MADISON, Wis. — In a season that has seen the Badgers benefit from leadership throughout their ranks, Leo Musso's contributions still stood out clearly to his coaches and teammates.
The senior safety was named the recipient of the Jimmy Demetral Team MVP award Friday as honors were handed out during the Wisconsin football team's annual banquet at Union South. Musso headlined a list of winners that included nine of the Badgers' 12 seniors, a group that has matched the school record for the most wins (40) by a senior class.
Selected for the MVP award by a vote of UW's players and coaches, Musso was integral to a secondary that led the nation in interceptions during the regular season with 21, UW's highest total since 2002. He has contributed a team-high five interceptions to the cause, tying for the second-best mark in the Big Ten and the ninth-most by any FBS player this season.
The Waunakee native also returned a fumble for a touchdown and has contributed 65 tackles, including 3.0 for loss, to rank second on the team in total stops. Beyond the numbers, though, Musso's leadership has been invaluable to a Badgers team that has posted a 10-3 record, won the Big Ten West Division and earned a spot in the Cotton Bowl.
"We've been fortunate to have a bunch of guys step up into leadership roles for us," head coach Paul Chryst said. "What you appreciate about Leo is that he's someone who has always led by example but also hasn't been afraid to speak up when he feels like his voice is needed. He has everyone's respect. He's been a great player for our defense and a great leader for our program."
Junior outside linebacker T.J. Watt was voted the team's Defensive Player of the Year for a season in which he led the Big Ten Conference in sacks, with 10.5, and ranked seventh in tackles for loss, with 14.5. A major contributor to a unit that ranks No. 4 nationally in scoring defense, at 15.5 points per game, Watt earned consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors in his first season as a starter at outside linebacker.
Senior running back Corey Clement was named Offensive Player of the Year after becoming the 17th player in school history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Clement leads the Big Ten in rushing, at 108.7 yards per game, and has scored 14 touchdowns on the year. He ranks 12th all-time in rushing at Wisconsin, with 3,021 yards, and ninth in scoring, with 37 total touchdowns.
Senior long snapper Connor Udelhoven took home Special Teams Player of the Year honors. Udelhoven has snapped on UW's field goal unit for four years and has handled all of the Badgers' snaps over the last two seasons.
For just the second time, a pair of Badgers shared the Ivan Williamson Scholastic Award. Seniors Eric Steffes and Serge Trezy were presented the honor, which last went to two recipients in 1982, when Kyle Borland and Tim Stracka shared it. Steffes, who earned his bachelor's degree in kinesiology, is completing a master's degree in the same field of study. Trezy will graduate this month with a degree in human development and family studies. The Ivan Williamson Scholastic Award has been handed out each season since 1955. Only the Badgers' team MVP award has a longer history, dating back to 1926.
Senior quarterback Bart Houston earned the Wayne Sousa Coaches Appreciation Award, which is presented to a player who contributes to the team's success with attitude and willingness to help the program in all areas.
On defense, the Jay Seiler Coaches Appreciation Award went to senior outside linebacker and team captain Vince Biegel.
The Tom Wiesner Award went to senior running back and team captain Dare Ogunbowale, a former walk-on. The honor is presented annually in honor of Wiesner – a letterwinner from 1958-60 – to "Wisconsin-born players whose loyalty, hard work, spirit and dedication are unselfishly directed to the success of the team."
The Badger Power Award, presented to a player who consistently performs at a high level in all aspects of the Badgers' strength and conditioning program, went to junior defensive lineman Conor Sheehy.
The Most Improved Player awards went to offensive sophomore center Michael Deiter and junior left tackle Ryan Ramczyk on offense, sophomore linebacker Ryan Connelly and senior cornerback Sojourn Shelton on defense, and sophomore kicker P.J. Rosowski on special teams.
Sophomore wide receiver Ricky Finco was named Offensive Scout Player of the Year for his work on the Badgers' practice squad, with freshman linebacker Mike Maskalunas earning Defensive Scout Player of the Year honors.
The Badgers also recognized their 24 Academic All-Big Ten selections and 17 players that earned All-Big Ten honors.
Jimmy Demetral Team MVP
Presented annually to the player most instrumental to the success of the team, as selected by his teammates and coaches.
Offensive Player of the Year
Presented annually to the top player on offense, as selected by the coaching staff.
Defensive Player of the Year
Presented annually to the top player on defense, as selected by the coaching staff.
Special Teams Player of the Year
Presented annually to the most valuable player on special teams, as selected by the coaching staff.
Ivan Williamson Scholastic Award
Presented annually to a player who has been exemplary in the areas of scholarship and sportsmanship.
Most Improved Player
Presented to the players on offense, defense and special teams whose work ethic and dedication led to improvement on the field.
Scout Team Player of the Year - Offense
Presented annually to the offensive player who excelled on the scout team in preparing the defense for each week's game.
Scout Team Player of the Year - Defense
Presented annually to the defensive player who excelled on the scout team in preparing the offense for each week's game.
Wayne Souza Coaches Appreciation
Presented annually to the offensive player who has contributed to the team's success to the best of his abilities. It is based upon improvement, attitude and willingness to help the program in all areas.
Jay Seiler Coaches Appreciation
Presented annually to the defensive player who has contributed to the team's success to the best of his abilities. It is based upon improvement, attitude and willingness to help the program in all areas.
Tom Wiesner Award
Presented annually to a Wisconsin-born student-athlete whose loyalty, hard work, spirit and dedication are unselfishly directed to the success of the team. The award is given in memory of Wiesner, a Wisconsin football letterwinner (1958-60).
Badger Power Award
Presented annually to the player that consistently performs at a high level in all aspects of the strength and conditioning program. An individual who has a great work ethic coupled with a positive attitude that garners the respect of teammates, is dependable, buys into the program and shows constant improvement.
