LOGAN — Wide receiver Kevin Robinson was named Utah State's offensive most valuable player, while lineman Ronald Tupea was tabbed as the defensive MVP at Utah State's annual postseason football banquet held Saturday night.
Tupea, a senior from West Valley City, was also named the team's top defensive lineman and earned the Aggie Iron Man Award for his work in the weight room.
Earlier this year, Tupea earned second-team all-Sun Belt Conference honors for the second consecutive season. Tupea started 41 consecutive games in his Aggie career and had 43 tackles this past season.
Robinson, who earned freshman All-America honors in several publications, also won the special teams MVP honor. Pace Jorgensen was named top offensive lineman.
On the year, Robinson finished second in the country in punt return average and was one kickoff return shy of ranking in the top 20 in that category. Offensively he became the first freshman in school history to lead the team in receptions as he had 44 catches for 602 yards.John Chick was named the top linebacker and Cornelius Lamb the top defensive back. All three will return next season.
Backup quarterback and punter Leon Jackson III and defensive lineman Emosi Fiefia were named the team's top freshmen. Wide receiver Antonio Pennyman and safety Joe Lindsay were named the top sophomores.
Senior cornerback Jerome Dennis won the John Hill Award for overcoming a serious injury. Dennis missed the last nine games of the 2003 season after it was discovered he had a blood clot in his shoulder. He returned for 2004 and responded by recording 48 tackles and intercepting one pass while starting nine games.
Senior Trent Nate was selected for the Big Blue Club Award for his efforts on and off the field. Nate majored in business and was very involved in community service.
Other awards included Otis Nelson and Eric Soboleski sharing scout team MVP honors, Andre Bala and Nick George being named most improved, Chick earning the Golden Helmet for being the hardest hitter, Jared Johnstun for most inspirational, and Travis Cox, Dennis and Robert Watts earning the captain award.