WSU football announces 2014 team awards
The Washington State coaching staff has given out its team awards following the 2014 season. These include:
-- Connor Halliday, Randall Simmons Award (WSU Coaches Award). Halliday was given the award, named after a former Cougar and Los Angeles SWAT team member killed in the line of duty, after the Spokane-native led the country in passing yards per game and throwing for the second-most yards in the Pac-12 (3,873) and fourth-most touchdowns (32) despite playing in just nine games.
-- Joe Dahl, Mike Utley Offensive Lineman of the Year Award. Dahl gave up just one sack in WSU's FBS-leading 771 passing attempts and earned six "Bone" awards, given by the coaching staff to the top offensive lineman after each game. For his efforts the junior left tackle was named All-Pac-12 honorable mention.
-- Xavier Cooper, Leon Bender Defensive Lineman of the Year Award. Cooper started all 12 games, and made 37 tackles, including a team-high 9.5 for a loss. Cooper declared for the NFL draft after the season and, like Halliday, is in Indianapolis this week for the NFL Scouting Combine.
-- Cyrus Coen, Tim Pete Strongest Man Award. The linebacker started 11 games at Sam linebacker and made 62 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. He is also apparently a very strong man.
-- Isiah Myers/Lyman Faoliu, Frank Butler Cougar Spirit Award. Myers ended his career at WSU on a high note, finishing second on the team and fifth in the Pac-12 with 78, receptions, the third most in WSU single-season history. Myers, who came to WSU from Florida, tied for the Pac-12 lead with 12 touchdown receptions.
Faoliu appeared in all 12 games, mostly on special teams, and ends his career in Pullman as a two-year letterwinner.
-- Mitch Peterson, J. Fred Bohler Award. This award is given not by the coaches but by a team vote. It's more or less the "Most Inspirational Player" award and was given two Petersen, a two-time team captain that led the team with 16 tackles against Rutgers.
-- Vince Mayle, Laurie Niemi Award. The Biletnikoff Award semifinalist was presented with the award given to the senior who best shows the courage, spirit and attitude of former WSU assistant Laurie Niemi. Mayle tied for the national lead with 106 receptions, led the Pac-12 with 1,483 yards (both school records) and led the Pac-12 with six 100-yard games. He, too, is at the NFL Scouting Combine.