University of Albany Wide Receiver Tim Bush Receives Football's Most Valuable Player Award For 2009 Season - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany's Tim Bush received the 2009 most valuable player award at the football program's postseason awards banquet, held at the Campus Center Ballroom. He was voted the team's top receiver for the second consecutive year. UAlbany (7-4) finished second in the Northeast Conference standings and won seven or more games for fourth season in a row.

Bush, a senior wide receiver, caught 63 passes for 861 yards and three touchdowns. He had four 100-yard receiving games, tying the second-best single-season total in the program's history. Bush, a first-team All-Northeast Conference selection for the second time this season, established a school record for career receptions (147), breaking a standard that was previously held by Dan Gmelin (1994-97).

Justin Gannon, a senior tailback, earned the most valuable special teams award, while Vince Gonzales, a junior offensive tackle, was named most improved player. Gannon, a second-team All-NEC kick returner, led the team with 1,110 all-purpose yards. He finished 12th among the 2009 Division I FCS leaders with a 12.5 punt return average. After moving from guard to tackle in the preseason, Gonzales, a 6-foot-4, 275-pound athlete, was an 11-game starter at left tackle on the offensive line.

Justin Brancaccio (linebacker) and Dave Casale (defensive back) received awards for the second consecutive year. Brancaccio, a first-team All-NEC choice, led the Great Danes with 94 tackles, including nine for losses. He concluded his career ranked eighth on the school's all-time tackles chart (261). Casale, a first-team all-league free safety, totaled 77 tackles, six pass break-ups, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and two recoveries. He had 11 career interceptions, sixth among UAlbany's all-time leaders.

Center Kevin Richards and right guard Andy Sparano shared the team's top offensive lineman award. The Great Danes' attack averaged 26.5 points and 341.3 total yards. Tony Sparano was voted best defensive lineman after he accounted for 33 tackles, 3.0 sacks and two fumble recoveries as a senior. The Sparano brothers are the sons of the Miami Dolphins' head coach.

Senior tailback David McCarty picked up his third award as the top offensive back. Despite an injury-plagued campaign, McCarty rushed for 934 yards and nine touchdowns and was voted to the All-NEC squad for the third consecutive year. He completed his career as the school's all-time leader in rushing yards (4,287), all-purpose running yards (4,976) and 100-yard rushing games (24).


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information