Buss and Jensen named Griz 2017 MVPs

Linebacker Josh Buss and quarterback Gresch Jensen have been named the University of Montana's 2017 Steve Carlson Award co-winners for Griz football's most valuable players on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

Montana head coach Bob Stitt and his staff presented the awards on Sunday, Nov. 19, at the team's annual banquet at the Doubletree Hotel in Missoula.

Buss, a junior from Boise, Idaho, and nominee for the STATS Buck Buchanan Award won his second-consecutive defensive MVP award for the Griz as one of the top tacklers in the Big Sky Conference.

He is one of only eight Grizzlies to win back-to-back MVP awards since the award's inception in 1977, and the first defensive player to win twice in consecutive seasons since Jason Crebo in 1996-97.

Jensen, a redshirt freshman from Auburn, Washington, and nominee for the STATS FCS Jerry Rice Award, was thrust into the starting quarterback role after senior Reese Phillips went down to injury.

In seven games as a starter, Jensen became one of the top passers in the nation, and the best freshman QB to ever play for the Grizzlies. He is also the first freshman in Montana history to receive the Steve Carlson MVP award.

Senior Makena Simis was presented a pair of awards, winning the Pat Norwood Award for the team's most inspirational player, and Offseason MVP award for transforming his body and adding more than 30 pounds to his frame during his transition from quarterback to receiver.

Safety Justin Strong was presented the Golden Helmet Award for the team's hardest hitter for a second-straight year.

Dante Olson also earned the Hauck Family Special Teams Player of the Year Award for a second-straight season after leading the team in special teams tackles.

After leading the Big Sky in tackles for loss and forced fumbles, #37 Tucker Schye was presented the Larry Miller Award for outstanding defensive lineman.

On an offensive line loaded with senior standouts, tackle David Reese was presented the Paul Weskamp Award for outstanding offensive lineman after making 46-straight starts for the Griz.

Montana's leading receiver and the No. 4 receiver in the Big Sky in touchdown catches Keenan Curran was presented the Terry Dillon Award for outstanding back or receiver.

Defensive Tackle Reggie Tilleman was presented the Tony Barbour Award for the player who best exemplifies outstanding practice habits and makes an unselfish contribution to the betterment of Griz Football.

Future Griz stars Nate Dick and Braydon Deming from Billings, and Nick Fouch from Woodinville, Wash., were each presented with Scout Team Player of the Year Awards as well.

2017 Grizzly Football Award Recipients

Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year, presented by: Coach Hall

Winner: Nate Dick

Defensive Scout Team co-Players of the Year, presented by: Coach Manke

Winners: Nick Fouch, Braydon Deming

Offseason MVP, presented by: Coach Nicholson

Winner: Makena Simis

Hauck Family Special Teams Player of the Year Award, presented by: Coach Niekamp

Winner: Dante Olson

Terry Dillon Award, presented by: Coach Ferriter

Honoring the outstanding back or receiver – was established in 1964 following the accidental death of former Grizzly Terry Dillon.

Winner: Keenan Curran

Tony Barbour Award, presented by: Coach Hendricks

Given in memory of a loyal Grizzly fan. It is presented annually to a UM player "who best exemplifies outstanding practice habits and makes an unselfish contribution to the betterment of the Grizzly Football Team."

Winner: Reggie Tilleman

Paul Weskamp Award, presented by: Coach Germer

Established in memory of Paul Weskamp, a tackle on Ed Chinske's 1954 Grizzly Team. The award honors UM's outstanding offensive lineman and was established by citizens of Ronan.

Winner: David Reese

Larry Miller Award, presented by: Coach Hendricks

In memory of Hall of Fame Grizzly defensive lineman and wrestler who was an All-American for UM in 1969 and 1970. Miller died in an automobile accident in 1974.

Winner: Tucker Schye

Golden Helmet Award, presented by: Coach Schillinger

Honors the hardest hitter on the team. It was set up on a nation-wide basis by Coca-Cola in 1967.

Winner: Justin Strong

Pat Norwood Award, presented by: Coach Ferriter

Pat Norwood was a four-year starter at offensive tackle for the Grizzlies (1979-82) from Billings who died of cancer in 1983. This award is given to the most inspirational player, who oftentimes had to overcome an injury or obstacle.

Winner: Makena Simis

11.Steve Carlson MVP Awards
Given to the team's most valuable players (offensive and defensive) in memory of the former Grizzly football player who died in 1977.

Presented by: Coach Semore – Winner: Josh Buss
Presented by: Coach Selle – Winner: Gresch Jensen

University of Montana Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Josh Buss

Keenan Curran

Braydon Deming

Nate Dick

Nick Fouch

Gresch Jensen

Dante Olson

Reese Phillips

David Reese

Tucker Schye

Makena Simis

Justin Strong

Reggie Tilleman

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