2018 Michigan Football Awards and Honors
4/10/2019 2:05:00 PM | Football
• Fall Academic All-Big Ten Selections Announced (12/5/2018)
• Eleven Michigan Players Selected for All-Big Ten Honors on Offense (11/28/2018)
• Fourteen Wolverines Earn All-Big Ten on Defense, Special Teams (11/27/2018)
• Bush Earns Butkus Finalist Nod for Second Straight Year (11/19/2018)
• Patterson Among Five Finalists for Unitas Golden Arm Award (11/15/2018)
• Bush Among Five Finalists for Nagurski Trophy (11/14/2018)
Noah Furbush (April 10)
National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society Member -- Graduate student linebacker Noah Furbush was named one of 1,643 players to receive membership to the 2019 NFF Hampshire Honor Society. The society is comprised of college football players from all divisions of play who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 grade-point average or better throughout their college careers. This year's honorees number an all-time high and represent 424 different schools. Furbush has earned an aerospace engineering degree at U-M and is in pursuit of a master's degree in space engineering. He appeared in 45 games as a Wolverine with seven starts at linebacker. Furbush totaled 56 tackles in his career, including 3.5 for loss with one sack, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Furbush, who was the first recipient of the NFF's now-annual Bo Schembechler Postgraduate Scholarship after the 2017 season, was also honored as a William V. Campbell Trophy semifinalist by the NFF. » National Football Foundation Release
Devin Bush and Chase Winovich (Jan. 1)
Lombardi Award Semifinalists -- Junior linebacker and captain Devin Bush and fifth-year senior defensive lineman Chase Winovich were chosen among 23 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award, given to an NCAA Division I player based on performance, leadership, character and resiliency. Both helped lead the stout U-M front seven this season, with Bush totaling 80 tackles, 9.5 for loss and 5.0 sacks. He was the Big Ten's Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year as well as the Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year, and he was also a finalist for the Butkus and Bronko Nagurski awards in addition to being a consensus first-team All-American. Winovich totaled 69 tackles to lead all U-M defensive linemen, with 17.0 for loss and 5.0 sacks. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection and earned All-America honors from the AFCA (second team), Walter Camp Football Foundation (second team) and Associated Press (third team). Finalists for the award will be named on Monday, Jan. 14, with the winner being honored on Jan. 25 in Houston, Texas.
Jim Harbaugh (Nov. 21)
George Munger Award Semifinalist -- Jim Harbaugh is one of 18 semifinalists for the George Munger Head Coach of the Year Award. Harbaugh has led U-M to a 10-1 record with 10 consecutive victories and first place in the Big Ten East division. Michigan has earned the No. 4 spot in all three polls, including the latest edition of the College Football Playoff rankings. Among individual players, he has helped quarterback Shea Patterson (Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award) and Devin Bush (Butkus Award, Bronko Nagurski Award) become finalists for national awards. Harbaugh has led U-M to 10-win seasons in three straight years, a feat shared only by Fielding H. Yost among Michigan coaches (1901-05). Harbaugh is the only Big Ten Conference coach on this year's semifinalist list. Finalists will be announced Dec. 10, and a winner will be named Dec. 28.
Don Brown (Nov. 20)
Broyles Award Semifinalist -- Lester Family Defensive Coordinator Don Brown has been chosen as one of 15 semifinalists for the 2018 Broyles Award honoring the top assistant coach in college football. Now in his third year at Michigan, this marks the second time since Brown came to Ann Arbor that he has been a semifinalist or better for the award. He was also a finalist in 2016. Brown commands the top defense in the nation, one which leads the Big Ten in scoring defense, total defense, pass defense, pass efficiency defense and first downs allowed. Eight of Michigan's 11 opponents have been held to its lowest yardage total of the season and opposing quarterbacks are completing just 47.1 percent of passes against the Wolverines. Michigan also leads the nation in fewest plays and yards per pass attempt allowed, allowing teams just 1.7 red zone opportunities per contest. Under Brown's tutelage, Wolverine linebacker and captain Devin Bush is a finalist for the Butkus Award given to the nation's top linebacker and is also a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award honoring to the top defensive player in college football. Brown is the only coach from the Big Ten on the semifinalist list. Finalists will be named on Monday, Nov. 26, and a winner will be recognized on Tuesday, Dec. 4.
