Sooners Honor Their Own At First Ever Award Ceremony

Jan. 16, 2000

NORMAN, Okla. -- University of Oklahoma football coaches took time out of their busy recruiting schedule to honor several players at the first ever football awards ceremony. The special event was held inside the Catlett Music Center on the Norman campus on Saturday night.

"We wanted to celebrate our season with the rest of the Oklahoma football family," said OU head coach Bob Stoops. "Our players worked very hard this season and several of them earned special honors. This was a way for us to recognize what they've already achieved, as well as have the team and coaching staff vote on some awards that in time, will be very special to our organization."

Before an estimated 400 people, 10 awards were presented, while coaches also recognized Sooners who achieved All-America, all-conference or academic all-conference honors.

Awards Presented:

Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year: Brandon Pryor, Brandon Everage

Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year: Nate Hybl, Jarvis Smith, Jarrod Barclay

Scholar Athlete Award: Ryan Allen

Special Teams Most Valuable Player: Brandon Daniels and Seth Littrell

Freshman/Newcomer of the Year: Antwone Savage and Quenton Griffin

Lineman of the Year: Stockar McDougle and Matt O'Neal

Derrick Shepard Most Inspirational Walk-on Player of the Year: Corey Heinecke and Roger Steffen

Don Key Award: Rodney Rideau

Most Valuable Defensive Player of the Year: Rocky Calmus

Most Valuable Offensive Player of the Year: Josh Heupel