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Offensive Most Valuable Player: Isaiah Pead
The best player on the team, let alone the offense, is Isaiah Pead. He commands the attention of all 11 guys on defense much the way the quarterback does because of his abilities to breakout 40 yard plays with a quick juke or stiff arm. The stud is rushing for around 100 yards per game and has ran it into the endzone 8 times to go along with his 2 through the air. In order for the Bearcats’ offense to perform like the well-oiled machine, Isaiah Pead needs to get his yardage and keep them balanced. He’s a star on this team and should be honored as one.
Honorable mention: Zach Collaros, Anthony McClung, D.J. Woods
Offensive Most Improved Player: Evan Davis
The center took a lot of heat (and deservedly so) from yours truly and many others for not handling the position well last year. Coming into this season, I was extremely skeptical in his abilities to handle that position considering how he was ousted last year by Jason Kelce close to the Fresno State game. He’s had his share of mishaps this season but by-and-large he has played like a completely different person compared to 2010. The center position is naturally complicated because they are the quarterback of the offensive line, designating blocking assignments and such. Davis has done an admirable job in that role.
Best Offensive Youngster: Alex Chisum
I talked about in my segment on Cincinnati’s true freshman that Alex Chisum was bound to be a star as a Bearcat. And with catches like these, how can you argue it? The coaching staff is literally finding it impossible to keep Chisum off the field and we’ve seen this as he’s gotten more and more reps with the regular offense, especially in 4 WR sets. He gives the Bearcats yet another legitimate weapon for Zach Collaros to throw to and more opportunities to stretch the field vertically. Chisum’s already fourth on the team with 176 reception yards and finally got his first touchdown last week against USF. He has a bright future as a Bearcat.
Defensive Most Valuable Player: J.K. Schaffer
The rock of the defense. J.K. Schaffer has been Cincinnati’s field general of that unit for three years now compiling back-to-back 100 tackle seasons. In seven games this year, J.K. has only notched 54 tackles (17 more than the next best guy), 6 TFLs, 2 sacks, 3 picks, a force fumble, and two fumble recoveries (one of which was a TD). He’s having one of his best years as a Bearcat but the biggest change for him is how he has become more of a vocal leader on defense. He’s always been able to lead by example but by getting in his teammates’ ears is what’s helping make this unit so much better in 2011.
Honorable mention: Derek Wolfe – 32 tackles, 10 TFLs, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles. I love Derek and this DL, but Schaffer is the heart and soul of this defense.
Defensive Most Improved Player: Deven Drane
I’m giving this one to #11. Drane probably should be included in the ‘Best Youngster’ category but I already set the criteria for that to be freshman. In 2010, Drane played a lot of special teams as the cornerback positions were dominated by Cameron Cheatham, Reuben Johnson, and Dominique Battle before he went down. Now a sophomore with a year of experience under his belt, Drane has propelled to arguably the best corner on the team. He’s now starting, already has 3 picks, covers wide receivers like a pro, and looks to have that position locked down for the near future. Whatever Drane did this past offseason worked because he has forced Coach Coombs to give him tons of playing time.
Best Defensive Youngster: Nick Temple
Also featured in the same piece with Alex Chisum, Temple is a bone crushing linebacker from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis that just about owns that state when it comes to football. He’s transitioned well to the college game and is already splitting reps and starting time at the strongside linebacker position. He is third among the linebackers, only behind Schaffer and Maalik Bomar, with 15 tackles and does well against both the run and the pass. In 2012, the Bearcats will be losing key veterans in Schaffer and Ben Pooler so Temple will be relied upon to provide stability and experience to the unit.
Now to the most important awards of all…
High Hurdle Award: Anthony McClung
Ok pay attention to this clip especially at about the :10 mark:
That’s a heck of a leap!! Now, D.J. Woods is no Armon Binns in terms of height but he’s a legit 6 feet tall and McClung cleared him easily. What’s even better is that McClung unlocked an entirely new way to celebrate after a touchdown. Most team celebrations involve the scoring player huddled in the middle of his teammates slapping him on the helmet or something like that. McClung has brought hurdling into the mix. The next step: Watching an offensive lineman try it. Now that’d be a celebration!
Concrete Legs Award: Kenbrell Thompkins
Listen, I very pro #1 and know he’s a great receiver and a fine addition to this offense. But, the guy needs to bone up on jumping into the stands! Lambeau Leapers everywhere are besides themselves at this pretty poor display of hops in which he got about an arm and that’s about it into the stands. To add insult to injury, KT also got flagged on the play for a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. C’mon man!
Best Tweet: J.K. Schaffer (@Schaff37)
Schaffer the morning of the Miami (Oh) game. I’d say he was focused and ready to go.
Best Catch: Adrien Robinson
He isn’t the most graceful receiver in the world. That’s why he plays tight end. But man did Adrien Robinson make a heck of a play on the ball here. Not only did he have to catch it between his legs but it sparked Cincinnati’s win against Miami (Oh) as the Bearcats were only up by 6 points at the time and had done next to nothing on offense until that point. Plus the play earned the #2 spot on Sportscenter’s Top-10 Best Plays. Well done.
Honorable mention: Alex Chisum’s TD catch vs. USF, Isaiah Pead’s over-the-defender catch vs. USF, Anthony McClung’s over-the-defender catch vs. Miami (Oh)
Best Block: Anthony McClung
McClung weighs a little under 170 lbs on a good day. His natural abilities to get open, catch the ball, and get yards after the catch aside, he’s a pretty small dude! You just don’t normally see players his side sacrificing their bodies for a big block. And what a big block it was! On the final drive of the game, Kenbrell Thomkins caught a short pass on a crossing route across the middle and McClung sprang him for another 10 yards or so with that hit. Also it had me jumping up and down like a crazy person cheering at my computer so that’s another plus.
Honorable mention: Austin Bujnoch’s pancake on Isaiah Pead’s TD run against Tennessee
Best Pick: Drew Frey
Admittedly I’m never going to be Drew Frey’s biggest fan. He’s blown enough coverages and bit on enough play actions to put him deep in my dog house. But I have to give credit when credit is due and Frey made a huge interception on a Mike Glennon pass against NC State. The Wolfpack were pinned deep in their territory thanks to a cannon of a punt by Pat O’Donnell but were beginning to work their way out of trouble. A tipped pass ended up flying end-over-end in Drew Frey’s direction who had to make the necessary adjustment as his momentum was carrying him to the left but had to reach back to his right to catch the ball. It reminded me of J.K. Schaffer’s pick in the Oklahoma game and swang all of the energy in Cincinnati’s favor.
Best Hair (or Worst Hair if you prefer)