Stanton Named 2004 Spartan Football MVP
1/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 14, 2005
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State sophomore quarterback Drew Stanton, who accounted for 2,288 total yards and 14 touchdowns in 2004, was selected Most Valuable Player by the coaching staff at the Spartan Football Senior Awards Banquet Friday, Jan. 14 at the Kellogg Center. Stanton becomes the second Spartan quarterback in as many years to earn the Governor's Award as team MVP, following Jeff Smoker who led the Big Ten in passing and total offense in 2003. It marks the first time since 1959-60 that MSU quarterbacks have received MVP honors in back-to-back seasons (Dean Look, 1959 and Thomas Wilson, 1960).
Stanton ranked among the Big Ten leaders in total offense (third at 228.8 yards per game), passing efficiency (fourth with 131.8 rating), rushing (eighth at 68.7 ypg.) and passing (10th at 160.1 ypg.). His 2,288 total yards represent the fifth-best single-season mark in Spartan history. In Big Ten games, he finished third in the league in total offense (238.7 ypg.), sixth in passing efficiency (125.9 rating), seventh in rushing (74.1 ypg.) and eighth in passing (164.6 ypg.).
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Stanton completed 141-of-220 throws (.641) for 1,601 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ranked third on the team in rushing with 687 yards on 96 carries and five TDs. His 687 yards represent the second-best single-season rushing total by a quarterback in Spartan history. Stanton also posted the third-highest rushing average in school history, averaging 7.2 yards per carry.
He shared Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after accounting for 406 total yards in the season finale against Hawaii - the second-best single-game total in Spartan history. Stanton completed 22-of-32 throws (.688) for a career-best 330 yards, including a 15-yard TD strike to Eric Knott, and rushed for 76 yards on 12 carries.
Stanton also shared Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after accounting for a school-record 410 total yards in MSU's 51-17 victory over No. 19 Minnesota. He became the first quarterback in Spartan history to pass for 300 yards and rush for 100 yards in the same game. His 410 total yards broke the single-game mark previously held by Smoker, who produced 393 total yards vs. Fresno State in the 2001 Silicon Valley Football Classic. Stanton completed 20-of-31 throws for 308 yards and three TDs. He completed passes to nine different receivers, including scoring tosses of 25 and 36 yards to Eric Knott and 56 yards to Terry Love. Stanton also recorded his second 100-yard rushing game of the season, gaining 102 yards on 13 attempts. Each of his first six carries (75 yards) resulted in first downs.
He accounted for 306 total yards and two scores in his first collegiate start at Indiana as the Spartans rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit to post a 30-20 victory in the Big Ten opener. Stanton rushed for 134 yards on 12 carries vs. Indiana to become the first Spartan quarterback to record a 100-yard rushing game since Charlie Baggett gained 120 yards vs. Northwestern in 1975. He scored on runs of 1 and 2 yards against the Hoosiers.
"When healthy, Drew Stanton gave us an opportunity to win," Michigan State head coach John L. Smith said. "Drew is a great competitor that exudes confidence when he's in the huddle. He also has the unique ability to bring out the best in his teammates, helping them elevate their level of play. Drew is an intelligent player, who makes good decisions when the football is in his hands.
"He is set to have a couple of break-out seasons. Drew is looking forward to assuming an even greater leadership role next year. He just better find a way to stay healthy."
 DeAndra Cobb led the team in rushing (728) and all-purpose yards (1,607) in 2004.  | |
Running back DeAndra Cobb, who led the Spartans in rushing (728 on 96 carries) and all-purpose yards (1,607) in 2004, earned the Downtown Coaches Club Award as the outstanding senior on offense. The 5-foot-10, 197-pound Cobb averaged a school-record 7.6 yards per carry in 2004. He ranked among the Big Ten leaders in all-purpose yards (fifth at 133.9 yards per game), kickoff returns (seventh with his 24.1-yard average) and rushing (ninth at 60.7 ypg.).
He earned Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors against Hawaii after returning three kickoffs for 111 yards (37.0 avg.). Cobb accounted for 249 all-purpose yards in the season finale against the Warriors, including 128 yards rushing on 16 attempts. It marked Cobb's second career 100-yard rushing game.
Cobb rushed 22 times for a career-best 205 yards vs. Michigan, scoring on runs of 72 and 64 yards. He produced those totals against a Wolverine defense that ranked third in the NCAA against the run, allowing just 71.6 yards per game. Cobb also became just the second back in Spartan history to record a 200-yard rushing game in the MSU-Michigan series, joining T.J. Duckett who picked up 211 yards on 27 attempts in 2001.
He gained a team-best 93 yards on nine carries vs. Illinois and scored the first offensive touchdown of his career on a 12-yard run in the fourth quarter.
The Las Vegas, Nev., native returned five kickoffs for 152 yards (30.4 avg.) vs. Notre Dame, including an 89-yard runback for a touchdown in the third quarter. It marked Cobb's fourth career kickoff return for a score, one shy of the Big Ten record held by Purdue's Stan Brown (1968-70). The NCAA career mark belongs to Southern Cal's Anthony Davis (1972-74), who returned six kickoffs for TDs.
