Black and Gold Breakdown winners

The polls are now closed.

The results are in and they are listed below. With all due respect to offensive lineman, who are critical to all success moving the ball and jamming it into the end zone, there is no way this publication can evaluate them without access to film.

The First-Annual Black and Gold Postseason Award Winners

Offensive MVP: Bernard Jackson, QB, junior

(1359 yards passing, 7 touchdowns and 676 yards rushing, 7 TDs)

No one was more of a lightning rod for scruitiny than the inexperienced, scatter-armed Jackson but through it all, he remained calm and kept grinding through the season, confident in his ability. What wins him this award is perseverance and 14 touchdowns (7 passing, 7 rushing). Rushing for 676 yards is not something many CU quarterbacks have done. His passing leaves a lot to be desired but who else impressed more?

Others of note: Hugh Charles, RB (779 yards rushing and 5.6 yards per carry), Mel Holliday, RB (512 yards rushing, 4.9 yards per carry).

Reader votes: Riar Geer, TE (24 catches for 261 yards, 1 TD).

Defensive MVP: Abe Wright, DE, senior (pictured), (57 tackles, 11.5 sacks)

The defense had players scattered around but Wright was the wrecking ball opposing offenses most feared. Of course, his performance had to be enhanced by the surprising interior play of George Hypolite and Notre Dame transfer (what a beautiful ring that has to it) Brandon Nicolas. That Wright played up front, the first line of defense, gives him the nod over linebackers Jordon Dizon (137 tackles), Thaddaeus Washington (107 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery) and cornerback Terrence Wheatley (57 takcles, 11 passes defensed and five interceptions).

Reader votes: Dizon, Ryan Walters, DB (57 tackles, two interceptions, one fumble return for a touchdown).

Team MVP: Ron Collins, defensive coordinator

Collins defense, for most of the season, was the bright light for this team. They played hard, and handled the pressure of an offense stuck in neutral with courage and determination. Collins' leadership, while questioned by fans when he was hired, ended up being impressive. Coach Dan Hawkins also deserves mention for his even-keel approach to a miserable season. His players, by appearances, believed in him and never jumped ship emotionally. Boss Hawkins showed class throughout and was an example of how to face adversity.

Reader votes: Jackson, Washington.

Best freshman, offense: Geer

Geer got off to a hot start, then cooled. That said, he shows the makings of a fine tight end, and his hands were compared to Christian Fauria by one local writer. As the offense opens up look for Geer to become a major player in weekly game plans. A possible 40-45 catch season is not out of the question.

Reader votes: Geer

Best freshman, defense: Michael Sipili, LB, (31 tackles)

That Sipili collected as many tackles as he did with the guys ahead of him on the roster says a lot. One longtime media observer told the BGB that he sees stardom for Sipili down the long and winding road. This next season will be one to watch. Can Sipili be healthy and take that big jump from enticing prospect to productive, consistent thumper?

Reader votes: Sipili, Cha'pelle Brown, DB (35 tackles, three for loss, one interception).

Best special teams playerm, non kicker: Terry Washington, DB, senior, (20 special teams' points)

Washington played hard, was all over the field against Oklahoma from his secondary position and also excelled on special teams with 11 unassisted tackles, two assists and two forced fumbles.

Others of note: Ben Carpenter (15 points)

Reader votes: Washington

Best special teams player, period: Mason Crosby, K, senior (19 of 28 FG)

Even in a disappointing personal season for his standards, Crosby is still the winner due to the expectations, what he did deliver (17 of 19 conversions from 49 yards and in) and the football weapon he was for this offensively-challenged team. He had to know the importance of scoring the ball with the struggles of the offense.

Reader votes: Crosby, Justin Drescher, long snapper.

Biggest surprise, individual: Holliday, RB, senior

Holliday came from deep on the depth chart to be the hard running power back the offense needed. That he went from no factor at Nebraska to small college nobody to solid contributor for a Big 12 school while raising a family speaks for itself.

Others of note: Hypolite, DT (50 tackes, 2.5 sacks, 10 others for losses), Nicolas, DT (57 tackles, 4 for losses), Geer, Walters, Wheatley, Lionel Harris, DB (67 tackles, 3 for losses, one interception).

Reader votes: Nicolas, "disappearance of (WR) Blake Mackey."

Biggest surprise, team: The defense

Collin's unit may not have been championship caliber or even three-win quality but it was better than expected and displayed the necessary toughness.

Reader votes:

"Crosby never got his shot at a 70-yarder"

"losing...period"

Players to watch in 2007: Jackson, Geer, Thomas Perez, RB, Dizon, Wheatley,
Nicolas & Hypolite.

Reader votes: Jackson, Geer, Sipili, Walters, Perez, Ryan Miller, OT (freshman), Marquez Herrod, DE, Gardner McKay, DB, Marcus Burton, LB, Jarrell Yates, WR.