Croom Announces Spring Performance Awards
STARKVILLE, Miss. ?€“ Mississippi State head football coach Sylvester Croom announced his spring 2006 player awards Thursday prior to the team's final off-season practice session.
Sophomore quarterback Michael Henig (Montgomery, Ala.) was named the most improved offensive player of the spring. A 6-1, 179-pounder, Henig started the final three games of the 2005 season at the signal-calling position. He completed 60-of-135 passes for 621 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions during his redshirt freshman campaign. This spring, Henig has completed 28-of-51 (.549) passing for 273 yards, four touchdowns and just one interception in two scrimmages.
Senior defensive tackle Antonio Johnson (Leland, Miss.) was named the most improved defensive player during the spring. A 6-3, 299-pounder, Johnson played in all 11 games during his junior season after transferring to State from Mississippi Delta Community College. He made 15 tackles a year ago as a top reserve on the defensive line. He registered two tackles in the first spring scrimmage.
Senior halfback Derek Ambrose (New Orleans, La.) earned the program's Bulldog Award, an honor given annually to the player who displayed the greatest work ethic, leadership ability, and character during the four-week spring session. He suffered a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament on the first play of the third game last year and applied for a sixth-year of eligibility. Ambrose rushed 15 times for 90 yards in limited action a year ago, and has rebounded from his injury and subsequent rehabilitation to rush 14 times for 71 yards and a touchdown in two spring scrimmages.
The Bulldogs conclude Croom's third spring practice period with their annual Maroon and White scrimmage, Saturday, April 8. The game will kick off at 12 noon at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field as part of Super Bulldog Weekend activities.