In two seasons, Cobb produced 2,621 all-purpose yards (109.2 ypg.) and eight total TDs. His career 25.5-yard kickoff return average ranks sixth on the Big Ten's all-time list. Cobb also stands third on MSU's all-time chart with 1,632 career kickoff return yards.
"DeAndra Cobb brought the big-play element to our running game," offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin said. "DeAndra had the ability to take it to the house every time he carried the football. He produced electrifying touchdown runs against Michigan (72 and 64 yards) and Wisconsin (55 yards).
"DeAndra is no longer known simply as a kick return specialist because he emerged as our premier running back."
 Ronald Stanley ranks sixth on MSU's all-time list with 368 career tackles. | |
Linebacker Ronald Stanley, who led the Spartans in tackles (125 total) and production points (192) in 2004, won the Downtown Coaches Club Award as the outstanding senior on defense. It marked the second-straight season that the 6-foot, 234-pound Stanley eclipsed the 100-tackle plateau. He also ranked second on the team in tackles for losses (9 for 33 yards).
With seven stops vs. Hawaii in the season finale, Stanley moved into sixth place on MSU's all-time list with 368 career tackles.
The Saginaw, Mich., native posted double figures in tackles six times in 2004, including 12 stops vs. Penn State. Stanley produced double figures in tackles in back-to-back games vs. Michigan (13) and Ohio State (16). He became only the 14th player in Spartan history to reach the 300-tackle milestone, recording 12 tackles in MSU's 38-25 victory over Illinois. His 9-yard sack against the Illini resulted in a fumble and led to a Spartan field goal. He also registered 12 tackles vs. Indiana, including two behind the line of scrimmage (6 yards). Stanley recorded a career-best 20 tackles, including two for losses (4 yards), in the season opener at Rutgers.
Stanley reached double figures in tackles 14 times during his four-year career.
"Ronald Stanley was the most consistent playmaker on defense by far," linebackers coach Mike Cox said. "Ronald took great pride in everything that he did - in the weight room, in the film room and on the practice field. He played on Saturdays the same way he practiced throughout the week. His contributions - on and off the field - will be sorely missed."
 Marshall Campbell, who set a Spartan single-season record with three blocked punts in 2004, led the special teams in productions points with 197. | |
Linebacker Marshall Campbell, who set a Spartan single-season record with three blocked punts in 2004, received the Downtown Coaches Club Award as outstanding senior on special teams. Two of his blocked punts resulted in touchdowns (vs. Notre Dame and Wisconsin). The 6-2, 221-pound Campbell led the special teams in production points with 197. The Fort Gratiot, Mich., native was credited with six solo tackles.
"As coaches, we considered Marshall Campbell a starter because he started on all of the special teams," assistant head coach and special teams coach Jim McElwain said. "Marshall put his heart and soul into helping the football team win. He never backed down from a challenge and was eager to do whatever was asked of him."
 Tyrell Dortch, who recorded 44 tackles and two interceptions in 2004, earned the Biggie Munn Award as the team's most inspirational player. | |
Fifth-year senior Tyrell Dortch, who made the transition from running back to the BANDIT position in 2004, earned the Biggie Munn Award as the team's most inspirational player. The 5-10, 208-pound Dortch started eight games and produced 44 tackles, including 5.5 for losses (28 yards). He also recorded two interceptions and four pass break-ups. The Hoboken, N.J., native was selected as Michigan State's recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
Dortch completed a courageous comeback after breaking his right lower leg in the sixth game of the 2001 season vs. Wisconsin, missing the entire 2002 campaign.
"Tyrell Dortch is the perfect example of a team player," defensive coordinator Chris Smeland said. "Tyrell made the transition from offense to defense for the good of the team. He also had enough confidence in his abilities that he became the vocal leader on defense and assumed a key role in our weekly preparation. Tyrell was well respected by his teammates which speaks volumes about his character."
 Kyle Brown won the Clarence J. Underwood Jr. Sportsmanship Award. | |
Wide receiver Kyle Brown, who serves as vice president of MSU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), received the Clarence J. Underwood Jr. Sportsmanship Award. On Dec. 12, 2004, Brown participated in the Toys & Team program through SAAC, Athletes in Action and the Salvation Army, purchasing and distributing Christmas gifts to needy children in the local community. On Oct. 24, 2004, he attended a Halloween trick-or-treat party - sponsored by Toys R Us in partnership with the Children's Miracle Network, MSU's Pediatrics Oncology Clinic and PACT (Putting Athletes and Community Together) - for area children living with cancer. For the second-straight year, Brown has been nominated to participate in the NCAA Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla.
Brown, a 6-1, 208-pound junior from West Bloomfield, Mich., had 23 receptions for 302 yards (13.1 avg.) in 2004. He caught a career-best six passes for 123 yards vs. Central Michigan, including a 44-yard TD grab from Stephen Reaves.
"We wish we had more student-athletes like Kyle Brown on our roster," Coach McElwain said. "Kyle works hard on and off the field. He also has a great sense of community and loves to give something back to the youth in our area. Kyle is a great representative for Michigan State University and Spartan football."
