Ulofoshio Earns Husky Most Inspirational Award at Team Banquet

The first of many individual awards coming to this unbeaten, record-setting and CFP-bound University of Washington football team were handed out on Sunday at the team banquet, decided by the Huskies themselves.

By a team vote, sixth-year senior linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio received the Guy Flaherty most inspirational player accolade, recognized for him being a former walk-on who overcame a series of injuries that cost him parts of two seasons to regain his starting spot and serve as a co-captain for this 13-0 team.

Heading into the national semifinals, Ulofoshio showed himself to be a true leader as an active member of the defense. He currently stands second on the team in tackles with 83, trailing only senior safety Dom Hampton's 93. Against California, the veteran linebacker from Las Vegas intercepted a pass and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown.

After learning in the morning they would face Texas in the Sugar Bow on Jan. 1l, the UW coaches and players waited until they gathered in the afternoon to celebrate their good fortune together at their team banquet in Alaska Airlines Arena.

Sixth-year senior quarterback Michael Penix Jr., junior edge rusher Bralen Trice and junior linebacker Carson Bruener were named the team's offensive, defensive and special-teams players of the year, respectively. 

Penix leads the nation in both passing yards 4,218 and yards per game 324.4, while Trice tops the UW with 5 sacks and Bruener came up with countless big hits on opposing kick returns.

Former Mississippi State running back Dillon Johnson and one-time Oklahoma State cornerback Jabbar Muhammad shared the newcomer of the year award. Johnson leads the Huskies in rushing with 1,113 yards and 14 touchdowns, while Muhammad tops the team with 12 pass break-ups and shares the interception lead with Mishael Powell, both with 3.

Junior Troy Fautanu and senior Tuli Letuligasenoa were chosen as the offensive and defensive players of the year, respectively.

Junior wide receiver Rome Odunze and Muhammad were tabbed offensive and defensive skill players of the year, respectively.

Landen Hatchett, who's appeared in 9 games at center and offensive guard, was selected freshman of the year.

Scout team honors went to sophomore quarterback Will Haskell Jr., the San Diego State transfer, on offense, to redshirt freshman linebacker Austin Harnetiaux on defense and to sophomore edge rusher Jake Jennings on special teams.

Among the other honors doled out, senior edge rusher Zion Tupuola-Fetui received the Don James Perseverance Award, junior quarterback Dylan Morris earned the Husky Fever 12th Man Award, Hampton accepted the Earle T. Glant Tough Husky Award, redshirt freshman Tristan Dunn got the Chuck Niemi Big Hit Award and sophomore kicker Grady Gross won the Apple Cup Play of the Game Award.