Tuitama, Thomas named co-MVPs for UA’s offense
by Citizen Staff Report on Jan. 31, 2009, under Sports
Former UA quarterback Willie Tuitama
Not only was the T&T passing combination of Willie Tuitama and Mike Thomas explosive for years, it also helped Arizona go 8-5 this season and beat BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl in the school’s first postseason game in 10 years.
So it seems only fitting the two seniors were named co-offensive MVPs at UA’s football awards banquet Friday night at Westin La Paloma.
Tuitama, who completed 65 percent of his passes for 3,088 yards and 23 touchdowns this season, is UA’s all-time record for career and single-season completions, attempts, TDs and yards. Thomas, who had 74 receptions for 825 yards and four TDs in 2008, is the Pac-10′s all-time leading career receiver with 259 catches.
Senior linebacker Ronnie Palmer was named the defensive MVP, leading the team with 85 tackles, including 11 for losses.
Senior place-kicker Jason Bondzio, who made 14 of 16 field goal tries, was the special teams honoree.
Junior tackle Eben Britton and senior guard Joe Longacre shared the linemen honors, while senior safety Nate Ness was named the top defensive back.
The award winners will set their sights on the NFL draft on April 25-26. Britton gave up his senior season and hired an agent.
Tuitama
Thomas
