Eastern Michigan Athletics
Football Announces 2017 Award Winners
12/10/2017 5:12:00 PM | Football
The student-athletes were honored at the 55th annual football banquet
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University football team was honored Sunday, Dec. 10, at the 55th annual football banquet held at the EMU Convocation Center. The recipients of the 2017 individual awards were announced by members of the EMU football coaching staff.
Following his breakout season in which he tied the single-season record for sacks, sophomore defensive lineman Maxx Crosby (Colleyville, Texas, Colleyville Heritage) was named the team's Most Valuable Player, as well as the John E. Borowiec Most Valuable Defensive Player. He also took home the Harold E. Sponberg Down Lineman Award.
For the second straight season, senior quarterback Brogan Roback (Maumee, Ohio-Toledo St. John's Jesuit) took home the James M. "Bingo" Brown Award as the team's Most Valuable Offensive Player. In 2017, the veteran ranked 27th nationally in passing yardage (2,890), 34th in passing touchdowns (19), and 36th in passing yards per game (240.8). Due to an injury suffered on Senior Day, he finished the year just 110 yards shy of joining Charlie Batch as the only quarterbacks in program history to pass for more than 3,000 yards in a season. For his career, the Maumee, Ohio native owns program records with 57 touchdown passes and 8,876 yards of total offense. He also ranks second all-time with 745 completions and 8,653 yards passing.
The Special Teams Most Valuable Player went to senior wide receiver Jaron Johnson (Moreno Valley, Calif.-Rancho Verde (Mt. San Jacinto College)) for his work on kick returns. Fellow senior, defensive lineman Luke Maclean (Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc (Pittsburgh)) was awarded as the Elton J. Rynearson Scholar-Athlete as he currently holds a 3.82 grade point average as a criminology and criminal justice major.
The newcomers of the year went to a pair of players for their work in the trenches. Freshman offensive lineman Jake Donnellon (Ann Arbor, Mich.-Gabriel Richard) took home E-Gridiron Group's Offensive Newcomer of the Year, while junior defensive lineman Tyler LaBarbera (Elk Grove Village, Ill.-James B. Conant (DuPage)) was tabbed as the E-Gridiron Group's Defensive Newcomer of the Year.
On scout team, a trio of freshmen were recognized for their efforts in preparing the team week in and week out. Quarterback Preston Hutchinson (Mason, Ohio-Mason), and defensive backs Joey Hiser (Dexter, Mich.-Dexter), and Carthell Flowers (Syracuse, N.Y.-Nottingham) were named Offensive, Defensive, and Special teams Scout Team Players of the Year, respectively.
Taking home the Hammer awards on offense, defense, and special teams were junior offensive lineman Jimmy Leatiota (San Jose, Calif.-Wilcox (College of San Mateo)), sophomore defensive back Vince Calhoun (Middletown, Ohio-Middletown), and freshman fullback Tyler Lyle (Kalamazoo, Mich.-Kalamazoo Central). Meanwhile, junior linebacker Kyle Rachwal (Lapeer, Mich.-Lapeer East) and sophomore wide receiver Mathew Sexton (Clinton, Mich.-Clinton) shared the Helmet Stickers Award.
Rounding out the accolades handed out by Head Coach Chris Creighton and staff were the awards based upon leadership and work both on and off the field. Taking home the Theme Award for most representing the 2017 team motto "4 Real" was senior wide receiver Sergio Bailey II (San Diego, Calif.-Olympian (Grossmont College)). Fellow senior, offensive lineman Dan Samuelson (Plymouth, Ind.-Plymouth (Michigan)) was awarded with the Team Player Award. Finally junior defensive lineman Jeremiah Harris (Lambertville, Mich.-Bedford Senior) was bestowed with both the Committed to Excellence, as well as the Torchbearer Leader Award.
