Dec. 11, 2005

LAS VEGAS - Two of UNLV football's three most valuable players will be back next year as the Rebels held their annual postseason banquet at the Renaissance Hotel on Sunday.

The only non-returnee is senior Greg Estandia of Moorpark, Calif., who was named 2005 UNLV Offensive MVP. The tight end led his team in receptions (49), receiving yards (563) and tied in touchdowns with seven. The Second Team All-Mountain West Conference honoree was the first tight end to lead UNLV in catches since 1972 and his TD total was a school record for his position. The John Mackey Award National Tight End of the Week on Oct. 26 also brought home the Bill "Wildcat" Morris Most Inspirational Award and one of four Team Captain Awards.

The squad's defensive MVP honor went to Howie Fuimaono. The junior defensive lineman was honorable mention All-MWC after turning in a career-high 4.5 tackles for loss and 21 takedowns overall despite battling injuries. The native of Chula Vista, Calif., also recovered two fumbles, forced another and broke up a pass.

The UNLV Special Teams MVP was sophomore place-kicker Sergio Aguayo. A native of San Jacinto, Calif., Aguayo was a two-time MWC Special Teams Player of the Week and was a Lou Groza Award Star of the Week on Oct. 11 after booting two 52-yard field goals to tie and then defeat San Diego State. Having also kicked a game-winner vs. Idaho earlier in the year, Aguayo finished the season 12-16 in field goals and 21-22 in extra points along with kicking off for the first time.

Other honors handed out Sunday included two more senior team captains: offensive tackle Jesse Knight received the Rene Arceneaux Award, which is given to a player who has demonstrated exemplary improvement in academic progress; while defensive lineman Isaiah Tafua took home the Robert Cline Award, which annually goes to a senior who demonstrated a strong commitment to his team, university and community while also showing good sportsmanship on the field.

Another Second Team All-MWC honoree and team captain, safety Joe Miklos, earned the "Doc" Tobler Senior Award, which is given to the final-year player who brings the highest credit to himself and the university. Miklos, who wore the prestigious Wiesner Award patch on his jersey this fall, led the league in fumble recoveries with four and his team in tackles (98) and interceptions (two).

Senior defensive end Pete Dunbar picked up the Jack Gilmore Coaches Award, which is given to a former walk-on player who excelled on the field, while the team's Scholar-Athlete of the Year was freshman defender Jacob Hales (3.82 GPA). Also, linebacker Bobby Kelly won the inaugural Rebel Spirit Award, which goes to the senior who exhibited toughness, positive attitude and a strong commitment to his teammates.

2005 UNLV FOOTBALL AWARDS
Most Valuable Player - Offense   Greg Estandia, TE, Senior
Most Valuable Player - Defense   Howie Fuimaono, DL, Junior
Most Valuable Players - Special Teams                                 Sergio Aguayo, PK, Sophomore
Rene Arceneaux Award             Jesse Knight, OL, Senior
Robert Cline Award               Isaiah Tufua, DL, Senior
Jack Gilmore Coaches Award       Pete Dunbar, DE, Senior
Bill "Wildcat" Morris Most Inspirational Award                                 Greg Estandia, TE, Senior
"Doc" Tobler Senior Award        Joe Miklos, DB, Senior
Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year                                 Mario Jeberaeel, OL, Freshman
Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year                                 Jason Beauchamp, LB, Freshman
Special Teams Scout Team Player of the Year                                 Marquel Martin, DB, Freshman
Rebel Spirit Award               Bobby Kelly, LB, Senior
Scholar-Athlete of the Year      Jacob Hales, DL, Freshman
Captains Award                   Greg Estandia, TE, Senior                                 Jesse Knight, OL, Senior                                 Joe Miklos, DB, Senior                                 Isaiah Tufua, DL, Senior