1.20.2010

2010 AWARDS - Better Late Than Never (Part I)

It's been almost two weeks since the last college football game was played, so I think it's safe to say we here at Pike's Picks kept our word about not handing out our individual awards until after all the games have been played. You can click [HERE] for our list of finalists heading into the bowl games.

HERSHEL WALKER AWARD
The Nation's Top Freshman
LaMichael James (RB, Oregon)

Runners Up: Dion Lewis (RB, Pittsburgh), Ryan Williams (RB, Virginia Tech)

This award was dominated by running backs in 2010. Oregon's LaMichael James separated himself from the rest of the pack with a strong second half. He also showed the kind of burst and acceleration that will make him a fixture in college football for the years to come.

THE DEION
The Ballhawk Award
Earl Thomas (S, Texas)

Runners Up: Eric Berry (S, Tennessee), Joe Haden (CB, Florida)

2009 winner Eric Berry came close to going back-to-back, but Earl Thomas, with 8 interceptions and 2 touchdowns, simply made more big plays than Berry did over the course of the season.

GALE SAYERS AWARD
The Nation's Most Elusive Playmaking Skill Player
C.J. Spiller (RB/KR, Clemson)

Runners Up: Jacquizz Rodgers (RB, Oregon State), Jeremy Kerley (WR/KR, TCU)

This was a really tight race. Eventually I ended up voting for the player that scored the most touchdowns with only one shoe.

TOMMIE FRAZIER AWARD
Our Favorite Quarterback
Tony Pike (QB, Cincinnati)

Runners Up: B.J. Daniels (QB, South Florida), Jerrod Johnson (QB, Texas A&M), Jeremiah Masoli (QB, Oregon), Josh Nesbitt (QB, Georgia Tech), Terrelle Pryor (QB, Ohio State)

Come on - did you really think anybody else had a chance? Pike played well enough all season to guide Cincinnati to an undefeated regular season and the program's second consecutive BCS Bowl. In an especially weak year for quarterbacks, this turned out to be a no-brainer.

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