy Wadhams, senior center
Outstanding Defensive Player
J.J. Milan, senior defensive end
Outstanding Special Teams Player
Travis Branzell, senior tight end
Nevadatude Award (best representative of the beliefs and ideals of the program)
Offense: Charles Manu, junior tackle
Defense: Matt Hines, junior nose guard
Basalite Big Blocker (given the offensive lineman who grades out the best in victories)
Colorado State game: Dominic Green, sophomore tackle
Northwestern game: Jimmy Wadhams, senior center
UNLV game: Charles Manu, junior tackle
San Jose State game: The entire starting five
New Mexico State game: Greg Hall, sophomore guard
Idaho game: Greg Hall, sophomore guard
Utah State game: Jimmy Wadhams, senior center
Louisiana Tech game: Dominic Green, sophomore tackle
Blackout Award (big hitter)
Travis Branzell, senior tight end
Full-speed, Effort and Habit Awards (scout team players of the year)
Offense: Kevin Grimes, freshman running back
Defense: Kenny Viser, freshman defensive back
WAC Players of the Week
Joe Garcia, senior cornerback (Defense: Northwestern and Utah State games)
Ezra Butler, junior linebacker (Defense: New Mexico State game)
J.J. Milan, senior defensive end (Defense: Idaho game)
Luke Lippincott, sophomore running back (Offense: Utah State game)
De’Angelo Wilson, sophomore punt returner (Special Teams: Louisiana Tech)
Fireman’s Awards
Offense: Luke Lippincott, sophomore running back
Defense: Jonathon Amaya, freshman safety
Captains Awards
Joe Garcia, senior cornerback
Matt Hines, junior nose guard
Anthony Pudewell, senior tight end
Jeff Rowe, senior quarterback