The 2017 season marked the end of the careers of 19 exceptional student-athletes; Jason Beck (Indianapolis, Ind.-Arsenal Technical), Ikie Calderon (Neptune, N.J.-Neptune (College of the Desert)), Ike Spearman (Saint John, Ind.-Lake Central), Antoine Porter (San Francisco, Calif.-Mission (City College of SF)), Anthony Brown (Iowa City, Iowa-West (Iowa Western C.C.)), Juan Giraldo (Gilbert, Ariz.-Mesquite (Mesa C.C.)), Alec Hullibarger (Temperance, Mich.-Bedford Senior), Derric Williams (Lake Orion, Mich.-Lake Orion), Lavonte Robinson (Cleveland, Ohio-St. Edward), Dan Buschman (Brighton, Mich.-Brighton), Johnnie Niupalau (San Mateo, Calif.-San Mateo (College of San Mateo)), Derrick Dunlap (Indianapolis, Ind.-Lawrence Central), Oddie Granger III (East Saint Louis, Ill.-East Saint Louis (Dodge City C.C.)), and Dion Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio-Western Hills (Dodge City C.C.)), as well as the aforementioned Bailey II, Roback, Johnson, Maclean, and Samuelson.
One of the best football teams in recent Eastern Michigan history and arguably one of the best in the Mid-American Conference, the Eagles experienced plenty of moments of celebration as well as heartbreak in 2017. Despite finishing with a 5-7 record, the 12 wins over the last two seasons is EMU's best two-year stretch since winning 13 games from 1988-89.
The margin for error was razor thin for the Eagles this year as nine of EMU's 12 games were decided by seven points or less, including six of EMU's seven losses coming down to one possession, and a school-record three in overtime. All told, EMU's seven losses were by a combined 35 points.
After setting program records on the offensive side of the ball last season, it was the defense's time to shine in 2017, as they had one of the most successful defensive campaigns in program history. The 23.3 points allowed per game was the 12th best mark in school history in the modern era (since 1976), and the best since 1993. Furthermore, the 364.4 yards of total offense allowed was the second-best mark since 1998 and best since 2011.
On the national scale, the Eagles ranked in the top-50 nationally in 10 major defensive categories, including second in fourth down defense, 17th in defensive touchdowns, 36th in team sacks, 42nd in points per game allowed, and 43rd in total defense.
Furthermore, Defensive Coordinator Neal Neathery's crew proved to be very stingy in the fourth quarter, allowing just 3.8 points per game over the course of the final 15 minutes. Even better at home, the Eagles did not give up a fourth quarter point inside "The Factory". Nationally, EMU ranked fourth in the fewest points given up in the fourth. The defense also posted three returns for touchdowns, the most by an EMU squad since 1994.
Eastern Michigan opens the 2018 season Friday, Aug. 31, against Monmouth University inside "The Factory" at Rynearson Stadium. Other non-conference match ups include trips to Purdue University, Sept. 8, San Diego State University, Sept. 22, and a home game against Army West Point, Oct. 27.
Eastern Michigan University 2017 Football Awards
Team MVP
Maxx Crosby
James M. "Bingo" Brown Most Valuable Offensive Player Award
Brogan Roback
John E. Borowiec Most Valuable Defensive Player Award
Maxx Crosby
Special Teams MVP Award
Jaron Johnson
Elton J. Rynearson Scholar-Athlete Award
Luke Maclean
Harold E. Sponberg Lineman Award
Maxx Crosby
E-Gridiron Group Offensive Newcomer of the Year
Jake Donnellon
E-Gridiron Group Defensive Newcomers of the Year
Tyler LaBarbera
Scout Team Player of the Year
OFFENSE: Preston Hutchison
DEFENSE: Joey Hiser
SPECIAL TEAMS: Carthell Flowers
Helmet Stickers Winner
Kyle Rachwal
Mathew Sexton
Hammer Award
OFFENSE: Jimmy Leatiota
DEFENSE: Vince Calhoun
SPECIAL TEAMS: Tyler Lyle
Theme Award - "4 Real"
Sergio Bailey II
Committed to Excellence Award
Jeremiah Harris
Team Award "Game Ball"
Dan Samuelson
Torch Bearer Leader Award
Jeremiah Harris
Following his breakout season in which he tied the single-season record for sacks, sophomore defensive lineman Maxx Crosby (Colleyville, Texas, Colleyville Heritage) was named the team's Most Valuable Player, as well as the John E. Borowiec Most Valuable Defensive Player. He also took home the Harold E. Sponberg Down Lineman Award.
