The Wisconsin Badgers held their annual football banquet on Friday night at Union South in Madison.
Rather than just one player receiving the Jimmy Demetral Team MVP award, all 13 seniors currently on the team shared the honor.
That list includes linebackers Jack Cichy, Garret Dooley, and Leon Jacobs; safeties Joe Ferguson and Natrell Jamerson; cornerbacks Lubern Figaro and Derrick Tindal; tight end Troy Fumagalli; running back Rachid Ibrahim; defensive linemen Alec James, Chikwe Obasih, and Conor Sheehy; and fullback Austin Ramesh.
The seniors currently hold the school record for wins by a class (44).
The offensive and defensive players of the year went to running back Jonathan Taylor and inside linebacker T.J. Edwards, while kicker Rafael Gaglianone received the special teams player of the year honor. All three awards are picked by the coaching staff.
In an award that should come as no surprise to anyone, Jacobs and Jamerson landed the Badger Power Award,“presented annually to the player that consistently performs at a high level in all aspects of the strength and conditioning program.”
Obasih claimed the Ivan Williamson Scholastic Award, given to “a player who has been exemplary in the areas of scholarship and sportsmanship.”
One player from each phase of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—received most improved player of the year honors: offensive tackle David Edwards, inside linebacker Ryan Connelly, and kicker/touchback specialist Zach Hintze.
As a sign of things to come for the future, scout team player of the year for offense went to true freshman tight end Jake Ferguson. Inside linebacker Griffin Grady and safety Scott Nelson earned scout team player of the year on defense.
Here are a few other awards handed out on Friday:
Wayne Souza Coaches Appreciation: Offensive linemen Beau Benzschawel and Michael Deiter
“Presented annually to the offensive player who has contributed to the team's success to the best of his abilities. It is based upon improvement, attitude and willingness to help the program in all areas.”
Jay Seiler Coaches Appreciation: Defensive backs D’Cota Dixon and Nick Nelson
“Presented annually to the defensive player who has contributed to the team's success to the best of his abilities. It is based upon improvement, attitude and willingness to help the program in all areas.”
Tom Wiesner Award: Safety Joe Ferguson
“Presented annually to a Wisconsin-born student-athlete whose loyalty, hard work, spirit and dedication are unselfishly directed to the success of the team. The award is given in memory of Wiesner, a Wisconsin football letterwinner (1958-60).”