The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Webb, Ware, Seitz Lead Award Recipients At UAB Football Banquet
12/7/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 7, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- The UAB football team held its 2009 postseason banquet Sunday at the Harbert Center in Birmingham, honoring its senior class and recognizing a number of award recipients.
Quarterback Joe Webb, one of 17 seniors in this year's senior class, was named the Blazers' Offensive Most Valuable Player and the team's overall MVP at the banquet. Webb, who became the first player in NCAA history to throw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in consecutive seasons, finished with 2,299 passing yards and 1,427 on the ground in 2009. The Birmingham native's rushing total is the third-highest single-season total by a quarterback in NCAA history.
Sophomore linebacker Lamanski Ware was tabbed as UAB's Defensive MVP, while the Special Teams MVP Award was shared by Caleb Dyck and Darrion Wilson.
Ware started 11-of-12 games for the Blazers and finished with 71 tackles, including 36 solo hits. Ware, from Lanett, Ala., also contributed 3.5 tackles for loss during the season.
Senior center Jake Seitz also picked up a pair of awards as he was named the Outstanding Offensive Lineman, as well as being named the winner of the Mr. Dependable Award. Seitz, from Vestavia Hills, Ala., started every game during his career at UAB, establishing a school record for both total and consecutive starts with 48.
The Outstanding Defensive Lineman Award went to sophomore tackle Elliott Henigan. The Atlanta product had an outstanding season with 47 tackles and a team-high 9.5 tackles for loss. Henigan also added four sacks and three forced fumbles.
Senior wide receiver Mark Ferrell was named the recipient of the Coaches Award. Ferrell played two seasons at UAB and was a significant contributor each of his two years as Blazer. In 2009, Ferrell had 23 receptions for 320 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed 11 times for 135 yards, and his 80-yard touchdown run against SMU is the longest TD run in UAB history. Ferrell also returned 17 kickoffs for a 21.4 average.
The Blazers also recognized a Newcomer of the Year on offense, defense and special teams. WR Nick Adams picked up the honor on offense as he ranked No. 4 on the team in receptions with 15. His per catch average of 18.5 yards led the Blazers.
Safety Hiram Atwater was named the Defensive Newcomer of the Year. Atwater, in his first season at UAB, led the team in tackles with 89 in 11 games. Atwater's 40-yard touchdown return on an interception vs. Southern Miss sealed the Blazers' first-ever win over the Golden Eagles.
Freshman kicker Josh Zahn was the Special Teams winner for Newcomer of the Year. Zahn connected on 14-of-21 field goals during the 2009 season. He booted a 51-yarder against Southern Miss, one yard shy of the UAB record for longest field goal.
Webb (offense), senior DE Anthony Barnes (defense), Dyck (special teams) and Jim Mitchell (special teams) were named as the permanent team captains.
Webb also was one of three Blazers tabbed for the Iron Man Award. Offensive tackle Matt McCants and tight end Sam Accursio also were honored with the Iron Man recognition.
Two players each on offense and defense were named UAB Scout Team Players of the Year. Running backs Nick Anderson and Brandon Wells were selected on the offensive side while LB Keaton Berrion and safety Stephen Allen were chosen on defense.
The Unsung Hero Award was given to three players: WR Paul Schoolar, OL Jordan McDaniel and WR Austin McDaniel.
Dyck, fellow LB Drew Luker and snapper Taylor Klein were each honored with the Top Scholar Award.
