Hawk Digest Annual Awards 2008: Part IV—Monte Cozzens Award (6 of 6)

Jake Sharp

186 rushes

866 yards

4.6 ypc

12 rushing TDs

25 receptions

283 yards

1 TD reception

Okay, so I went a little overboard with six Cozzens Award winners for 2008. I guess that just shows how many players we have on this squad that are out there playing tough football. Mark Mangino is getting through to these guys.

In the case of Jake Sharp, I still think he can be a better running back, but 866 yards in his first season as the feature back isn't too bad considering that we were training two new tackles.

For me though, Jake Sharp sealed up a spot on this list based on the fact that he geared up and gave his best against Mizzou despite bruised ribs. We've all watched the game over and over, and you can see that he is really hurting in the fourth quarter. Hardcore.

The Mizzou game might be the best example, but really his toughness has been on display his entire career, and I really liked the way he kept fighting this season despite some real struggles with the running game in the first half of the year. With maybe a few more guys helping out and solid tackle play, I'd say that relentless attitude should mean Sharp will put up big numbers in 2009.

Cozzen's Award Winners—The Complete List

1997 Ron Warner
1998 Patrick Brown
1999 Carl Nesmith, Chad Coellner
2001 Algie Atkinson
2002 Marcus Rodgers
2003 Bill Whittemore, Gabe Toomey
2004 Charles Gordon, Nick Reid, John Randle
2005 Charlton Keith, Jon Cornish, Banks Floodman, Mark Simmons
2006 Jon Cornish
2007 Todd Reesing, Anthony Collins, James McClinton, Brandon McAnderson, Aqib Talib
2008 Kerry Meier, Todd Reesing, Dezmon Briscoe, Darrell Stuckey, James Holt, Jake Sharp

Awards Schedule

Tuesday—Part I: Play of the Year
Wednesday—Part II: Wes Welker Award
Thursday—Part III: Blog Awards
Friday—Part IV: Monte Cozzens Award