Dec. 6, 2015
San Jose, Calif.----- Record-setting running back Tyler Ervin was named San Jose State University's recipient of the Alan B. Simpkins Most Valuable Player award at the team's annual banquet at the Dolce Hayes Mansion.
During the 2015 regular-season, Ervin set single-game and career records as the Spartans' leading rusher with 1,469 yards, 2,410 all-purpose yards, and a team best 15 touchdowns. The first-team All-Mountain West selection ranks second nationally in all-purpose running for the season and is the leader among active players with 5,919 all-purpose yards. Ervin is the only Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) player this season with two games rushing for more than 250 yards with his school-record 300 yards against Fresno State and 263 yards versus New Mexico.
Quarterback Kenny Potter, the Mountain West's most accurate passer, was named the Outstanding Offensive Player. Potter completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 1,895 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushed for 346 yards and six scores.
Defensive back Cleveland Wallace, III, received the Outstanding Defensive Player award. The two-time All-Mountain selection shared the team lead with three pass interceptions, was second on the squad with seven pass break-ups and was in on 43 tackles.
Other award winners included tight end Billy Freeman, Comeback Player Award; cornerback Jimmy Pruitt, Outstanding Senior Award; linebacker Christian Tago, Most Inspirational Player; wide receiver Tim Crawley, Academic Achievement Award, safety Simon Connette, Brent Evans Most Courageous Award; linebacker Frank Ginda, Lawry Jasper Outstanding Freshman Award.
Wes Schweitzer was named Outstanding Offensive Lineman; Tony Popovich, Outstanding Defensive Lineman; and punter Michael Carrizosa, Outstanding Special Teams Player. Quarterback Mitch Ravizza, defensive lineman Trevor Bloom and defensive back Jermaine Kelly received Scout Team Player of the Year awards.