A day after getting its Rose Bowl dreams dashed, the Oregon football team celebrated its dramatic season with its annual football awards banquet.
The event, held Sunday night at the Eugene Hilton, was a chance for Oregon players to take their minds off their loss to Oregon State for a little while and reward themselves for their 9-2 season.
The Ducks are still Pacific-10 Conference co-champions and have a chance at their first-ever 10-win season with a victory in an undetermined bowl game.
The highest award given was the Hoffman award, which is given to the team’s most outstanding player. In this case, however, it was given to the most outstanding players as both junior quarterback Joey Harrington and senior linebacker Matt Smith were selected.
The two leaders on their respective sides of the ball were chosen for the honor by a vote of their teammates.
Smith had a monstrous year filling in for departed linebacker Peter Sirmon, who is currently a member of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. The Grants Pass native led the team in tackles with 85 and always seemed to be in just the right place to create a turnover. He had a team-high three fumble recoveries and a tie for the team high with four interceptions.
Harrington, who is affectionately known as “The General” by his teammates, completed his first full year as an Oregon starter and upped his record as the team leader to 13-2. His only two losses came against Wisconsin Sept. 9 and Oregon State. The junior from Portland led the Pac-10 with 2,694 yards passing and 20 touchdowns. He also showed his scrambling ability en route to six rushing touchdowns. Despite throwing five picks against the Beavers Saturday, Harrington finished with only 13 on the year.
Another award the players voted on was the Gonyea Award, given to the team’s most inspirational player. And again, two players were selected. Senior defensive ends Saul Patu and Jason Nikolao shared the honor after headlining a strong defensive force. The two combined for 26 sacks on the year, with Patu’s 11 moving him to second on the Oregon all-time sacks list with 26.5.
In other awards that night, tailback Maurice Morris was given the Len Casanova Award for the team’s top newcomer after becoming just the eighth 1,000-yard rusher in Oregon history with 1,106 yards.
The Ed Moshofsky Award, for the team’s top offensive lineman, was given to junior Jim Adams. Patu also was selected as the team’s top defensive lineman. Senior center Jeff Austin and defensive tackle Jed Boice shared the most improved player award.
Senior Jermaine Hanspard was honored for his efforts as the top special teams player of the year, while senior Dan Katz, who kicks off for the Ducks, was given the award for a high academic average and exemplary attitude.
And last but not least, seniors Lee Gundy and Garrett Sabol were selected for the Bob Officer award, which honors the players who played their best despite physical adversity.
Oregon has this week off before reconvening next week to get ready for its bowl game.