FreeKarl

December 4th, 2012 at 12:12 AM ^

I know he plays with a lot of heart and intelligence and is a great tackler, but isn't this kind of a stretch to say he was the most valuable player over guys like Jake Ryan and Denard (who was our offense the first few games and broke off big runs when he was injured)?

Magnus

December 4th, 2012 at 8:17 AM ^

Denard missed about 1/3 of the season - 3 full games and the second halves of Nebraska and Ohio State.

You could make a case for Jake Ryan, but there's probably some level of seniority going into these awards.  Given the choice of two equally viable candidates, kids are probably going to go with the older guy, the one who's been a four-year starter and a presence on the field ever since most of these kids joined the team.

Lost in Champaign

December 4th, 2012 at 12:37 AM ^

This kid has been invaluable over the last few years. So glad that he comes away with this recognition. 

One thing that I think has been understated so far is how much senior leadership the team is losing after this year. Kovacs, Denard, and Lewan (assuming he is gone) all fit very naturally into that role. As an outside observer, I don't see many of the current juniors/sophomores filling that void.  Jake Ryan might be an obvious choice, but this team is going to need others to step up like Big Will did this year.  

justingoblue

December 4th, 2012 at 12:53 AM ^

but for anyone who didn't see it, Kovacs should be looking for some type of comedy award for his efforts tonight.

@AceAnbender Jordan Kovacs thanks Rich Rodriguez for letting a slow, unathletic, and undersized kid play for Michigan… Drew Dileo.

M-Wolverine

December 4th, 2012 at 11:49 AM ^

 

I'd first like to thank (Rich) Rodriguez for allowing a slow, unathletic and undersized kid a chance to play football at the University of Michigan. That was really nice of him to allow Drew Dileo to play football here.

 

And the line I thought was at least as good-

 

I'd like to thank you guys and the rest of the fans as I developed from a young, slow, physically insufficient football player to an old, slow, physically insufficient football player.

Lots of more good stuff here-

http://annarbor.com/mi/wolverines/2012/12/michigan_bust_speeches_jordan…

Some serious and hartwarming. Kovacs says Michigan has the best coaching staff, in America, lots of Denard's content, and quotes from other players (including Roundtree who starts off that speech thanking "Coach Rod" for having an opportunity to come to the best university in the whole country).

Isn't there usually someone from MGoBlog covering it? We haven't even gotten Hoke's presser from yesterday yet, have we?  I'd make these threads but I keep thinking it'll be redundant soon.

justingoblue

December 4th, 2012 at 12:01 PM ^

Like I said in the deleted thread, I assumed it was funnier than out of context 140 characters allowed it to be on Twitter, and that definitely was.

As far as coverage went, Heiko was there, and it looks like Ace was as well, but I'm not 100% on that.

Maizenblueball

December 4th, 2012 at 3:42 AM ^

I love Denard, but Kovacs deserved this award this year.  He did a lot in the secondary aside from just covering and tackling, he made sure our guys were lined up in the correct defense and he was always calling out and communicating to the other DB's.  I worry more about losing that aspect of his game.  I'm happy for Kovacs.  He really exemplified what a Michigan leader should be.

Shakey Jake

December 4th, 2012 at 6:09 AM ^

I hope he ends up with his own TV show where he is a modern day detective who loves loli pops and gets his detective fame for breaking up an illegal poop in cooler gang in Columbus.

Wolverine Devotee

December 4th, 2012 at 8:31 AM ^

 

Bo Schembechler Award (Team MVP): Jordan Kovacs
Dr. Arthur D. Robinson Scholarship Award (Leading Senior Scholar): Patrick Omameh
Hugh R. Rader Memorial Award (Top OL on team): Taylor Lewan
Roger Zatkoff Award (Top LB on team): Jake Ryan
Robert P. Ufer Bequest (Passionate Michigan Man): Jordan Kovacs
Richard Katcher Award (Top DL) on team: Craig Roh
Captains Award (New Award?): Jordan Kovacs and Denard Robinson

YoOoBoMoLloRoHo

December 4th, 2012 at 8:36 AM ^

Award probably reflects as much the defensive unit morale as his individual role. That group showed lots of energy and resilience, just like Kovacs, and they know he is the group leader.

MGoStrength

December 4th, 2012 at 11:00 AM ^

I just really like it when a good person and a hard worker gets recognized.  Nothing against talented people, but I will always root for a guy that maximizes his talent with hard work and has do more to make an impact.  And, especially when it's a good person too.  I am really happy for the guy and think he's a great example of what a college student athlete should be.

jmblue

December 4th, 2012 at 11:16 AM ^

I like it.  Defensive players don't win this all that often, but this year there was no question that the D carried the team most of the way. 

LSAClassOf2000

December 4th, 2012 at 12:29 PM ^

I think this is an excellent choice and congratulations to Jordan for winning this award. To go from a walk-on who had to try out multiple times just to get on the team, as I recall, to a clear leader in the locker room and on the defense is no small feat and such tenacity and leadership should be recognized. According to a few sources, he is only the third safety in Michigan history to get this award. Tripp Welborne and Randy Logan are the other two. Indeed, relatively rare recognition for the defense.