Fresno State Athletics
Wright Named Bulldog MVP
12/3/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 3, 2006
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State head coach Pat Hill handed out the awards for the 2006 football season at the annual football awards banquet held at the New Exhibit Hall in downtown Fresno Sunday afternoon. Nearly 450 fans attended the function.
Record-setting running back Dwayne Wright was selected the team's Most Valuable Player in unanimous voting by the Bulldog players. Wright rushed for 1,462 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. He set a Bulldog single game rushing record with 295 yards against Louisiana Tech, the second-best rushing performance in the nation this season. Wright, who is on track to graduate in December, finished his career ranked No. 3 in Bulldog history with 2,495 rushing yards. He was also presented the award for the outstanding Bulldog offensive back in 2006.
"I'm very proud of Dwayne," said Hill. "His story is a great one. He came here a boy and is leaving a man. He's overcome injuries is has persevered. He's a family man, he's become a solid student and will graduate this month. Obviously he accomplished a lot on the football field for us this season and in his career. I know Dwayne will be successful in life."
The Director' Academic Award was presented junior kicker Clint Stitser, who maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA with a Business major. Stitser made 11-of-16 field goals this season, including nine of his final 10 attempts this season.
Senior safety Josh Sherley picked up three awards. He was voted by his team mates the Most Inspirational Player on the 2006 squad. He was also selected a team captain for the season for his work on special teams. Sherley, who also won the award for Most Valuable Defensive back, finished the season with 82 tackles, second-most on the team.
The special teams player of the award was given to sophomore tight end Bear Pascoe, who in addition to playing on five different special teams units, blocked two kicks this season.
Senior cornerback Elgin Simmons was selected as the Don Duncan Over Achiever Award. Simmons, a walkon player, started the last seven games at cornerback for the Dogs and was a special teams performer. He had 27 tackles and broke up six passes.
Senior right tackle Chris Denman, who started the last 43 games of his career, was named the team's most valuable offensive lineman. Denman was a part of the Bulldog line that produced a running back that ran for over 1,400 yards and set a school record for fewest quarterback sacks allowed with 12, a figure that ranked fourth in the NCAA this season.
Junior defensive end Tyler Clutts was selected the Most Valuable Defensive Lineman. Clutts was one of the top defensive performers in the WAC this season, with five sacks, nine tackles for losses, had an interception, recovered a fumble and forced a fumble.
The Scout Team Awards were presented to freshman quarterback Ryan Colburn and freshman linebacker Ben Jacobs.
Here's a breakdown of the awards handed down during the ceremony.
Director's Academic Award: Clint Stitser
Dick Duncan Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year: Ryan Colburn, Quarterback
Dick Duncan Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year: Ben Jacobs, Linebacker
Most Valuable Offensive Lineman: Chris Denman
Most Valuable Defensive Lineman: Tyler Clutts
Most Valuable Offensive Back: Dwayne Wright
Most Valuable Defensive Back: Josh Sherley
Special Teams Player of the Year: Bear Pascoe
Don Duncan Over Achiever: Elgin Simmons
Most Inspirational Player: Josh Sherley
Most Valuable Player: Dwayne Wright
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