For the second straight season, senior quarterback Brogan Roback (Maumee, Ohio-Toledo St. John's Jesuit) took home the James M. "Bingo" Brown Award as the team's Most Valuable Offensive Player. In 2017, the veteran ranked 27th nationally in passing yardage (2,890), 34th in passing touchdowns (19), and 36th in passing yards per game (240.8). Due to an injury suffered on Senior Day, he finished the year just 110 yards shy of joining Charlie Batch as the only quarterbacks in program history to pass for more than 3,000 yards in a season. For his career, the Maumee, Ohio native owns program records with 57 touchdown passes and 8,876 yards of total offense. He also ranks second all-time with 745 completions and 8,653 yards passing.
The Special Teams Most Valuable Player went to senior wide receiver Jaron Johnson (Moreno Valley, Calif.-Rancho Verde (Mt. San Jacinto College)) for his work on kick returns. Fellow senior, defensive lineman Luke Maclean (Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc (Pittsburgh)) was awarded as the Elton J. Rynearson Scholar-Athlete as he currently holds a 3.82 grade point average as a criminology and criminal justice major.
The newcomers of the year went to a pair of players for their work in the trenches. Freshman offensive lineman Jake Donnellon (Ann Arbor, Mich.-Gabriel Richard) took home E-Gridiron Group's Offensive Newcomer of the Year, while junior defensive lineman Tyler LaBarbera (Elk Grove Village, Ill.-James B. Conant (DuPage)) was tabbed as the E-Gridiron Group's Defensive Newcomer of the Year.
On scout team, a trio of freshmen were recognized for their efforts in preparing the team week in and week out. Quarterback Preston Hutchinson (Mason, Ohio-Mason), and defensive backs Joey Hiser (Dexter, Mich.-Dexter), and Carthell Flowers (Syracuse, N.Y.-Nottingham) were named Offensive, Defensive, and Special teams Scout Team Players of the Year, respectively.
Taking home the Hammer awards on offense, defense, and special teams were junior offensive lineman Jimmy Leatiota (San Jose, Calif.-Wilcox (College of San Mateo)), sophomore defensive back Vince Calhoun (Middletown, Ohio-Middletown), and freshman fullback Tyler Lyle (Kalamazoo, Mich.-Kalamazoo Central). Meanwhile, junior linebacker Kyle Rachwal (Lapeer, Mich.-Lapeer East) and sophomore wide receiver Mathew Sexton (Clinton, Mich.-Clinton) shared the Helmet Stickers Award.
Rounding out the accolades handed out by Head Coach Chris Creighton and staff were the awards based upon leadership and work both on and off the field. Taking home the Theme Award for most representing the 2017 team motto "4 Real" was senior wide receiver Sergio Bailey II (San Diego, Calif.-Olympian (Grossmont College)). Fellow senior, offensive lineman Dan Samuelson (Plymouth, Ind.-Plymouth (Michigan)) was awarded with the Team Player Award. Finally junior defensive lineman Jeremiah Harris (Lambertville, Mich.-Bedford Senior) was bestowed with both the Committed to Excellence, as well as the Torchbearer Leader Award.
