Wooden Selected As Michael Boland Inspirational Award Recipient

AMHERST, Mass. - University of Massachusetts football announced redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Billy Wooden as the team's annual Michael Boland Inspirational Award recipient on Monday. The award is presented to UMass football student-athletes who reflect Boland's characteristics, including his hard-working attitude, determination, integrity and commitment to UMass football.

Boland was a four-year letterman for the University of Massachusetts (2013, '15-17) and a consistent presence on the offensive line. He appeared in 43 career games and made 36 starts, with 32 of those as the team's right guard. He passed away suddenly at home in Maryland on Feb. 4, 2017 while preparing for the NFL Draft.

Wooden played in each of the team's four games during 2020 and earned seven tackles, including 2.0 TFLs, and a quarterback hurry. He totaled 18 yards lost across his 2.0 TFLs, including a 15-yard sack. It followed up 10 appearances and five starts as a true-freshman in 2019 when he earned 19 tackles with 1.0 sacks, a forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Wooden receives the 2020 Michael Boland Inspirational Award in recognition of his work ethic, attitude and loyalty to and support of his teammates. The team will announce a 2021 recipient of the annual award at a later date.

Prior recipients include Adam Breneman and Steve Casali in 2017, Andy Isabella and Joe Previte in 2018 and Bryton Barr and Ross Comis in 2019.

Michael Boland Inspirational Award Recipients

2017: Adam Breneman, Steve Casali
2018: Andy Isabella, Joe Previte
2019: Bryton Barr, Ross Comis
2020: Billy Wooden

Scoreboard

Wooden Selected As Michael Boland Inspirational Award Recipient

Players Mentioned

Bryton Barr

Adam Breneman

Steve Casali

Ross Comis

Andy Isabella

Joe Previte

Billy Wooden

Scoreboard

University of Massachusets Athletics