University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Honor Seniors At Football Banquet
December 6, 1999 | Football
Dec. 6, 1999
CHAPEL HILL --- Senior fullback Deon Dyer, senior punter Brian Schmitz and sophomore safety Billy-Dee Greenwood received dual honors as Most Valuable Players and Team Captains at the 1999 University of North Carolina team banquet held Sunday evening at the Smith Center.
Dyer was named the team's Most Valuable Player on offense. The Chesapeake, Va., native was also named Best All-Around Senior.
Schmitz, Greenwood and sophomore cornerback Errol Hood shared MVP honors on defense.
The players elected senior center Ryan Carfley as one of four permanent team captains along with Dyer, Greenwood and Schmitz.
Carolina was 3-8 this season, but won its final two games over arch-rivals NC State and Duke.
Former All-Atlantic Coast Conference defensive end Donnell Thompson spoke at the annual banquet. Thompson was a first-round pick by the Baltimore Colts in 1981 after leading the Tar Heels to an 11-1 record and ACC title his senior season. Thompson currently owns and operates seven hotels in the Southeast.
Senior offensive tackle Allen Mogridge received the William Rand Kenan Jr. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Academics, Athletics and Leadership. Mogridge was also the recipient of the Morris Mason Award for Excellence in Strength and Conditioning.
Wide receiver Sam Aiken and defensive end Julius Peppers shared the award for Most Outstanding Freshmen. Tight end Dauntae' Finger and safety David Bomar were named Most Improved Players.
The following players received awards for being the top player(s) at their respective positions: Dyer (offensive backfield), Jason Peace (wide receiver), Bryan Jones (offensive line), Peppers (defensive ends), Sherrod Peace (defensive tackle), Sedrick Hodge (linebacker), Hood (cornerback), Schmitz (special teams), place-kicker Josh McGee (special teams) and Greg Harris (special teams coverage).
Walk-on Pat Fox received the award for Most Team Spirit. Carfley, Peace and McGee, all who returned from knee injuries in 1998, received the John Lacey Award for Rehabilitation.
