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Rashod Smith, a sophomore running back,
was named the Golden Panthers’ Most Valuable Player
at a banquet held Wed., Dec. 4, at the Miccosukee Resort in west
Miami-Dade County. The awards came at the conclusion of FIU’s
5-6 inaugural season, which is one of the best first-year starts
by a Division I-AA program since 1991.
Former Miami Dolphins quarterback
Dan Marino presented Smith and the following players with their
respective awards:
Special Teams Award:
Everett Baker. The Osceola/Kissimmee graduate, who is a true freshman,
blocked a kick, recovered two fumbles and forced another on the
year.
Defensive MVP Award:
Nick Turnbull. The defensive back, a redshirt freshman, led the
squad with five interceptions and ranked second on the team with
75 tackles. A graduate from Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines,
Turnbull had 16 tackles in a game against Elon and two interceptions
versus nationally-ranked Bethune Cookman.
Offensive MVP:
Cory McKinney. The sophomore wide receiver led the team with 42
catches good for 890 yards and seven touchdowns. A transfer from
the University of Connecticut, McKinney caught at least one pass
in every game, including a school-record seven catches against
Jacksonville. He recorded five games of 100+ yards and ranked
among the nation’s top 50 in total receiving yards and receiving
yards per game (80.9).
Academic Excellence
Award: Ed Wenger. The St. Thomas Aquinas High School
graduate is a redshirt freshman but already a senior academically.
He carries a grade point average of nearly 3.9 and has earned
Dean’s List honors every semester.
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