University of Tennessee Athletics
2002 Football Awards Annouced at Annual Banquet
December 19, 2002 | Football
Dec. 19, 2002
The Tennessee football team held its annual Awards Banquet Thursday at the University Center Ballroom with Vols players being honored in a number of categories.
The Knoxville Quarterback Club sponsored the event and featured guest speaker J.C. Watts, former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback and retiring U.S. Representative from Oklahoma.
The Special Teams Difference Maker Award, given to players who swing momentum of the game with their special teams play, went to punter Dustin Colquitt, defensive back Mark Jones and tailback Derrick Tinsley.
The "Go-To Award," presented to the players who consistently make big plays at critical times, went to quarterback Casey Clausen, tight end Jason Witten and defensive back Julian Battle.
The Billy Ratliff Award is named in honor of the former UT defensive tackle from 1996-99 and given to players who serve as an inspiration to their teammates by their attitudes and actions. This year's winners were defensive end Omari Hand and offensive tackle Will Ofenheusle.
The Take-Away Award, awarded to a player who affects the momentum of the game with a timely interception or turnover, went to defensive back Rashad Baker.
The Coaches Award, presented annually to the players who consistently exemplify an unselfish attitude, put the success of the team above their own, yet continue to perform at a high level, went to tight end Jason Witten and defensive back Julian Battle.
The Al Wilson Leadership Award, given annually to the players who best lead by example on and off the field in honor of the 1998 Vols co- captain and All-America linebacker, went to linebacker Eddie Moore and offensive tackle Will Ofenheusle.
The Lifter of the Year Award, presented annually to the players who show the most dedication and work discipline to improve strength as selected by the strength and conditioning staff, went to defensive end Omari Hand, defensive tackle Demetrin Veal and defensive back/linebacker Steven Marsh.
The Daily Times Trophy, awarded annually to the senior players with the highest scholastic average, went to holder/punter Seth Reagan (3.48) and linebacker Brian Word (3.90). The award, which was originated in 1951 by The Knoxville Journal, has been presented by The Daily Times newspaper of Maryville and Alcoa since 1992.
The Volunteer Award, given annually to the player who enters school as a non-scholarship player and contributes greatly to the team's success during his career, went to linebacker Brian Word.
The Bill Majors Award, presented annually to the players who best exemplify the dedication toward football displayed by Bill Majors, a Tennessee player and coach who died in 1965, went to linebacker Eddie Moore and center Scott Wells.
The Mickey O'Brien Award, given annually in honor of Mickey O'Brien, Tennessee trainer from 1938-72, by the Dr. Joe Parker Family to the senior player who best exemplifies courage and determination in overcoming physical obstacles during his career and makes a valuable contribution to the team, went to linebacker Keyon Whiteside.
The Nationwide Express Quality Award, presented annually by former Vol lineman Charlie Coffey in honor of the most fundamentally sound offensive and defensive players as selected by the coaching staff, went to offensive tackle Michael Munoz and linebacker Eddie Moore.
The Simpson Theatres Award, given annually to the outstanding lineman and back as selected by their teammates, went to defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin as the Outstanding Lineman and to tailback Cedric Houston as the Outstanding Back. Simpson Theatres of Knoxville made the presentation.
The Spirit of the Hill Award, presented annually by the Knoxville Quarterback Club to the Most Valuable senior football player, went to linebacker Eddie Moore.
