Mark Mills Second Effort Award – OL Kwabena Asamoah
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.
In his third year in the program, Asamoah enters 2024 having played in 15 games with eight starts at guard on the offensive line. The Pickerington, Ohio, native debuted in 2022 with three starts as a true freshman before seeing action in 12 games last season. The Scarlet Knights led the Big Ten in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.08) and ranked fifth in the league in rushing (168.7) in 2023.
Douglas A. Smith Second Effort Award – DB Al-Shadee Salaam
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.
Salaam joined the Scarlet Knights as a running back, totaling 238 rushing yards on 63 attempts with three touchdowns. That included a go-ahead score with 2:43 remaining on a 22-yard run in his collegiate debut at Boston College. The East Orange, New Jersey, native transitioned to defensive back during the 2023 season, also contributing on special teams with five tackles overall.
Frank R. Burns Award – DB Timmy Ward
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.
After overcoming both Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and a torn ACL during his scholastic career, Ward originally joined the program as a student manager in 2021. He then tried out and made the team in 2022 and has seen action in 22 games over the last two seasons. A staple on special teams, Ward has scored two touchdowns off blocked punts, the first against No. 4 Michigan in 2022 and then capping last year with a go-ahead recovery in the end zone in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl win over Miami. The Canton, Pennsylvania, native was also honored as an Academic All-Big Ten selection.
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