Senior inside linebacker Jake Ganus of Chelsea, Ala., senior tackle John Theus of Jacksonville, Fla., senior split end Malcolm Mitchell of Valdosta, senior outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins of Hamilton, senior snapper Nathan Theus of Jacksonville, Fla., and junior inside linebacker Ryne Rankin of Orlando, Fla., took home the top football awards at the University of Georgia annual team Gala Saturday night at the Classic Center in Athens.
Ganus was named recipient of the Vince Dooley Most Valuable Player Award, and John Theus was named the team’s overall permanent captain for 2015. Mitchell was elected the team’s offensive captain, Ganus and Jenkins were chosen as the defensive captains, while Nathan Theus and Rankin were named the special teams captains. Mitchell was also named winner of the David Jacobs Award as the player who, by example, portrayed courage, spirit, character and determination.
Sophomore tailback Sony Michel of Plantation, Fla., claimed Most Valuable Offensive Player honors while Jenkins and Rankin were named Most Valuable Players for defense and special teams, respectively.
The Leon Farmer Awards for dedication to the strength and conditioning program were presented to sophomore safety Dominick Sanders of Tucker and sophomore tailback Nick Chubb of Cedartown. Outstanding Scout Team Awards went to junior inside linebacker Ridge Underwood of Moultrie, senior tight end Jared Chapple of Alpharetta and junior safety Jonah Guinn of Walnut Grove.
Most Improved Player Awards were presented to sophomore guard Isaiah Wynn of St. Petersburg, Fla., senior defensive tackle James DeLoach of Millen, senior nose Chris Mayes of Griffin, junior flanker Reggie Davis of Tallahassee, Fla., and junior snapper Trent Frix of Calhoun.
Newcomer of the Year Award winners were freshman wide receiver Terry Godwin of Hogansville, sophomore outside linebacker Davin Bellamy of Chamblee, freshman defensive back Rashad Roundtree of Evans, freshman inside linebacker Roquan Smith of Montezuma and junior outside linebacker Chuks Amaechi of Avondale, Ariz.