Brooks-James, Dye Share MVP Honors

EUGENE, Ore. – Sophomore running back Tony Brooks-James and freshman linebacker Troy Dye were voted by their teammates as the University of Oregon's most outstanding offensive and defensive players, respectively, at the annual football awards reception Sunday in Autzen Stadium's Club at Autzen.

In addition, Molalla senior and five-year scout-team stalwart Michael Manns was voted as the team's most inspirational player, despite the defensive back's having stepped onto the field for only one game during the 2016 season.

Recipients of the MVP (Skeie's Award) and most inspirational (Wilford Gonyea Award) awards were determined in a vote by their Oregon teammates.

Brooks-James finished the year as the Ducks' second-leading rusher and third-best scorer (771 yards and 60 points, respectively), while complementing a rushing attack that averaged 226.4 yards per game. The Gainesville, Fla., running back enjoyed a stretch that saw him eclipse the 100-yard rushing plateau in three of five games, including a season-high 132 yards against Arizona State.

He also was the recipient of the Duane J. Cargill Memorial Award as the team's most outstanding offensive skills player.

Dye becomes Oregon's first true freshman to claim a share of the team's top honors since De'Anthony Thomas did so in 2011, and the only first-year defender on record to be voted one of the team's most outstanding players.

The Norco, Calif., linebacker led the team in tackles with 91 stops (57 unassisted) and quarterback sacks (6.5) while pacing the Ducks in tackles for loss (13). He led the team in tackles in four games, including a collegiate-high 14 stops at California.

Senior Johnny Mundt was the recipient of the Dudley Randolph Clarke Memorial Award as Oregon's most improved player. The Modesto, Calif., tight end accumulated 23 catches for 334 yards and four TDs in eight games his final season, after tallying 23 receptions for 349 yards and four scores in his first three seasons.

Senior linebacker Johnny Ragin III was presented with the Todd Doxey Award, the honor given to the player who best exemplifies the traits of spirituality, dedication and brotherhood associated with being an outstanding teammate, all qualities possessed by the Ducks' former defensive back, who drowned prior to the start of the 2008 season.

Freshman quarterback Justin Herbert was honored with the Len Casanova Award, given to the Ducks' first-year player who best exemplifies the athletic ideals and inspiration of the university's former head coach and athletics director, Len Casanova.

Additional award winners included senior defensive lineman T.J. Daniel as the recipient of the Elmer Sahlstrom Award (senior academic & attitude award); senior tight end Pharaoh Brown as the recipient of the Bob Officer Award, presented to the player who excels in spite of physical adversity and continual injuries; senior Cameron Hunt with the Ed Moshofsky Trophy as the Ducks' outstanding offensive lineman, as well as the Pancake Club Award; junior Henry Mondeaux with the Joe Schaffeld Trophy as the team's outstanding defensive lineman; and Meridian, Idaho, defensive back Khalil Oliver with the Gordon E. Wilson Award as the team's most outstanding special teams standout.

Redshirting freshman defensive lineman Hunter Kampmoyer, senior quarterback Jeff Lockie, and senior Cody Carriger were acknowledged for their contributions as the program's defensive, offensive, and special teams scout-team players of the year, respectively.