Rutgers football announced the winners of the spring awards on Saturday during the Scarlet-White Game.
Christian Dremel won the Mark Mills Second Effort Award for most improved offensive player. The former walk-on is a a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. He’s played 32 games in his career over four seasons. A special teams player and backup receiver has an opportunity to be part of the regular rotation in the pass game this coming season.
Mayan Ahanotu won the Douglas A. Smith Second Effort Award for most improved defensive player. A team captain last season, Ahanotu started three games and played in all 12 contests along the defensive line. He had nine tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and a pass breakup last season. He’s played in 34 straight games for Rutgers and is a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. Ahanotu has the opportunity to become a bigger contributor this fall for a defensive line. The past two winners of this award, Tyreem Powell and Deion Jennings, have become key players for the RU defense.
Reggie Sutton won the Frank Burns Award after practicing this spring in almost two years. Sutton suffered a season ending injury at Michigan during the 2021 campaign. He also missed the entire 2022 season. After starting 13 games on the offensive line and having played 22 career games, he is competing to get back on the field during the 2023 season. He is a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and former named honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. It’s great to see him honored as he continues to fight his way back from injury.
Here is more information on the significance of each award and the former players they honor.
Mark Mills Second Effort Award
Named in memory of former Scarlet Knight running back Mark Mills and awarded to the offensive player who through determination, dedication and hard work has shown the most improvement during the offseason and spring practices.
Douglas A. Smith Second Effort Award
Named in memory of former Scarlet Knight defensive tackle Doug Smith and awarded to the defensive player who through determination, dedication and hard work has shown the most improvement during the offseason and spring practices.
Frank R. Burns Award
Named after former Scarlet Knight All-America quarterback Frank Burns and awarded to the player who demonstrates extraordinary mental and physical toughness during the spring.
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