Jake Moody (Nov. 19)
Big Ten Co-Special Teams Player of the Week -- Freshman kicker Jake Moody was named co-Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week after his record 19-point performance against Indiana (Nov. 17). Moody has handled kickoff duties well for No. 4 Michigan all season but his first performance handling placekicking duties as a Wolverine made history. Moody connected for a school-record six field goals -- from 23, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 yards -- and also hit one extra point, totaling 19 points for another program record. The six conversions also set a record for most made field goals in a Big Ten game. The Northville, Michigan, native shares his first conference award with Nebraska's Barret Pickering. This also represents U-M's third Big Ten recognition for a special teams performer this year and the fourth overall. » Big Ten Release
Devin Bush (Nov. 14)
Walter Camp Player of the Year Award Semifinalist -- Junior linebacker and defensive captain Devin Bush was named one of 15 semifinalists for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. The fourth-oldest award in college football has a semifinalist watch list that recognizes seven quarterbacks, three running backs and five defensive players, including Bush. Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin) and Dwayne Haskins (Ohio State) are other representatives from Big Ten programs. Bush leads the nation's top defense with 61 tackles, ranks tied-second in tackles for loss (8.0) and lists second with 4.5 sacks. The Associated Press recognized Bush as a midseason All-American earlier this year, and he has won or shared U-M's Defensive Player of the Week honors on four occasions. The list of candidates will be reduced to five finalists on Wednesday, Nov. 28, and the winner will be announced live on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 6.
Karan Higdon (Nov. 14)
Doak Walker Award Semifinalist -- Senior running back and team captain Karan Higdon is one of 10 semifinalists for the 2018 Doak Walker Award. The award, named after Heisman Trophy winner and three-time All-American Doak Walker, has been given each year since 1990 to honor the nation's best running back who combines outstanding achievements on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Higdon joins Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor as Big Ten representatives on the list. At Rutgers (Nov. 10), he became Michigan's first single-season 1,000-yard back since 2011 (Fitzgerald Toussaint). Higdon recorded seven consecutive 100-yard rushing games earlier this season, with six in Big Ten play, and ranks 12th nationally with 111.7 rushing yards per contest. He has shown another gear of explosiveness this season, with nine runs of 20-plus yards, and U-M is 12-0 in his career when he rushes for at least 100 yards. Three finalists for the award will be announced on Monday, Nov. 19. Higdon would be Michigan's first finalist since Mike Hart (2007).
Shea Patterson (Nov. 7 & 8)
Davey O'Brien Award Semifinalist, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Finalist -- Shea Patterson has been named one of 16 semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien Award, the Davey O'Brien National Selection Committee announced. The award is presented annually to the best college quarterback and is the nation's oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award. Patterson was also selected as one of the top 10 finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award presented by A.O. Smith. The junior quarterback has led U-M to an 8-1 record and a No. 4 overall ranking in both major polls. Patterson leads one of the nation's most efficient passing offenses (No. 2, Big Ten; No. 20, NCAA) and the No. 26 scoring offense in the country (36.7 points per game). He also ranks No. 25 in the country with 8.34 yards per attempt, while his pass efficiency rating (157.1) and completion percentage (67 percent) rank 16th and 19th nationally, respectively. On the whole, Patterson has thrown for 1,667 yards with 16 touchdowns (14 passing). He also is one of two Big Ten quarterbacks on the list (Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State). Recent Wolverines to be named semifinalists for the O'Brien Award include Wilton Speight (2016) and Denard Robinson (2010-12). Three finalists for the O'Brien award will be announced on Nov. 19, while the top five finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award will be named Nov. 15 and the winner will be presented on Dec. 7. » Full O'Brien Award Release
Shea Patterson (Nov. 5 & 6)
Rose Bowl Game Player of the Week -- Junior quarterback Shea Patterson was selected as the Rose Bowl Game Player of the Week in the Big Ten. Each week, the Tournament of Roses and Rose Bowl Game Football Committee -- made up of 15 individuals -- selects one Player of the Week from a Big Ten school and one from a Pac-12 school. In selecting Patterson for the Week 10 award, the committee gave U-M its first such honor this season. Patterson earned the distinction with his fourth three-touchdown effort as a Wolverine (two passing, one rushing). He was 11-of-17 passing for 144 yards and ran for another 42 yards to produce 186 yards of total offense. Patterson has recorded 16 touchdowns on the season (14 passing) with 1,667 yards passing and leads one of the most efficient passing units in the country, completing 67.0 percent of his passes for a rating of 157.1 on the season. » Full Release
