Gopher Football
In a rather curious selection by the coaches, Ukee Dozier was only given honorable mention. This despite his being among the league leders in interceptions and pass breakups. The media was more appreceative to Ukee, giving him a well earned first team selection.
In other selections, Darrell Reid was voted to the second team by the media, and freshman wide receiver sensation Ernie Wheelwright was given honorable mention by the media. Matt Spaeth was voted honorable mention by both the coaches and the media, and after getting first team honors last year, Marion Barber slipped to honorable mention after seeing Maroney emerge. Here is the complete list of where the Gopher players ended up:
Coaches All-Confernece Team:
1st Team
RB – Laurence Maroney (So)
C – Greg Eslinger (Jr)
OT – Rian Melander (Sr)
2nd Team
OG – Mark Setterstrom (Jr)
Honorable Mention
RB – Marion Barber (Jr)
TE – Matt Spaeth (So)
DL – Darrell Reid (Sr)
DB – Ukee Dozier (Sr)
Media All-Conference Team:
1st Team
RB – Laurence Maroney (So)
OL – Greg Eslinger (Jr)
OL – Mark Setterstrom (Jr)
OL – Rian Melander (Sr)
CB – Ukee Dozier (Sr)
2nd Team
DL – Darrell Reid (Sr)
Honorable Mention
RB – Marion Barber (Jr)
TE – Matt Spaeth (So)
WR – Ernie Wheelwright (Fr)
In other highlights, Michigan’s Braylon Edwards and Wisconsin’s Erasmus James won the offensive and defensive player of the year awards, respectively. Michigan’s running back Michael Hart swept the freshman of the year catagory, and Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz was named Big Ten coach of the year.