Bulls Football Hands Out Awards

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BUFFALO, NY – After a record-breaking season in which he broke four school single-season records, sophomore tailback Branden Oliver left the annual University at Buffalo Football Awards banquet Sunday at the Millenium Hotel with an armful of hardware.

Oliver, the Miami, FL native, was named the team's Most Valuable Player, earned the Offensive MVP award and the UBelieve offensive backfield award to headline the honorees, who were voted on by their peers.

Oliver, an All-MAC first-team selection, set new school records in rushing attempts (306), rushing yards (1,395), 100-yard rushing games (8) and all-purpose yards (1,760). Oliver also received the first "Athlete of the Year" award given out by the UB Sports Performance Department.

That department also gave out the initial "Lifter of the Year" trophy that was claimed by senior nose tackle Richie Smith, who also earned several honors. Smith was chosen as the UBelieve top player on the defensive line and with fellow seniors Chazz Anderson, John Syty and Fred Branch earned the team's Captains Award and were tabbed as permanent captains of the 2011 team.

Another multiple winner was sophomore linebacker Khalil Mack, another first-team All-MAC selection. Mack was chosen as the team's top linebacker as well as the Defensive MVP.

The team's Special Teams MVP was sophomore Brandon Murie, while the Community Service Award went to senior Josh Copeland. The Compete Team awards – given to those players who helped prepare the starters on the scout teams – were given to Trevor Sales (offense), Jake Stockman (defense) and Dan Gold (special teams).

Here is a list of all winners:

UBelieve Awards – Top Performers at Each Position

Offensive backfield: Branden Oliver, sophomore

Wide receivers: Alex Neutz, sophomore

Offensive line: Graham Whinery, junior

Tight ends: Aaron Connacher, senior

Defensive line: Richie Smith, senior

Linebackers: Khalil Mack, sophomore

Defensive backs: Najja Johnson, sophomore

Special Teams: Jacob Schum, senior

Compete team offense: Trevor Sales, sophomore

Compete team defense: Jake Stockman, redshirt freshman

Compete team special teams: Dan Gold, sophomore

Manager of the Year: Ed Harof

Trainer of the Year: Mike Wild

Community Service Award: Josh Copeland, senior

Lifter of the Year: Richie Smith, senior

Athlete of the Year: Branden Oliver, sophomore

Captains Awards: Richie Smith, Chazz Anderson, John Syty, Fred Branch

Offensive MVP: Branden Oliver, sophomore

Defensive MVP: Khalil Mack, sophomore

Special Teams MVP: Brandon Murie, sophomore

Team MVP: Branden Oliver, sophomore