LOS ANGELES – The UCLA football program held its annual awards banquet Sunday afternoon at the Luskin Conference Center, as the coaching staff recognized the accomplishments of the 2018 team in front of special invited guests.
Former Bruin quarterback and current UCLA Radio Network from IMG sideline reporter Wayne Cook served as master of ceremonies. Head coach Chip Kelly delivered the closing remarks with a nod to the character of the team and an acknowledgement of the groundwork laid by the departing seniors.
The Nick Pasquale "Pac" Award for scout-team excellence went to Zack Huffstutter and Austin Burton. Huffstutter, a defensive back from West Linn, Ore., was lauded for his ability and willingness to work with all three lines of defense in his first season as a Bruin. Burton, meanwhile, garnered praise for his enthusiasm in leading the offense through training sessions.
Redshirt sophomore Dymond Lee, who is already a five-time member of the Athletic Director's Honor Roll, was awarded the Jackie R. Robinson Award for his poise in the classroom. The wide receiver also had an increased role on the field in 2018, making the first five starts of his career.
In recognition of his "fanatical effort over time," linebacker Krys Barnes picked up the Iron Bruin Award from Football Performance Coordinator Frank Wintrich. Barnes took a leap forward in 2018, tallying 12 starts and 85 tackles from his inside-linebacker spot. The junior starred in the Bruins' Nov. 17 win over crosstown rival USC, as he registered a team-high 11 tackles, as well as a pass breakup on the Trojans' final offensive play.
Wide receiver Christian Pabico's determination was rewarded with his selection as the Jerry Long "Heart" Award winner. Pabico came to UCLA as a walk-on in 2014 and was awarded a scholarship prior to the 2018 campaign. He started a career-high six games in his senior season, totaling 13 catches and 140 receiving yards.
Responsible for a team-high 77 points scored on the year, kicker JJ Molson received the Tommy Prothro Award for his expertise on special teams. The junior converted 14 of 19 field-goal attempts and was a perfect 35 for 35 on extra points in 2018. At Colorado on Sept. 28, Molson converted the first 50-yard field goal of his career. The Montreal, QC, Canada native was also responsible for kickoffs.
The Kenneth S. Washington Award for the most outstanding senior went to quarterback Wilton Speight. Position coach Dana Bible pointed to the impact Speight made on and off the field in his few short months on campus, illustrated by the graduate transfer's leadership shown in UCLA's 34-27 win over USC. Speight threw for 1,527 yards and six touchdowns over seven games and rushed for two more scores.
Running back Joshua Kelley was awarded the Henry R. "Red" Sanders Award as UCLA's most valuable player. The UC Davis transfer who earned a scholarship in fall camp rushed 225 times for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first season as a Bruin. He registered at least one touchdown in each of the final eight games of the season. Kelley's standout performance came on the biggest stage, as he rushed 40 times for 289 yards and two touchdowns to help UCLA claim the Victory Bell back from USC. The yardage total is the most amassed in the 88-game series.
For his ability to balance athletic and academic endeavors, redshirt junior Caleb Wilson was named the recipient of the Ed "Coach K" Kezirian Award. A six-time member of the Athletic Director's Honor Roll, Wilson was also a model of consistency on the field in 2018 as the nation's current leader in tight end receiving yards at 965. He was also the team leader in receptions with 60 and the co-leader (Theo Howard) in receiving touchdowns with four. Wilson also eclipsed the school records for receptions and receiving yards by a tight end, previously held by Marcedes Lewis since 2005.
The final award of the day went to redshirt senior Adarius Pickett, who collected the prestigious Bobby Field Captains' Award. The Richmond, Calif. native's intelligence received glowing reviews from defensive backs coach Paul Rhoads, who saw the standout defensive back pile up a team-high 123 tackles on the season. Pickett led the team in stops nine times in 12 contests and also snagged two interceptions.
The UCLA senior class of players recognized over the weekend consisted of Pabico, Speight, Pickett, Stefan Flintoft, Soso Jamabo, Stephen Johnson III, Nate Meadors, Bolu Olorunfunmi and Andrew Strauch.