Clemson Football Awards Announced

Rod Gardner set Clemson records with 80 receptions for 1084 yards.

by Press Release - Mon Jan 17 20:17:31 GMT-04:00 2000

Clemson, SC--Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden has announced his team MVPs and other award winners for the 1999 season. Keith Adams was named the MVP on defense, while Rod Gardner was the

winner for the offense.

Adams was a first-team All-American this past season. He led the nation in tackles with 186 and also led the country in tackles for loss with a Clemson record 35. His 16 sacks were a Clemson single season record and lead the ACC. Gardner set Clemson records with 80 receptions for 1084 yards. He also had four touchdowns and his 6.7 receptions per game also established a Clemson mark.

Bowden also announced winners of Solid Rock Awards, honors for "solid, consistent and dependable play," at each position area on the team. Offensively, Kyle Young won the award among the offensive linemen, Mal Lawyer was the recipient among the wide receivers, Travis Zachery among the running backs and Brandon Streeter was the winner among the quaterbacks.

On defense, Dextra Polite was the recipient among the defensive backs, Chad Carson was the winner from the linebackers and Jason Holloman was the winner among the down linemen.

Hustle Awards were distributed and Robert Carswell was the winner on defense. The starting safety set a Clemson mark for tackles by a defensive back with 129 and he also ranked 10th in the nation in interceptions. Theo Mougros (OG) and Pat Cyrgalis (TE) were the co-recipients from the offense.

The 12th man Awards for excellence coming off the bench went to Woodrow Dantzler (QB),and Charles Hafley (DB). Iron Man Awards, for consistency in practice attendance and game participation went to Keith Adams and John McDermott.

Bowden also named a Rookie of the Year on each side of the ball. Bryant McNeal was the winner on defense, while Akil Smith, in his first year as a starters was the winner on offense. Special teams players of the year went to Chad Speck on defense and Brian Wofford on offense.

Bowden also presented Team Player Awards to walk-on Michael Lewis and freshman David Ellis.