True freshman kicker Maikon Bonani was highlighted by the Lou Groza Award for this game-winning performance last week. The Groza picks three players for their weekly award throughout the college football season.
Bonani missed his first ever attempt at the college level early in the game but hit the next three including the game winner with no time left on the clock to give the Bulls a 37-34 upset win over the Kansas Jayhawks last Friday at Tampa. Bonani who was kicking in his first collegiate game scored on kicks of 34, 23 and 43 yards. USF Coach Jim Leavitt had a hunch to start the freshman over junior Delbert Alvarado, the Bulls starter the previous two years, and the Brazilian native from Lake Wales, Florida validated the decision.
The Lou Groza Award goes to the top collegiate kicker each year.
George Selvie picked up the national defensive honor from the Lott Trophy. Selvie was on the preseason Lott Trophy watch list.
Selvie broke up three passes and recorded a sack while constantly harassing quarterback Todd Reesing of Kansas in the Bulls’ electrifying 37-34 win last week. South Florida will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Selvie’s performance.
Selvie (6-4, 242, Pensacola, Fl.), an All-American last season, was selected by The Legends Football Coaches Association. Former Arkansas Head Coach Frank Broyles, an LFCA member, commented on Selvie’s play: "George Selvie was the player of the weekend. Selvie was playing out there on the edge and pressuring the quarterback all night long. He made big play after big play and South Florida probably wouldn't have won that close game without his outstanding play."
Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.