RENO, Nev. - University of Nevada assistant football coach Jim Mastro has been named the national Running Backs Coach of the Year by FootballScoop.com, the website announced today.
The Wolf Pack finished the regular season third in the nation in rushing at 305.9 yards per game with senior Vai Taua finishing sixth individually at 127.8 yards per game.
"Any time you win an award that is voted on by your peers, it is a great honor," Mastro said. "Let's not be mistaken - I work for one of the best head coaches in the country who runs on of the most dynamic offenses in the country. I have great players to coach I just try not to get in the way."
Nevada averaged 535 yards of total offense per game and Nevada's running game produced 113 plays of 10 or more yards during the season. The Wolf Pack's running backs lost just three fumbles in 13 games and Nevada averaged 5.9 yards per carry.
"This is great stuff. Jim has done an outstanding job with our running back corps, not just this season but over the years," Nevada head coach Chris Ault said. "He is truly deserving of this honor. I am excited for him."
Nevada has earned a trip to the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco on January 9th, where the Wolf Pack will play Boston College.
The FootballScoop Coaches of the Year awards presented by SpeedTracs are the only set of awards that recognize the most outstanding position coaches in college football. The finalists (Mastro, Jay Graham - South Carolina, Rob Reeves - Northern Illinois and John Settle - Wisconsin) were selected based off of nominations by coaches, athletic directors, and athletic department personnel. A panel of coaches including previous recipients determined the 2010 winners.
Previous winners of the Running Backs Coach of the Year award are Burton Burns (Alabama, 2008) and Willie Taggart (Stanford, 2009).
The official release from FootballScoop.com can be found here:
http://www.footballscoop.com/coaching-awards/2010-coaches-of-the-year/2010-running-backs-coach
