Penn State linebacker Mike Hull was named the team’s most valuable player this past weekend, highlighting a host of awards handed out at the annual team banquet.
The Big Ten Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year, Hull was presented the Lions’ Pride Outstanding Senior Player Award and team MVP in front of a crowd of nearly 700 inside the main ballroom at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these seniors, for the blood, sweat and tears you have given to this program,” Penn State coach James Franklin said. “The sense of pride in Penn State in unbelievable…the brotherhood. The things that you do 5, 10, 20, 40 years from now are what we are going to be most proud of. You will forever be remembered; you stayed strong and laid the foundation.”
Hull is the fifth linebacker to be selected Penn State’s Outstanding Senior Player since the award’s inception in 1978, joining first-team All-Americans Shane Conlan (1986), Paul Posluszny (2006), Dan Connor (2007) and Michael Mauti (2012).
The former Canon-McMillan High School All-American made a career-high 19 tackles vs. Ohio State, had 16 stops vs. Northwestern and 13 vs. Michigan State. Hull is on pace to become just the fifth Penn State player since 1975 to average at least 11.0 tackles per game, joining Greg Buttle (1974, ’75), Andre Collins (1989), Shawn Mayer (2002) and Dan Connor (2007). He has accepted an invitation to play in the 66th Senior Bowl on January 24, 2015, along with safety Adrian Amos.
The complete list of team awards were presented for the first time as follows:
– Most Valuable Defensive Player – Mike Hull;
– Most Valuable Offensive Player – quarterback Christian Hackenberg
– Captains’ Award – Jesse Della Valle, Miles Dieffenbch, Sam Ficken, Christian Hackenberg, Mike Hull, Ryan Keiser and C.J. Olaniyan
– Highest Academic Average – fullback Brandon Smith
– Public Service Award – center Angelo Mangiro
– Scout team Special Teams Player of the Year – fullback Dom Salomone
– Scout team Defensive Player of the Year – defensive tackle Antoine White
– Scout team Offensive Player of the Year – running back Mark Allen
– Football Support Staff member of the Year – P.J. Mullen, Director of Player Development
The other 2014 State College Quarterback Club award winners were:
– John Bruno, Jr. Memorial Award (outstanding member of special teams) – placekicker Sam Ficken;
– Ridge Riley Award (senior for “sportsmanship, scholarship, leadership and friendship”) – guard Miles Dieffenbach;
– Richard Maginnis Memorial Award (outstanding offensive lineman) – center Angelo Mangiro;
– Robert B. Mitinger, Jr. Award (senior who exhibits courage, character and social responsibility) – safety Ryan Keiser;
– Outstanding Run-on Award (Run-on player who exemplifies total commitment, loyalty, hard work and courage) – running back Cole Chiappialle and linebacker Von Walker.
– Reid-Robinson Award (outstanding defensive lineman) – defensive tackle Anthony Zettel.
– Iron Lion Award (strength and conditioning) – defensive end Deion Barnes.
– Football Letterman’s Club Joe and Sue Paterno Post-Graduate Scholarship ($5,000 Scholarship to a senior to provide recognition and financial assistance for graduate school) – Ryan Keiser
– The Nittany Lion Club Academic Achievement Award (senior with highest GPA) – defensive end Brad Bars.
– Quarterback Club Special Awards – safety Adrian Amos, running back Bill Belton, and running back Zach Zwinak
