.png&type=webp)
1/30/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 30, 2010
Rice senior safety Andrew Sendejo, who finished his career tied for second on the Owls career tackle list despite missing his final five games with an injury, was named the winner of the 2009 George Martin as the Owls MVP on Saturday night at the Rice Football banquet. The event was held in the Grand Hall of the Rice Memorial Center.
Sendejo became the first defensive player since Brandon Green in 2002 to be named team MVP. He closed out his career with 318 career tackles, to match Dan Dawson for second in school history behind O.J. Brigance, who was credited with 367 stops from 1987-90. His career was cut short when he suffered a severe high ankle sprain at East Carolina on October 19. He was a finalist for the Wuerfell Trophy, a national award that recognizes players who are active in their community while also achieving excellence in both the classroom and on the field.
He also was one of four team captains, as selected by his teammates. Joining him as captains for the 2009 season were fellow seniors Marcus Knox and Terrance Garmon, as well as junior Scott Solomon.
Running back Charles Ross, who lead all Conference USA freshmen running backs with 11 touchdowns, received the Joe F. Lipscomb Award as the top freshman. Garmon received the "Bloody Joe" Davis Award for competitive spirit. Knox and Sendejo shared the Billy Ed Daniels Award as the player possessing the qualities most desired in a teammate. Travis Bradshaw received the James Glanville Medal for excellence in both academics and athletics.
Offensive tackle Scott Mitchell, wide receiver Toren Dixon and running back Tyler Smith received the George R. Brown Award as the top player at their offensive position group, while Garmon, Bradshaw and Scott Solomon were honored with the Jess Neely Defensive Awards. Center Keshawn Carrington received the Bill Whitmore Award as the most improved offensive player during 2009 spring drills, while defensive end Cheta Ozougwu received Joe Davis Award as the most improved defensive players during last year's spring practice.
