And the Award Winners are...

by Leathers

Eugene Henderson, a counselor in the Office of Academic Support, presents the first honor – the Dr. Henry Tyler Award for outstanding academic achievement. And the winner recipient is senior linebacker and co-captain Patrick Benoist.

The Lifter of the Year Award goes to redshirt junior defensive tackle Adam Smotherman.

Top offensive and defensive scout honors go to offensive lineman Wesley Johnson and linebacker Marc Panu, respectively.

Freshman returner Warren Norman and senior Brett Upson shared the team's Specialist of the Year recognition.

Other Commodores earning special recognition were:
• Receiver of the Year Award – John Cole, redshirt freshman wide receiver
• Offensive Lineman Award – Bradley Vierling, redshirt senior center
• Defensive Lineman Award – T.J. Greenstone, redshirt sophomore tackle
• Linebacker Award – Chris Marve, redshirt sophomore
• Defensive Back Award – Casey Hayward, sophomore cornerback

Audio: Patrick Benoist interview

by Barca Blog - Senior linebacker Patrick Benoist spent a couple of minutes with the media on Monday to talk about the Kentucky matchup and also reflect on his four seasons on West End.

Benoist, a co-captain, has been a model example of how to do things the right way, both on and off the field. He's currently sixth in the conference with 80 tackles and leads the 'Dores with a pair of fumble recoveries after earning second team All-SEC honors in 2008. Also, he was selected earlier this week as a District IV All-American for his work in the classroom, making it the second consecutive year he's received that accolade.

The Southlake, Texas, native will be one of 24 Commodores playing in their final home game Saturday. Fans are encouraged to show their support for the senior class by arriving to the stadium by 11 a.m. CT for senior day activities.

Click here to listen to the press conference.