Jake Olson, the 12-year-old Trojan fan who valiantly fought through eye cancer before losing his vision this fall, presented Stafon Johnson with the Most Inspirational Player Award, giving an eloquently moving speech to recognize the senior tailback with the honor.
"This Trojan has soared to unbelievable heights this year," Olson said before Johnson came to the stage to accept the award and whisper into the microphone, "Fight on, and God has a plan."
The rest of the season-ending banquet in front of roughly 600 at the L.A. Live theater flowed more normally, as numerous individuals were honored for their contributions to the 2009 Trojans. Wideout/punt returner Damian Williams, who led USC with 58 receptions for 821 yards and six touchdowns was chosen by teammates as 2009 Most Valuable Player. Williams also averaged 15.4 yards per punt return and had two return touchdowns.
Sixth-year senior Jeff Byers was named offensive lineman of the year, while Christian Tupou and Jurrell Casey shared defensive linemen of the year honors. Senior quarterback/wideout Garrett Green was recognized as special teams player of the year. And, for the third consecutive year, Green also won the Howard Jones/Football Alumni Club Academic Award for having the highest GPA on the team.
The night wasn't lacking thrills. Cedric the Entertainer performed standup comedy and linebacker Marquis Simmons led a rendition of "Lean on Me" -- along with the tear-jerking presentation of Johnson's award by Jake Olson.
Here's a look at the full list of winners from the 2009 USC football awards ceremony on Sunday night:
- Most Valuable Player: Wideout/punt returner Damian Williams
- Most Inspirational Player: Tailback Stafon Johnson
- Linemen of the year: Center/guard Jeff Byers (offense); defensive tackles Christian Tupou and Jurrell Casey (defense)
- Special teams player of the year: Quarterback/wideout Garrett Green
- Service team players of the year: Center Michael Reardon (offense); linebacker Marquis Simmons (defense)
- Player of the game versus Notre Dame: Tight end Anthony McCoy
- Player of the game versus UCLA: Tailback Allen Bradford
- Jack Oakie "Rise and Shine" Award (year's biggest hit): Safety Taylor Mays
- Howard Jones/Football Alumni Club Academic Award: Quarterback/wideout Garrett Green
- Bob Chandler Award (underclassman with outstanding athletic ability, academic achievement and character): Defensive tackle Christian Tupou
- John McKay Award (underclassman with the most competitive spirit): Linebacker Devon Kennard
- Courage Award: Cornerback Josh Pinkard
- Co-Lifters Award: Offensive lineman Jeff Byers, safety Will Harris, safety Taylor Mays
- Recognition of the 22 graduating seniors
Here are some photos from the 2009 USC football awards ceremony at Club Nokia at L.A. Live:
Coach Carroll speaks to the crowd during USC's end-of-the-year awards ceremony on Sunday night at Club Nokia.
Defensive line coach Jethro Franklin addresses the crowd of about 600 at Club Nokia.
Stafon Johnson, flanked by Jake Olson, speaks to the audience after receiving USC's Most Inspirational Player Award on Sunday night.
