Feb. 3, 2006
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The University of Maryland football team officially brought a close to its 2005 season at today's annual team banquet which was held at the Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Md. At the event, team award winners were announced.
The banquet, hosted by master of ceremonies Chick Hernandez of Comcast SportsNet, honored the overall accomplishments of a team that featured a group of seniors who had a hand in two bowl wins, the school's first-ever victory over Florida State and this season two first team All-Americans since the 1950s.
Amongst the winners this year were team most valuable player, senior LB D'Qwell Jackson, the recipient for the second straight season who led the Atlantic Coast Conference in tackles and was a finalist for the Bednarik Award; offensive player of the year Vernon Davis, the Terrapins' first Associated Press All-American on offense since Bob Pelligrini in 1955; and top special teams performer Adam Podlesh, a player who will enter his senior season looking to become the second straight ACC player to win the Ray Guy Award.
Below is a complete list of the winners at today's awards in the order they were announced:
Top Special Teams Performer: Adam Podlesh, P
Freshmen of the Year: Jared Gaither, OT & Jeremy Navarre, DE
A.V. Williams Award (Outstanding & Conspicuous Sportsmanship): Derek Miller, TE/OT
Terrapin Club Award (Greatest Contribution to Football): D'Qwell Jackson, LB
James M. Tatum Award
Lineman of the Year - Sponsored by Saval Foods: Conrad Bolston, DT
George C. Cook Memorial Award (Senior with highest academic average): Ryan McDonald, C
George Boutselis Memorial Award
Letterman with highest academic avg. - Sponsored by the Heyison Family: Dan Gronkowski, TE
Alvin L. Aubinoe Award (Unsung Hero Award): Ryan McDonald, C & William Kershaw, LB
Dr. John E. Faber Award (Iron Man - Sponsored by Worthington Steel): Vernon Davis, TE
The C.P. "Lefty" McIntosh Public Service Award: Jermaine Lemons, LB
Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year: Jared Harrell, DE
Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year: Terrell Skinner, WR
Defensive Most Valuable Player: D'Qwell Jackson, LB
Offensive Most Valuable Player: Vernon Davis, TE
Ray Krouse Award (Team Most Valuable Player - Sponsored by Pepsi): D'Qwell Jackson, LB
Defensive Most Improved Player: Milton Harris, S
Offensive Most Improved Player: Danny Melendez, WR
Distinguished Contributor Award: Pat Caulfield
