BYU Football: Did you know? (Freshman/Newcomer of the Year Awards)

It was pointed out yesterday on this site that former Brigham Young Cougars football players Harvey Unga and Austin Collie were the Mountain West Conference (MWC) Freshman of the Year. Just last season, wide receiver Ross Apo was named the Yahoo! Sports Independent Freshman of the Year.
Did you know that seven BYU players have won freshman or newcomer of the year awards?
The seven players are:

Ross Apo—2011 Yahoo! Sports Independent Freshman of the Year*
Harvey Unga—2007 MWC Freshman of the Year
Austin Collie—2004 MWC Freshman of the Year
Luke Staley—1999 MWC Freshman of the Year
Jaron Dabney—1997 WAC Mountain Division Freshman of the Year**
Ronney Jenkins—1996 WAC Mountain Division Freshman of the Year**
Paul Linford—1972 WAC Newcomer of the Year***

* Yahoo! Sports is the only major media outlet that designates an Independent Freshman of the Year.

** From 1996-98 the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) had two eight-team divisions. All-conference and player/coach of the year awards were done on a division basis as opposed to the full 16-team conference.

*** Linford was a sophomore in 1972, but was considered a newcomer because prior to 1972 NCAA rules prohibited freshmen from playing varsity football.

The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com

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