Joe Vellano Named Terps’ MVP At Team Banquet

Star defensive tackle Joe Vellano was named Maryland’s MVP at Maryland’s annual football banquet Sunday night, via the Sun.

Vellano built on a breakout sophomore season in 2010 with an arguably stronger junior campaign, with 94 tackles (7.5 for a loss), 2.5 sacks, four passes defended and two fumble recoveries on his way to being named first-team All-ACC and second-team All-American.

Vellano also won the team awards for best defensive player and top linemen.

The rest of the award winners are after the jump:

Top Special Teams Performer: Austin Walker

A.V. Williams Award for Outstanding & Conspicuous Sportsmanship: Trenton Hughes

George C. Cook Memorial Award for the senior with the highest GPA: Andrew Gonnella

George Boutselis Memorial Award for letterman with the highest GPA: Ryan Schlothauer

Alvin L. Aubinoe Award as the unsung hero: Tim Downs

C.P. “Lefty” McIntosh Public Service Award sponsored by Don & Terry Wilson: Andrew Gonnella

James M. Tatum Award for Lineman of the Year: Joe Vellano

Dr. John E. Faber Award for Iron Man: Kevin Dorsey

Most Valuable Offensive Player: Davin Meggett

Most Valuable Defensive Player: Joe Vellano

Ray Krouse Award for Most Valuable Player: Joe Vellano

Distinguished Contributor Award: Larry and Cheryl Grabenstein

Captains Award: Andrew Gonnella, Davin Meggett, Kenny Tate, Joe Vellano

Congrats to all who were recognized Sunday night. We’ll have our own second annual Golden Terrapin award ceremony in the coming weeks.