NationalChamps.net
2007 Underdog Award
GIVEN TO THE NATION'S BEST MID-MAJOR PLAYER

As an alternative to the Heisman Trophy, which generally goes to a player from a BCS-aligned school, NationalChamps.net would also like to honor the best mid-major player(s). Below is our Top Ten list containing the most valuable mid-major (FBS Subdivision, formerly I-A) college football players from across the country.

Our top honor goes out to senior Hawai'i QB Colt Brennan, who currently holds 20 NCAA records. Brennan led the Warriors to their first ever undefeated season (12-0) and their first ever BCS bowl game, which is only the third ever by a mid-major team. The runner-up is UCF RB Kevin Smith, who finished the regular season as the NCAA rushing and scoring leader. He has carried the ball for 1000 yards and 11 touchdowns in his last four games while setting the mark for the most carries in a season (415).

Congratulations go out to all mid-major players who also participate in football at the top collegiate level, especially those receiving enough votes to compete for this prestigious accolade. It is NationalChamps.net’s effort to recognize the quality contributions of those outstanding individuals at the mid-major level who may not otherwise have an award they can realistically achieve, yet so glaringly deserve.

 

December 4, 2007
 
QB Colt Brennan - Hawai'i
Class: Senior
Height: 6-3 Weight: 201
Hometown: Irvine, CA
Team Record: 12-0
Passing
Rushing
CMP ATT YDS CMP% YPA TD INT EFFICIENCY ATT YDS AVG TD
337 472 4174 71.4 8.8 38 14 166.3 73 65 0.9 8
 
RB Kevin Smith - UCF
Class: Junior
Height: 6-1 Weight: 211
Hometown: Miami, FL
Team Record: 10-3
Rushing Receiving
ATT YDS AVG TD REC YDS AVG TD
415 2448 5.9 29 21 230 11.0 1
 
RB Matt Forté - Tulane
Class: Senior
Height: 6-2 Weight: 223
Hometown: Slidell, LA
Team Record: 4-8
Rushing Receiving
ATT YDS AVG TD REC YDS AVG TD
361 2127 5.9 23 32 282 8.8 0
 
HB Chad Hall - Air Force
Class: Senior
Height: 5-8 Weight: 180
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Team Record: 9-3
Rushing Receiving
ATT YDS AVG TD REC YDS AVG TD
211 1415 6.7 14 46 488 10.6 1
Kick Returns: 18 ret., 425 yds., 23.6 avg., 0 TD
 
WR Donnie Avery - Houston
Class: Senior
Height: 5-11 Weight: 190
Hometown: Houston, TX
Team Record: 8-4
Receiving
REC YDS AVG/CATCH TD
81 1336 16.5 7
Kick Returns: 15 ret., 424 yds., 28.3 avg., 1 TD
 
WR Kevin Robinson - Utah State
Class: Senior
Height: 6-0 Weight: 199
Hometown: Fresno, CA
Team Record: 2-10
Receiving
REC YDS AVG/CATCH TD
55 640 11.6 5
Kick Returns: 43 ret., 1260 yds., 29.3 avg., 3 TD
Punt Returns: 20 ret., 378 yds., 18.9 avg., 1 TD
 
QB Dan LeFevour - Central Michigan
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6-3 Weight: 226
Hometown: Downers Grove, IL
Team Record: 8-5
Passing
Rushing
CMP ATT YDS CMP% YPA TD INT EFFICIENCY ATT YDS AVG TD
338 509 3360 66.4 6.6 23 13 131.7 155 1008 6.5 17
 
RB Anthony Alridge - Houston
Class: Senior
Height: 5-9 Weight: 175
Hometown: Denton, TX
Team Record: 8-4
Rushing Receiving
ATT YDS AVG TD REC YDS AVG TD
244 1568 6.4 14 41 424 10.3 5
 
RB Jalen Parmele - Toledo
Class: Senior
Height: 6-0 Weight: 222
Hometown: Midland, MI
Team Record: 5-7
Rushing Receiving
ATT YDS AVG TD REC YDS AVG TD
276 1511 5.5 14 17 157 9.2 1
Kick Returns: 20 ret., 560 yds., 28.0 avg., 1 TD
 
QB Paul Smith - Tulsa
Class: Senior
Height: 6-2 Weight: 193
Hometown: Owasso, OK

Team Record: 9-4
Passing
Rushing
CMP ATT YDS CMP% YPA TD INT EFFICIENCY ATT YDS AVG TD
300 499 4753 60.1 9.5 42 19 160.3 96 73 0.8 12