Fresno State Athletics
Brandstater Named Bulldog MVP
11/30/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 30, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State football wrapped up its regular season with the annual football awards banquet at the Fresno Convention Center New Exhibit Hall in downtown Fresno Sunday afternoon. Nearly 500 fans attended.
Senior quarterback Tom Brandstater took home the top award as the Bulldog MVP, which was voted on by his teammates. Brandstater, a three-year starter, finished his career ranked in the schools' top 10 record book in every passing category. For his senior season, he completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,478 yards and 17 touchdowns.
"Tom Brandstater is a leader," said Hill. "His toughness of the field and the way he handled himself off the field, especially in the classroom, was tremendous. Our player admired him for the way he worked hard and handled adversity. He's going to be very successful in life."
The Director' Academic Award was also presented to Brandstater, who graduated in three-and-a-half years and expected to finish his MBA this semester.
Senior tight end Bear Pascoe was name the Special Teams Player of the Year. Pascoe has blocked a school-record six kicks in his career, including a field goal on Friday against No. 8 Boise State. Pascoe as been on nearly every specials teams unit this season. He beat out some excellent competition for the award, as four players on the team had touchdown returns and kicker Kevin Goessling led the WAC in field goals.
Sophomore receiver Darren Newborn was selected as the Don Duncan Over Achiever Award winner. Newborn, a walk-on, worked his way up the depth chart this season and was a solid contributor for the Fresno State offense all season long.
Senior left tackle Bobby Lepori was honored as the outstanding offensive lineman. A three-year starter, Lepori has been a fixture on the offensive line that has led on the most explosive offensive teams in the nation the last two seasons.
Sophomore middle linebacker Ben Jacobs, who leads the team in tackles with 106, was selected the MVP of the Bulldog defensive secondary. Jacobs ranked fifth in the WAC and 38th in the NCAA in tackles and is in consideration for WAC Defensive Player of the Year.
The other award that was voted on by the players was the Most Inspirational Player. Senior defensive tackle Jon Monga won that award. Monga battled injuries all season long and came back to play, having his best game against New Mexico State with three quarterback sacks, the second-highest total by a college player in a game this season.
His fellow linemen Ikenna Ike was selected by the coaches at the top defensive lineman. He was the only defensive lineman to start all 12 games.
Junior receiver Seyi Ajirotutu was named the team's top offensive back after leading the Bulldogs in receptions, yards and touchdowns this season. He had 44 receptions fo 714 yards and five touchdowns.
The Scout Team Awards were presented to freshmen defensive lineman Matt Akers and sophomore receiver Jamel Hamler.
Here's a breakdown of the awards handed down during the ceremony.
Other awards presented were:
Director's Academic Award: Tom Brandstater
Dick Duncan Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year: Jamel Hamler
Dick Duncan Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year: Matt Akers
Most Valuable Offensive Lineman: Bobby Lepori
Most Valuable Defensive Lineman: Ikenna Ike
Most Valuable Offensive Back: Seyi Ajirotutu
Most Valuable Defensive Back: Ben Jacobs
Special Teams Player of the Year: Bear Pascoe
Don Duncan Over Achiever: Darren Newborn
Most Inspirational Player: Jon Monga
Most Valuable Player: Tom Brandstater
Up next for the Bulldogs is an expected ito a bowl game. The Bulldogs, who finished the season with a 7-5 record and wins over BCS foes Rutgers and UCLA, is expected in receive an invitation in the coming days.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs host the UNLV Runnin' Rebels in the 2008 Papé Slam on Wednesday, December 3 at 7:00 pm in the Save Mart Center. It's "Working Wednesday" and fans can enter to win via their business cards for prizes or free tickets to future games. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.