CFPA Midseason National POY Trophy Watch List: Patterson was named one of 32 players included in the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) Midseason National Performer of the Year Trophy Watch List by the CFPA. Patterson is one of 28 quarterbacks named to the list and is one of five Big Ten players to be included. » Full Release
Devin Bush (Oct. 29)
Butkus Award Semifinalist -- Junior linebacker and team captain Devin Bush was recognized as one of 10 semifinalists for the 34th annual Butkus Award, which honors the nation's best linebackers at the collegiate and high school levels. A finalist in 2017, Bush is one of two players who are semifinalists for the second straight season (Josh Allen, Kentucky). He is also one of two Big Ten representatives on the list (Ryan Connelly, Wisconsin). Bush leads the No. 1 defense in the nation with 49 tackles. His 7.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks rank second on the team. Bush has seven or more tackles in five games, sacks in four games and has led the team or tied for the team lead in tackles in four of eight games. The Associated Press recognized Bush as a midseason All-American earlier this season and he has won or shared U-M's Defensive Player of the Week honors three times. Finalists for the award will be named on Nov. 19. » Full Release
Karan Higdon (Oct. 29)
Maxwell Award Semifinalist -- Senior running back and captain Karan Higdon is included in a field of 20 semifinalist candidates for the 82nd Maxwell Award, given to the Collegiate Player of the Year. Higdon ranks No. 8 nationally with 118.7 yards per game and he is averaging 5.43 yards per carry. He has climbed the U-M all-time rushing list this year, up to No. 19 and is fewer than 300 yards shy of a top-15 ranking. Higdon has carried the ball 20 times or more in four games and has topped 30 carries twice, including a career-high 33 against Michigan State. The Sarasota, Florida, native has hit the 100-yard rushing mark in six straight games this season, with five of those performances coming against Big Ten opponents. U-M is 11-0 when Higdon rushes for 100 yards. Higdon is one of seven running backs to make the cut and is also one of five semifinalists from the Big Ten, joining Ohio State's Dwayne Haskins, Penn State's Trace McSorley, Purdue's Rondale Moore and Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor. Three finalists will be named for the award on Nov. 19, with the winner being recognized on Dec. 6 at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show presented by Gildan. » Full Release
Chase Winovich (Oct. 29)
Chuck Bednarik Award Semifinalist -- Fifth-year senior defensive lineman Chase Winovich made the cut as one of 20 semifinalist candidates for the 24th Chuck Bednarik Award, presented to the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year in college football. Winovich leads U-M defensive linemen and is third on the team with 43 total tackles. His 11.0 tackles for loss lead the team and are tied for fifth in the Big Ten and his 3.0 sacks are tied-third on the roster. He has helped U-M sustain its ranking as the No. 1 defense in the nation, and is a big part of the reason why the team is No. 1 nationally in pass defense as well. The unit leads the Big Ten in six major categories, ranking top-three in nine overall. Winovich and Ohio State's Dre'Mont Jones are the lone representatives from the Big Ten to have made this year's semifinalist list. Three finalists will be named for the award on Nov. 19, with the winner being recognized on Dec. 6 at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show presented by Gildan. » Full Release
Shea Patterson (Oct. 24)
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top 15 -- Junior quarterback Shea Patterson made the cut as one of 15 remaining candidates for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. The award, presented by A.O. Smith, has been presented each season since 1987 to the nation's top college quarterback, for accomplishments on and off the field. The award considers character, citizenship, integrity, leadership and honor. Patterson has led U-M to a 7-1 record and a No. 6 ranking in the Associated Press poll in his first year as a Wolverine. He has thrown 12 touchdowns and run for another while completing 67.2 percent of his passes (123-of-183) for 1,523 yards. Patterson ranks among the Big Ten's best in pass efficiency (third), completion percentage (third), yards per attempt (third) and passing touchdowns (fifth). Patterson is one of three Big Ten quarterbacks remaining as a candidate for the award, joining Penn State's Trace McSorley and Northwestern's Clayton Thorson. The award will be presented Dec. 7, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. » Full Release
Lavert Hill (Oct. 22)
Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist -- Junior defensive back Lavert Hill is one of 14 semifinalists for the 2018 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Hill has tallied six pass breakups, including one interception that he returned 21 yards for a touchdown against Wisconsin, and has made 10 total tackles, with seven solo stops and 1.0 for loss. He was tested early in the season, earning at least one PBU in each of his first three games, and teams have shied away from throwing at the Detroit, Michigan, product since then. Hill is one of two Big Ten representatives on the list, joining Penn State's Amani Oruwariye. Hill is the first Wolverine to earn this honor since fellow Detroiter Jourdan Lewis was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award in 2016. Three finalists will be named on Monday, Nov. 19, and the winner will be recognized during the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Sunday, Dec. 6.
