Joe Vellano Named Terps’ MVP At Team Banquet
By petevolk
![](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ed3a8ce0e271902118a893d17f2299f596df9df1ec6c35a8772c733c14834945.jpg)
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.