Courtesy: NMU
The Northern Michigan University Football team closed out the 2010 season on Saturday night with its annual awards banquet. Eddie Knoblock turned out to be the big winner as he walked away with three awards on the evening.
Knoblock took home the Team Most Valuable Player and Most Valuable Linebacker Awards. The 2010 All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) first-team selection led the Wildcats this past season in total tackles with 83 (44 solo and 39 assisted). He also recorded seven tackles-for-loss (-9 yards) and five interceptions (157 yards) for which he returned two for touchdowns.
Knoblock was also named the winner of the Most Improved Award. In 2009 his role was primarily backing up former MVP Nathan Yelk last season. Knoblock saw time along the special teams’ unit of the season.
Other defensive awards went to Zach Anderson for Most Valuable Defensive Lineman and D.J. Oke Most Valuable Defensive Back (second consecutive year). Anderson had 60 total tackles (26 solo and 34 assisted) for the 2010 season. He also had 12.5 tackles-for-loss (-43 yards) and five and half sacks (-30 yards). Oke registered 55 total tackles (40 solo and 15 assisted) and two interceptions for the 2010 season. Oke also landed on a spot on the first-team All-GLIAC, while Anderson fond a spot on the second team.
On the other side of the ball on offensive the awards went to Jason DuMont Most Valuable Offensive Lineman, Dustin Brancheau Most Valuable Wide Receiver and John Privitelli Most Valuable Running Back. DuMont anchored a young offensive line which allowed the ‘Cats to produce over 3,000 yards of total offense for the 2010 season. Brancheau led the wide receivers with 38 catches for 507 yards and five touchdowns. Privitelli rushed for a team-high 762 yards on 170 carries with five touchdowns. Privitelli also connected through the air with one touchdown pass on the season to Brancheau. All players that received the offense awards were also on the GLIAC Honorable Mention team.
Garrett Peck picked up the Outstanding Special Teams Player Award. He averaged 39.8 yards a punt during the 2010 season. Christian Marble-King was named the Most Outstanding Freshman as he was second on the team this past season in receiving with 27 catches for 299 yards and one touchdown.
The Most Outstanding Scout Team Awards went to running back Casey Cotta on offense and linebacker Nick DiTomaso on defense. Carter Kopach went home with the Most Inspirational Player Award for the season. The junior signal caller had his season cut short due to injury, but was able to guide the new spread offense in style. Kopach earned two GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performances against Findlay and Northwood. Kopach completed 75 pass for 1,079 yards and eight touchdowns. On the ground he scrambled 81 times for 454 yards and six touchdowns.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC