RENO, Nev. Sophomore quarterback Colin Kaepernick was the recipient of the Golden Helmet Award at the 2008 Nevada Football Awards Banquet held Wednesday evening at the Eldorado Hotel.
Sophomore running back Vai Taua and senior center Dominic Green shared Outstanding Offensive Player honors while sophomore defensive end Kevin Basped was the Outstanding Defensive Player. Senior kicker Brett Jaekle was the team’s Outstanding Special Teams Player. Senior defensive tackle Mundrae Clifton was the Wolf Pack’s Nevadatude winner as the best representative of the program’s beliefs and ideals.
The awards were based on voting from the players and coaches.
Nevada is preparing for its fourth consecutive bowl appearance as it will take on Maryland in the Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho on Dec. 30.
The following is a full list of the awards handed out tonight:
Golden Helmet Award (MVP)
Colin Kaepernick, sophomore quarterback
Outstanding Offensive Player
Vai Taua, sophomore running back, and Dominic Green, senior center
Outstanding Defensive Player
Kevin Basped, sophomore defensive end
Outstanding Special Teams Player
Brett Jaekle, senior kicker
Nevadatude Award (best representative of the beliefs and ideals of the program)
Mundrae Clifton, senior defensive tackle
Basalite Big Blocker (given the offensive lineman who grades out the best in victories)
Grambling State: Greg Hall, senior guard.
UNLV: Alonzo Durham, junior tackle.
Idaho: Mike Gallett, sophomore tackle.
Utah State: John Bender, sophomore guard.
Fresno State: Dominic Green, senior center.
San Jose State: John Bender, sophomore guard.
Louisiana Tech: Clayton Johnson, senior guard/tackle.
Blackout Award (big hitter)
Jerome Johnson, senior linebacker
Full-speed, Effort and Habit Awards (scout team players of the year)
Offense: Brandon Wimberly, freshman receiver
Defense: Kaelin Burnett, freshman linebacker
Striker Awards (dominating play over a period of time)
Vai Taua, sophomore running back
Dominic Green, senior center
Fireman’s Award
Jerome Johnson, senior linebacker
WAC Players of the Week
Colin Kaepernick, sophomore quarterback, vs. UNLV
Vai Taua, sophomore running back, vs. Fresno State
Colin Kaepernick, sophomore quarterback, vs. San Jose St.
Colin Kaepernick, sophomore quarterback, vs. La. Tech