 Chad Simon, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, received the Potsy Ross Award as the team's top scholar-athlete. | |
Three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection Chad Simon, who sports a 3.53 grade-point average in finance, was presented the Potsy Ross Award as the team's top scholar-athlete. On Dec. 15, 2004, the 5-8, 194-pound running back received the John S. Pingel Award from the Michigan Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. The Pingel Award, named in honor of former Spartan All-America halfback and College Hall of Famer from Mt. Clemens, Mich., included a $1,000 post-graduate scholarship.
Simon, a fourth-year walk-on, ranked third on the special teams leaderboard with 156 production points in 2004. He appeared in all 12 games and recorded seven tackles, including six solo hits. The Saginaw, Mich., native also picked up 17 yards on five carries in limited action at running back.
"We're proud of what Chad Simon accomplished in the classroom and on the field," Coach Smith said. "Chad brought energy and enthusiasm to the field, and he applied himself equally in the academic arena. He will be a success in whatever he does."
Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year Derrick Johnson (Southfield, Mich.) and Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year Kyle Rowley (Oxford, Mich.) were named co-recipients of the Jim Adams Award as the team's unsung heroes.
A linebacker by trade, the 5-9, 226-pound Johnson saw action at fullback and running back for the scout team. He earned Scout Team Offensive Player of the Week honors four times in 2004 (vs. Rutgers, Indiana, Minnesota and Ohio State).
"Derrick Johnson brought a great work ethic and attitude to the practice field," Coach Cox said. "Scout team players don't get an ounce of credit, but Derrick made sure the defense got a good look at the opposing running back each week. He played a valuable role in our weekly preparation."
Rowley, a 5-10, 200-pound safety, won Scout Team Defensive Player of the Week honors three times (vs. Central Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota).
"You can certainly tell that Kyle Rowley is the son of a coach," Coach Smeland said. "Kyle came to the practice field with a smile on his face and a willingness to do whatever was asked."
 John Shinsky earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 1973 after recording 88 tackles, including 10 for losses. | |
Dr. John Shinsky, associate professor and department chairperson for leadership and human resources in the School of Education at Grand Valley State University, received the Duffy Daugherty Award. The award, named in honor of MSU's legendary head coach, has been presented annually since 1975 to a Spartan football alumnus who has distinguished himself both on and off the field following his graduation.
Shinsky earned three letters as a defensive tackle at Michigan State, playing two seasons for Coach Daugherty (1970 and '72) and one year for Denny Stolz ('73). A second-team All-Big Ten selection and Academic All-American in 1973, he recorded 88 tackles, including a team-best 10 for losses (54 yards). In 1972, Shinsky produced 94 tackles, including nine stops behind the line of scrimmage (64 yards). He was named United Press International's Midwest Lineman of the Week after collecting 12 tackles in MSU's 19-12 victory over fifth-ranked Ohio State in Spartan Stadium. Shinsky became one of three sophomores to earn a starting role in 1970, joining offensive guard Joe DeLamielleure and defensive back Brad Van Pelt, and contributed 21 tackles.
He received a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education from Michigan State in 1974. Shinsky added a master's degree in special education in 1977 and a Ph.D. in educational administration in 1983.
The 53-year-old Shinsky previously served as the area director for the Lansing School District (2000-01). He spent 19 years as the director of special education for the Lansing School District (1981-2000).
 Shinsky and his wife Cindy founded an oprhanage in Matamoros, Mexico, in 1999. | |
In 1999, Shinsky and his wife Cindy founded Ciudad de Ninos ("The City of Children"), an orphanage in Matamoros, Mexico. In March 2005, the couple plans to break ground for a new orphanage in Matamoros, Mexico.
He graduated from St. Joseph High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he earned numerous honors in football and wrestling. As a young boy, Shinsky spent four years in the Parmadale Orphanage in Cleveland.
Here's a complete list of awards presented at the 2004 Spartan Football Senior Awards Banquet:
Cowing Award (Senior Manager): Dan Gheesling (Dearborn Heights, Mich.)
Con Demos Managerial Scholarship: Brandon Dawe (Saint Louis, Mich.)
Jim Adams Award (Unsung Hero): Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year - RB Derrick Johnson; Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year - S Kyle Rowley
Potsy Ross Award (Scholar-Athlete): RB Chad Simon
Clarence J. Underwood Jr. Sportsmanship Award: WR Kyle Brown
Downtown Coaches Club Award (Outstanding Senior Offense): RB DeAndra Cobb
Downtown Coaches Club Award (Outstanding Senior Defense): LB Ronald Stanley
Downtown Coaches Club Award (Outstanding Senior Special Teams): LB Marshall Campbell
Captain's Award: WR Kyle Brown, DB Tyrell Dortch, FS Jason Harmon, LB Ronald Stanley
Biggie Munn Award (Most Inspirational): DB Tyrell Dortch
Duffy Daugherty Award (Distinguished Alumnus): Dr. John Shinsky
Governor's Award (Most Valuable Player): QB Drew Stanton
