The following is the press release about the event from Cal Media Relations and CalBears.com:
Among the notable honorees, senior running back Justin Forsett was selected as the Offensive MVP, while senior safety Thomas DeCoud was honored as the Defensive MVP.
Forsett garnered three awards (Stub Allison Most Inspirational, Most Valuable Back and Offensive MVP), and also received three standing ovations from the audience. The 5-8 product from Arlington, Texas has produced 1,406 yards on the ground third-most in school history for a single season. His 13 rushing touchdowns are not only tied for the most in the conference, they also are the third-most for a single season in program history.
A member of the football team since 2003, DeCoud enjoyed his best season in a Cal uniform in 2007, registering a team-best 106 tackles to go along with a sack, an interception, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles. DeCoud was also bestowed with the Andy Smith Award (player with the most Big C time), the Most Valuable Back Award and the Court Majors Award (team captain).
Cal will play in a fifth straight bowl game for the first time in program history as the Golden Bears will battle Air Force in the 2007 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 31. The game will be televised live by ESPN from Amon G. Carter Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time (11:30 a.m. Central).
2007 California Football Team Awards
Dink Artal Award (player best exemplifying Cal spirit) John Allen
Ken Harvey Award (player showing special academic commitment and improvement) Lavelle Hawkins
Frank J. Schlessinger Coaches Award (player who demonstrates outstanding athletic ability, academic success and community service) Craig Stevens
Ken Cotton Award (most courageous players) Mike Gibson, Matt Malele
Stub Allison Award (most inspirational player) Justin Forsett
Joe Roth Award (player best exemplifying courage, attitude and sportsmanship) Justin Moye
Andy Smith Award (player with the most Big C time) Thomas DeCoud
Strength Awards
Senior Lifter of the Year: Greg Van Hoesen
Freshman Lifter of the Year: Brock Mansion
Scout Team Player of the Year Honors: Sam DeMartinis, Michael Calvin, D.J. Campbell, D.J. Holt, John Tyndall, Will Kapp
Berkeley Breakfast Club Award (outstanding players of the Big Game)
Offense: Robert Jordan
Defense: Zack Follett
Everett Merriman Award (player demonstrating a commitment of community service) Tom Schneider
Most Improved Players: Julian Arthur, Brandon Hampton
Bob Simmons Award (most valuable freshman) Jahvid Best
Most Valuable Backs: Justin Forsett, Thomas DeCoud
Brick Muller Award (most valuable lineman):
Offense: Alex Mack
Defense: Tyson Alualu
Cort Majors Award (team captains): Craig Stevens, Tomas DeCoud
Pappy Waldorf Coaches Award: Greg Van Hoesen
Special Recognition: Robert Jordan
Bear Backer Awards (MVPs, voted by the team): Justin Forsett, Thomas DeCoud