Fresno State Athletics
Smith Named Bulldog MVP
12/2/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 2, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - After an impressive season that saw the Bulldogs win eight games and earn a bowl invitation, Fresno State head coach Pat Hill honored the team at the annual football awards banquet held at the New Exhibit Hall in downtown Fresno Sunday afternoon. Nearly 500 fans attended
Clifton Smith, Fresno State's electrifying running back and return specialist, was selected the team's Most Valuable Player in voting by the Bulldog players. It marks the second straight year a Bulldog running back won the MVP awards. Current Buffalo Bills running back Dwayne Wright was the 2006 MVP.
"Clifton Smith is the heart and soul of this football team," said Hill. "I'm sad that he only got one full season to show what he can do. He's developed himself into a leader and a great person in addition to being a very good football player."
The Director' Academic Award was presented senior kicker Clint Stitser, who graduated in May with a perfect 4.0 GPA with a Business major. It marks the second straight year Stitser has won that award.
The special teams player of the award was given to sophomore cornerback A.J. Jefferson. Jefferson not only leads the NCAA in kickoff return average of over 35 yards per return, but he also starts on four other specials teams units.
Senior punter Kyle Zimmerman was selected as the Don Duncan Over Achiever Award winner. Zimmerman, a walk-on from Visalia, Calif., has performed well in the clutch for the Bulldogs during his career as both a kicker and a punter.
Senior center Ryan Wendell was honored as the outstanding offensive lineman. A starter for the last 45 games, Wendell played both guard and center during the season and has been a fixture on the offensive line for four seasons, starting the last 48 consecutive games.
Senior linebacker Marcus Riley, who leads the team in tackles with 123, was selected the MVP of the Bulldog defensive secondary. Riley is among the national leaders in tackles and should contend for WAC defensive player of the year honors.
Senior defensive end Tyler Clutts was selected the Most Valuable Defensive Lineman for the second straight season. He has 22 career sacks, which ranks fourth on the Bulldog career list. In addition, Clutts was voted by his teammates the Most Inspirational Player for the 2007 season.
The Scout Team Awards were presented to freshmen walk-on Desia Dunn and freshman safety Zak Hill.
Here's a breakdown of the awards handed down during the ceremony.
Other awards presented were:
Director's Academic Award: Clint Stitser
Dick Duncan Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year: Desia Dunn
Dick Duncan Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year: Zak Hill
Most Valuable Offensive Lineman: Ryan Wendell
Most Valuable Defensive Lineman: Tyler Clutts
Most Valuable Offensive Back: Clifton Smith
Most Valuable Defensive Back: Marcus Riley
Special Teams Player of the Year: A.J. Jefferson
Don Duncan Over Achiever: Kyle Zimmerman
Most Inspirational Player: Tyler Clutts
Most Valuable Player: Clifton Smith
Fresno State will find out its bowl fate on Monday morning. Fresno State has planned a 10 a.m. media conference in the Duncan Building to formally announce the bowl invitation.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Fresno State men's basketball team returns to the Save Mart Center for Community Night on Wednesday, December 5 against Cal-State Monterey Bay at 7 p.m. Tickets are just $2 for adults and $1 for youth (ages eighteen and under). Tickets can be purchased at the Save Mart Center Box Office, online at ticketmaster.com, or by phone at (559)485-TIXS.
