Under Achiever

Dennis Dixon:
In the beginning of the season, Dixon gained all of the acclaim for the team’s success and drew comparisons by some to Vince Young with his mobility and accuracy.
These days Dixon looks less than stellar with eight interceptions and one touchdown in his last five games.
Dishonorable Mention: Though he’s been hampered by injury, wide receiver James Finley has fallen well short of expectations.

Over Achiever

Jeremiah Johnson:
Although he was limited to backup status for periods of the season, Johnson made the most of his opportunities and averaged over one yard per carry more and three more touchdowns than his heralded counterpart, Jonathan Stewart.
He filled in more than admirably against Fresno State and Arizona and when Stewart struggled against Washington State and California.
Despite his short stature, 5-foot-9 inches, Johnson has proved that size means nothing when it come to shoving defenders to the ground. His stiff-arm has gained national recognition in replays on ESPN and have also been chronicled on the Web site YouTube.
Honorable Mention: Cornerback Walter Thurmond

Most Improved

Offensive Line:
While the offensive line, which returned every starter, was considered to have made a significant improvement after the 2004 season, this year the front five has not only protected the quarterback, allowing 12 sacks in 11 games, but has made huge holes for the running game.
This year, the line has paved the way for a running game that averages 192.9 yards per game compared to 134.3 last year.
Honorable Mention: Wide receiver Jordan Kent.

Most Inspirational

Brent Haberly:
Many, except Haberly, thought his season was over after suffering a broken forearm against Oklahoma, but the senior linebacker’s dedication and determination were overlooked. Don’t forget, this is an undersized former walk-on who earned a starting role and was an integral part of the defense last season. He stayed very involved in practice despite his injury and was chomping at the bit to get back on the field. He did last week and recorded five tackles while playing with a protective cast. Said Haberly, “I’ll put whatever they want on here as long as I get to go out there.”
Honorable mention: The player who came up big in Haberly’s absence, senior linebacker Blair Phillips.

Most Valuable Player

Blair Phillips:
The numbers speak for themselves: a team-leading 97 tackles, nine tackles for losses, two sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery. In other words, there’s not much Phillips didn’t do this season for an Oregon defense ravaged by injuries. He led the team in tackling in five games including a 14-tackle performance against both Oklahoma and Washington State. While the Oregon defense struggled to stop the run this season, Phillips was one of the lone bright spots.
Although Phillips racked up impressive statistics this season, he said he blamed himself for Oregon’s losses this season. Now if just everyone had Phillips attitude and talent.
Honorable mention: Jaison Williams, who, should he play in the Civil War, needs just 71 yards to reach 1,000 for the season.

Biggest Surprise

Jaison Williams:
Williams exploded on the scene with a season-high 177 yards in Oregon’s win against Oklahoma and has recorded five total 100-plus yard performances on the season.
Honorable mention: Oregon’s pair of redshirt freshman cornerbacks, Walter Thurmond and Jairus Byrd.