.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)
University of Minnesota Athletics
JOHNSON NAMED FOOTBALL TEAM MVP, 2002 CAPTAINS ANNOUNCED
11/26/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Johnson completed his career as the greatest receiver to ever wear the Maroon and Gold. The Detroit, Mich., native holds the school career record for touchdowns (31), receptions (198) and receiving yards (2,989), which ranks him tied for fifth, third and seventh all-time in the Big Ten, respectively.
Johnson, who will graduate in December with an intercollege program major in business, decided to return for his senior season after having a tremendous junior campaign, setting the single-season school mark for receiving yards with 1,125. Johnson tied Omar Douglas' 11 touchdown record of 1993, while falling just one reception short of Tutu Atwell's 1996 total of 62 to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors.
The preseason All-America concluded the 2001 campaign with 56 catches for 895 yards and nine touchdowns, five coming in the last three games
This year's awards and honorees are: Bronko Nagurski Award (presented to the team's most valuable player): Ron Johnson (wide receiver, senior, Detroit, Mich.)
Carl Eller Award (presented to the team's outstanding defensive player): Jack Brewer (free safety, senior, Grapevine, Texas)
Bruce Smith Award (presented to the team's outstanding offensive player): Ron Johnson and Tellis Redmon (running back, junior, Grapevine, Texas)
Bobby Bell Award (presented to the outstanding special teams player): Marion Barber III (running back, freshman, Plymouth, Minn.)
Butch Nash Award (for competitiveness on the field and in the classroom): Derek Burns (offensive lineman, senior, Eden Prairie, Minn.)
Paul Giel Award (for total unselfishness and most concern about the University of Minnesota) Jack Brewer
Neil Fredenburg Award (courage and love for the game): Steve Murray (free safety, senior, LaCrosse, Wis.)
Defensive DEMO (for outstanding performance on the defensive demonstration team): Charlton Keith (linebacker, freshman, Akron, Ohio)
Offensive DEMO (for outstanding performance on the offensive demonstration team): Jerry Macken (fullback, senior, Rochester, Minn.)
2002 Captains Asad Abdul-Khaliq (quarterback, sophomore, Elizabeth, N.J.) and Michael Lehan (cornerback, junior, Hopkins, Minn.)
