Brigham Harwell, Terrence Austin named MVPs

UCLA held its annual football awards banquet Wednesday at the Beverly Hilton. Brigham Harwell was named defensive MVP and Terrence Austin was named offensive MVP.

Harwell, a team captain and key part of a stout defensive unit, was named second-team All-Pac-10 after making 53 tackles, including six for a loss. Austin had some gaudy stats, setting UCLA season records for all-purpose yards (1,878), kickoff return yards (1,109) and kickoff returns (46). He ranked 16th in the NCAA in all-purpose yardage.

Kevin Craft was named the team's best leader on offense. The redshirt junior had a rough season (seven touchdowns, 20 interceptions and 32 sacks) when he was thrust into a starting role after the Bruins' top two quarterbacks were lost to injuries. Considering his performance, the fact that he just stepped onto campus last spring, and that he seems like a quiet guy, it's an interesting selection. He'll be challenged for the starting role next year, but maybe this means he's got a decent leg up on the competition.

More than 20 Bruins were honored with awards:

• Charles Pike Memorial Award for Outstanding Scout Team Player: Offense: running back Johnathan Franklin, running back Milton Knox; Defense: end Damien Holmes, tackle Justin Mann
• Jack. R. Robinson Award for Highest Scholarship of a Senior Player: punter Aaron Perez
• N.N. Sugarman Award for Best Leadership: Offense: quarterback Kevin Craft; Defense: linebacker Reggie Carter
• Captain Don Brown Memorial Award for Most Improved Player: Offense: tackle Mike Harris; Defense: cornerback Michael Norris
• John Boncheff Jr. Memorial Award for Rookie of the Year: Offense: wide receiver Taylor Embree; Defense: linebacker Akeem Ayers, safety Rahim Moore
• Ed Kezirian "Coach K" Award for Academic and Athletic Excellence: offensive tackle Jeff Baca
• Tommy Prothro Award for Outstanding Special Teams Player: place kicker Kai Forbath, safety Glenn Love, punter Aaron Perez
• Kenneth S. Washington Award for Outstanding Senior: defensive tackle Brigham Harwell
• George W. Dickerson Award for Outstanding Offensive Player vs. USC: running back Kahlil Bell
• Donn Moomaw Award for Outstanding Defensive Player vs. USC: tackle Brian Price
• Paul I. Wellman Memorial Award for All-Around Excellence: Offense: tight end Ryan Moya; Defense: cornerback Alterraun Verner
• Jerry Long "Heart" Award: Offense: wide receiver Marcus Everett; Defense: end Korey Bosworth
• Henry R. "Red" Sanders Award for Most Valuable Player: Offense: wide receiver Terrence Austin; Defense: tackle Brigham Harwell

—Adam Rose

Photo: Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times