The 2017 season marked the end of the careers of 19 exceptional student-athletes; Jason Beck (Indianapolis, Ind.-Arsenal Technical), Ikie Calderon (Neptune, N.J.-Neptune (College of the Desert)), Ike Spearman (Saint John, Ind.-Lake Central), Antoine Porter (San Francisco, Calif.-Mission (City College of SF)), Anthony Brown (Iowa City, Iowa-West (Iowa Western C.C.)), Juan Giraldo (Gilbert, Ariz.-Mesquite (Mesa C.C.)), Alec Hullibarger (Temperance, Mich.-Bedford Senior), Derric Williams (Lake Orion, Mich.-Lake Orion), Lavonte Robinson (Cleveland, Ohio-St. Edward), Dan Buschman (Brighton, Mich.-Brighton), Johnnie Niupalau (San Mateo, Calif.-San Mateo (College of San Mateo)), Derrick Dunlap (Indianapolis, Ind.-Lawrence Central), Oddie Granger III (East Saint Louis, Ill.-East Saint Louis (Dodge City C.C.)), and Dion Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio-Western Hills (Dodge City C.C.)), as well as the aforementioned Bailey II, Roback, Johnson, Maclean, and Samuelson.
One of the best football teams in recent Eastern Michigan history and arguably one of the best in the Mid-American Conference, the Eagles experienced plenty of moments of celebration as well as heartbreak in 2017. Despite finishing with a 5-7 record, the 12 wins over the last two seasons is EMU's best two-year stretch since winning 13 games from 1988-89.
The margin for error was razor thin for the Eagles this year as nine of EMU's 12 games were decided by seven points or less, including six of EMU's seven losses coming down to one possession, and a school-record three in overtime. All told, EMU's seven losses were by a combined 35 points.
After setting program records on the offensive side of the ball last season, it was the defense's time to shine in 2017, as they had one of the most successful defensive campaigns in program history. The 23.3 points allowed per game was the 12th best mark in school history in the modern era (since 1976), and the best since 1993. Furthermore, the 364.4 yards of total offense allowed was the second-best mark since 1998 and best since 2011.
On the national scale, the Eagles ranked in the top-50 nationally in 10 major defensive categories, including second in fourth down defense, 17th in defensive touchdowns, 36th in team sacks, 42nd in points per game allowed, and 43rd in total defense.
Furthermore, Defensive Coordinator Neal Neathery's crew proved to be very stingy in the fourth quarter, allowing just 3.8 points per game over the course of the final 15 minutes. Even better at home, the Eagles did not give up a fourth quarter point inside "The Factory". Nationally, EMU ranked fourth in the fewest points given up in the fourth. The defense also posted three returns for touchdowns, the most by an EMU squad since 1994.
Eastern Michigan opens the 2018 season Friday, Aug. 31, against Monmouth University inside "The Factory" at Rynearson Stadium. Other non-conference match ups include trips to Purdue University, Sept. 8, San Diego State University, Sept. 22, and a home game against Army West Point, Oct. 27.
Eastern Michigan University 2017 Football Awards
Team MVP
Maxx Crosby
James M. "Bingo" Brown Most Valuable Offensive Player Award
Brogan Roback
John E. Borowiec Most Valuable Defensive Player Award
Maxx Crosby
Special Teams MVP Award
Jaron Johnson
Elton J. Rynearson Scholar-Athlete Award
Luke Maclean
Harold E. Sponberg Lineman Award
Maxx Crosby
E-Gridiron Group Offensive Newcomer of the Year
Jake Donnellon
E-Gridiron Group Defensive Newcomers of the Year
Tyler LaBarbera
Scout Team Player of the Year
OFFENSE: Preston Hutchison
DEFENSE: Joey Hiser
SPECIAL TEAMS: Carthell Flowers
Helmet Stickers Winner
Kyle Rachwal
Mathew Sexton
Hammer Award
OFFENSE: Jimmy Leatiota
DEFENSE: Vince Calhoun
SPECIAL TEAMS: Tyler Lyle
Theme Award - "4 Real"
Sergio Bailey II
Committed to Excellence Award
Jeremiah Harris
Team Award "Game Ball"
Dan Samuelson
Torch Bearer Leader Award
Jeremiah Harris
Players Mentioned
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