Football honors 2013 season at annual Awards Banquet
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University football team honored the accomplishments of its 2013 team with its annual awards banquet on Saturday night in the Multipurpose Athletic Center.
With several Bryant University VIPs, including President Ron Machtley, in attendance, the Bulldogs honored 19 student-athletes with 11 awards. Senior Jordan Harris (Lincoln University, Pa.) and junior Jeff Covitz (Reading, Mass.) took home the major awards on the evening.
BLACK & GOLD (BULLDOG) AWARD – Jordan Harris
The greatest receiver in Bryant and Northeast Conference history, Harris put the finishing touches on a historic career in 2013. He recorded his second-straight 1,000-yard season, catching 64 passes for 1,031 yards and five touchdowns. Harris leaves Bryant as the NECs all-time leading receiver with 3,735 yards and holds school records for receptions (193) and touchdown receptions (31).
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Jordan Harris
Harris swept the Black & Gold and Offensive Player of the Year awards this year. In addition to setting a program record with 64 catches this year, Harris finished with three 100-yard receiving games this season, including a 10-catch, 163-yard, three-touchdown performance against eventual NEC champion Sacred Heart. The three touchdown receptions tied a program record.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Jeff Covitz
Covitz took home his second-straight Defensive Player of the Year honor after putting together one of the best seasons in program history. He finished with 55 tackles, 20.5 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks as Bryant's starting defensive end in all 12 games. He broke program records for tackles for a loss in a single-season and tackles for a loss in a career (43.0). Covitz earned First Team All-NEC and All-New England honors for the second-straight season.
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR – Charles Argast and Douglas Flink
Two senior stalwarts on the offensive line, Argast and Flink took home the Offensive Lineman of the Year honors. The two veterans helped Bryant's running backs post six 100-yard rushing games this season and helped the offense average over 330 yards of offense per game. Both earned Second Team All-NEC honors.
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR – Connor McNamara
A three-year starter on the defensive line, McNamara put together his finest season on his way to Defensive Lineman of the Year honors. He led the team with 73 tackles and added 14 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. McNamara finishes his career fifth all-time in tackles for a loss and seventh all-time in sacks.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Ryan Ferguson
Ferguson was a key member of Bryant's outstanding special teams unit in 2013. The sophomore was part of a unit that finished second in the country with eight blocked kicks and 20th nationally in kick return defense. He chipped in a team-leading 14 special teams tackles and was the leader of the unit.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Sebastian Amedee
Bryant's starting safety for all 12 games this past season, Amedee put together his best year in the Black and Gold. He finished with a career-high 48 tackles and also intercepted two passes, earning NEC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
SCOUT TEAM PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Andrew Barton and Gore Simervil
Arguably the most important members of the team during a game week, Barton and Simervil were outstanding on the scout team this season. Although they received little recognition on Saturday's, these two players were instrumental in helping the Bulldogs prepare for their opponent.
CHARACTER AWARD – Andrew Barrett and Ryan Schermerhorn
These two seniors embodied everything it means to be a Bulldog on and off the field over the last four years. Playing in his fifth season, Barrett was a key member of the offensive line and also saw time at tight end as the season wore on.
Schermerhorn started all 12 games on the defensive line, finishing with 38 tackles, five tackles for a loss and three fumble recoveries.
ACADEMIC AWARDS – Ian Bonner, Antione Hudson, Kyle Jennings, Marko Piedmont, Justin Robinson-Howe and Joe Usher
Awarded to those players that excel in the classroom and on the football field, the academic awards were given to six players. All six players were not only key members on the field but were outstanding students in the classroom.
CAPTAINS AWARDS – Charles Argast, Jordan Harris, Mike Westerhaus, Connor McNamara, Jeff Covitz
Bryant's chosen leaders on and off the field, the five captains were honored for their outstanding leadership during the 2013 season. This year's captains included four seniors and one junior.
The Bulldogs finished the 2013 season with a 5-7 record overall and a 3-3 mark in NEC play. It is the fifth-straight season they have finished .500 or better in league play.