February 1, 2003

NAPIER NAMED MVP AT FURMAN
FOOTBALL AWARDS BANQUET

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Quarterback Billy Napier was presented the Paladin (MVP) Award at Furman football's annual awards banquet held Saturday night on campus.

Napier, a senior All-Southern Conference performer from Chatsworth, Ga., threw for a school season record 2,475 yards and 16 touchdowns in helping Furman to an 8-4 record, fourth straight NCAA I-AA playoff appearance, and No. 9 final ranking in the Sports Network Poll in 2002. He also ranked second nationally in passing efficiency and finished his career as Furman's third all-time leading passer (4,756 yards).

The complete list of 2002 season award winners:

Paladin Award (MVP) -- Billy Napier
Best Receiver -- Bear Rinehart
Best Offensive Back -- Billy Napier
Best Offensive Lineman -- Steven Cain
Best Defensive Back -- Rodney Johnson
Best Defensive Lineman -- LeBryan Sperling
Best Linebacker -- Mike Killian
Specialist Award -- Danny Marshall
Hustle Award -- William Freeman
Christian Athlete Award -- Andrew Knight
Captains' Award -- Trevor Kruger
Freshman Award -- Justin Porter
Purple Heart Award -- Billy Napier
Academic Award -- Rodney Johnson
Robert B. King Award -- Justin Price and Andy Rump
Purple Pounder Award -- Wesley Bray