Jan. 27, 2007
NEWPORT, R.I. - The Rhode Island football team held its annual post-season awards banquet, Saturday afternoon, at the Atlantic Beach Club in Newport, R.I., sponsored by the Fifth Quarter Booster Club. Head Coach Tim Stowers recognized his 12 graduating seniors, in addition to handing out several awards, including the 2006 Team Most Valuable Player Award to junior defensive back/kick returner Raji El-Amin (Rochester, N.Y.).
El-Amin, who was also garnered Co-Outstanding Defensive Back Award honors, was named an Atlantic 10 Second-Team All-Conference selection as a punt returner. He finished third in A-10 in kick-return average (23.9) and fourth in punt-return average (10.5). He was named the A-10 Special Teams Player of the Week on September 11 after breaking an 11-year old school-record with an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown versus Merrimack. The Rams' fourth-leading tackler with 63 stops (44 solo, 19 assisted), El-Amin also tied for first in the league with 13 passes defended and four interceptions on defense.
Here is a list of the other awards handed out at the banquet:
Team MVP
Raji El-Amin, Junior, Defensive Back/Kick Returner
A.A. Savastano Scholar-Athlete Award
Damien Gresko, Junior, Offensive Tackle, Huntingdon, Pa.
Bruce E. Murry Award (Highest display of being a team member)
Chad Campbell, Senior, Fullback, Milton, Mass.
Black Lion Award (Recognized for putting the team first)
Kyle Edwards, Senior, Tight End, North Attleboro, Mass.
Justin Henry Award (Recognition of achievement on the field as well as academically)
Steve Moll, Junior, Center, Doylestown, Pa.
Iron Ram Award (Excellence in Strength and Conditioning)
Dan Heffron, Senior, Defensive End, Amityville, N.Y.
Outstanding Linebacker Award
Mizraim Farley, Senior, Linebacker, Daphne, Ala.
Co-Outstanding Defensive Back Award
Raji El-Amin, Junior, Defensive Back, Rochester, N.Y.
Raquan Pride, Senior, Defensive Back, Syracuse, N.Y.
Outstanding Defensive Lineman Award
Dan Heffron, Senior, Defensive End, Amityville, N.Y.
Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award
Shamel Lewis, Senior, Offensive Lineman, West Hartford, Conn.
Outstanding Special Teams Award
Bryan Giannecchini, Junior, Punter, Cranford, N.J.
Co-Ram Tough Award (Recognition of playing and practicing at the highest level)
Eric Cervone, Junior, Defensive Back, North Scituate, Rhode Island
Jimmy Hughes, r-Sophomore, halfback, Westport, Conn.
Mark Stolte, Junior, Offensive Lineman, Rochester, N.Y.
Ted Clarke Fifth Quarter Club Distinguished Service Award
Linda Reich (Fifth Quarter Club Secretary)
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