Chase Winovich (Oct. 18)
Associated Press Midseason Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year -- Fifth-year senior Chase Winovich was named the Midseason Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. Winovich earned the nod by virtue of an outstanding first half of the season. He is second on the team and the leader among defensive linemen with 39 tackles, including 23 solo stops. His 10.5 tackles for loss rank No. 2 in the Big Ten and is tied for 15th in the NCAA. He has had three games with at least 3.0 TFL this year, and his 3.0 sacks are tied for second on the team, trailing leader Devin Bush by just half a sack. According to Pro Football Focus College, Winovich is the conference leader in run stops with 21, and he is among the nation's elite in pass rush productivity. PFF College states that his 18.5% pressure percentage per pass rush is highest among all power five edge defenders with at least 150 pass rush snaps this season. He has helped lead the way for the nation's No. 2 overall defense, which lists as the Big Ten's best in five categories. » Full Release
Chase Winovich (Oct. 1)
Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week -- Fifth-year senior defensive lineman Chase Winovich was named co-Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Michigan's win at Northwestern (Sept. 29). Winovich totaled nine stops with a career-high eight solo tackles, including 3.0 tackles-for-loss with 1.0 sack. It marks his first conference award of the season and the second of his career, both of which are co-honors. The Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, native has 10.5 TFLs through five weeks, ahead of the pace he set in 2017 (7.5 through five weeks) when he led the Big Ten with 18.0. His performance Saturday led a Wolverine defensive effort that included a second-half shutout, a season-best six sacks and just 28 yards allowed on 34 Wildcat rushes. Winovich now has at least half a tackle-for-loss in 13 consecutive games dating back to last season. He is the third different Wolverine to win a Big Ten Player of the Week award in five weeks (Ambry Thomas, Sept. 3; Donovan Peoples-Jones, Sept. 24) this season. » Big Ten Release
Noah Furbush (Sept. 26)
William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalist -- Graduate student linebacker Noah Furbush is one of 179 semifinalists for the 2018 William V. Campbell Trophy. Established in 1990 by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF), the award recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation. Furbush, an aerospace engineer, completed his undergraduate studies last spring and is now in pursuit of a master's degree in space engineering. He has appeared in 36 career contests (seven starts) at linebacker and has 47 career tackles with four for loss, one sack, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. This is not the first NFF honor for Furbush, who upon his undergraduate graduation was the first recipient of the NFF's now-annual Bo Schembechler Postgraduate Scholarship. The NFF will announce 12-14 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy on Oct. 31, and each finalist will be awarded an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class. The winner will be honored on Dec. 4 at the 60th NFF Annual Awards Dinner in New York City and will have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000. » NFF Release
Donovan Peoples-Jones (Sept. 24)
Big Ten Co-Special Teams Player of the Week -- Sophomore wide receiver and punt returner Donovan Peoples-Jones earned his first career Big Ten Award for his performance against Nebraska (Sept. 22). The accolade went to Peoples-Jones by virtue of his 60-yard punt return touchdown that came in the third quarter. It was the second career punt return touchdown for Peoples-Jones, who also scored a 79-yarder against Air Force in 2017. Peoples-Jones has had a nose for the end zone lately, with four touchdowns in the last seven quarters (three receiving vs. SMU, one via punt return). He is also closing in on 1,000 all-purpose yards for his career with 913 through 16 games. It marks the second time this season that a U-M return man has earned a share of the Big Ten's weekly honor. Ambry Thomas also earned a share of the weekly award on Sept. 3 after he returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown against Notre Dame. » Big Ten Release
Ambry Thomas (Sept. 3)
Big Ten Co-Special Teams Player of the Week -- Sophomore defensive back and kick return man Ambry Thomas earned his first career weekly distinction from the Big Ten, sharing Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors with Purdue freshman Rondale Moore. Thomas was awarded the distinction after scoring his first career touchdown on a 99-yard kickoff return against Notre Dame (Sept. 1). It was U-M's first kickoff return score since now-Kansas City Chief Jehu Chesson ran one back 96 yards against Northwestern in 2015 (Oct. 10, 2015). Thomas' 99-yard return is among the four longest in program history; Tyrone Wheatley (1992 vs. Houston) and Dennis Fitzgerald (1960 at MSU) also scored on 99-yard returns, while Seth Smith's 100-yard return in 1994 (vs. Wisconsin) is the only longer return score on record. Thomas is the first Wolverine to secure the Big Ten's weekly recognition for special teams play since Quinn Nordin last season (Sept. 3, Sept. 18). » Big Ten Release
