University of Massachusets Athletics
Football Banquet Honors Top Players
May 06, 2005 | Football
May 6, 2005
Amherst, Mass. - The UMass football team held its annual banquet tonight at Curry Hicks Cage, honoring the players from the 2004 football season. The banquet is held the night before the annual spring football scrimmage, which will begin at 12 Noon tomorrow at McGuirk Stadium on the UMass campus. In addition to presenting the awards, Coach Don Brown named Shannon James, Serge Tikum, and Colin Stoetzel as team captains for the 2005 season.
Senior wide receiver Jason Peebler (Modesto, Calif.) and senior offensive lineman Rob Kane (Londonderry, N.H.) shared the offensive player of the year award and junior defensive back Shannon James (Stratford, Conn.) was named the team's defensive player of the year. Peebler, who signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, finished his career second in all-time receiving yards at UMass (2,395) and in touchdown receptions (27). His 123 catches ranks third all-time. He was selected first team All-Atlantic 10. Kane, a four year starter, was also named first team All-Atlantic 10. James, another first team All-Atlantic 10 pick, led the nation in interceptions with eight and ranks first among all active college football players with 16 career interceptions. The eight interceptions this season tied the single season school record.
Other award winners included sophomore punter Christian Koegel (Deerfield Beach, Fla..) and sophomore defensive back Brandon Smith (Bayonne, N.J.) were the special teams players of the year. Senior quarterback Steve Howell (Indianapolis, Ind.) won the coaches award and red-shirt freshman Randy Polillio (Stoughton, Mass) received the academic achievement award.
Senior fullbacks Rich Demers (East Boston, Mass.) and Steve Wysocki (New Britain, Conn.) shared the most improved offensive player award. Demers has signed a free-agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Red-shirt freshman defensive lineman David Burris (Southbridge, Mass.) was the most improved defensive player.
Sophomore defensive lineman John Hatchell (Mullica Hill, N.J.) was the outstanding defensive scout team player and sophomore running back Justin Montgomery (Davie, Fla.) was the outstanding offensive scout team player.
