North Carolina State University Athletics
Rivers Named Wolfpack's Most Valuable Player
2/17/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Rivers set or tied 10 league or school records last season in leading the Pack to an 8-4 record, including a 38-30 bowl win over Minnesota, in which he was also named the MVP. Rivers, who was named the ACC's Rookie of the Year, threw for an ACC freshman record of 3,054 yards and a school record 25 touchdowns. Rivers also set school marks for pass completions (237) and passing attempts (441) in a season.However, he will be most remembered for leading the Pack to six come-from-behind wins.
Riversalso received another piece of hardware on Saturday, as he was named the Freshman of the Year by the Columbus Touchdown Club.
Also receiving top honors was junior linebacker Levar Fisher, who earned the Cary Brewbaker Award as the team's Most Valuable Defensive lineman. Fisher became the first NC State football player to be named the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year, as he led the entire nation in tackles with an average of 15.1 stops per game. The first-team all-aleague performer had five games of 15 or more tackles.
Junior Adrian Wilson was named the team's Most Valuable Defensive Back after recording 109 tackles from his strong safety position, while senior offensive tackle Jarvis Borum earned the Jim Richter Award for the top offensive lineman. Rounding out the top awards was junior tailback Ray Robinson, who was named the team's Most Valuable Offensive Back, after rushing for 788 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
A pair of freshmen were named the Most Valuable Specialists as wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery and punter/placekicker Austin Herbert walked away with honors. Cotchery was tied for second on the team with 10 special teams tackles, while Herbert averaged 37.7 yards per punt and recorded 14 touchbacks on kickoffs.
Seniors Derek Roberts and Eric Leak received the Mike Hardy Award for demonstrating a winning attitude and playing above their capabilities. The Bo Rein Award for contributing in an unsung role went to freshman long snapper Danny Young and kicker Kent Passingham.
Senior linebacker Clayton White earned the Bob Warren Award for integrity and sportsmanship, and senior Brian Williams and sophomore Dantonio Burnette were given the Al Michaels Award for putting the team first above themselves. Sophomore Derek Green received the Earle Edwards Award for the highest grade point average, while senior Alex Rice received the Ken McNeil Iron Wolf Award for the greatest comeback after an injury.
Sophomore wide receiver Koren Robinson rounded out the awards by receiving the Gary Rowe Award for most receptions in a season.
