Gala awards announced

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Senior quarterback Aaron Murray of Tampa, Fla., junior linebacker Amarlo Herrera of College Park, senior free safety Connor Norman of Duluth and junior linebacker Kosta Vavlas of Tarpon Springs, Fla., took home the top awards at the University of Georgia football annual team Gala Saturday night at the Classic Center in Athens.

Murray was named recipient of the Vince Dooley Most Valuable Player Award, and he was also voted the team's Most Valuable Offensive Player. Herrera claimed Most Valuable Defensive Player honors, while Norman and Vavlas were named Most Valuable Players for special teams.

Junior tackle Kolton Houston of Buford was named winner of the David Jacobs Award as the player who, by example, portrayed courage, spirit, character and determination.

Murray was also named the team's overall permanent captain for 2013. Senior tight end Arthur Lynch of Dartmouth, Mass., was elected as the team's offensive captain, senior defensive end Garrison Smith was chosen as the defensive captain, and Norman was named the special teams captain.

The Leon Farmer Awards for dedication to the strength and conditioning program were presented to Murray and Herrera. Outstanding Scout Team Awards went to Vavlas, junior cornerback Tristan Askew of Kent, Wash., redshirt freshman flanker Clay Johnson of Calhoun and senior strong safety Austin Herod of Woodstock.

Most Improved Player Awards were presented to senior split end Rhett McGowan of Calhoun, senior tight end Hugh Williams of Atlanta, junior linebacker Ramik Wilson of Tampa, senior fullback Corey Campbell of Hephzibah and sophomore placekicker Marshall Morgan of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Newcomer of the Year Award winners were freshmen tailbacks J.J. Green of Kingsland and Brendan Douglas of Augusta, freshman linebacker Leonard Floyd of Eastman, redshirt sophomore nose guard Chris Mayes of Griffin and freshman free safety Quincy Mauger of Marietta.

Coaches Leadership Awards went to junior center David Andrews of Johns Creek, junior flanker Chris Conley of Dallas, Ga., Murray, Smith, Norman and senior cornerback Blake Sailors of Athens.

The Charley Trippi Most Versatile Award was presented to Wilson, while the Frank Sinkwich Toughness Award was presented to Andrews. Murray also took home the Career Performance Award.

The Governor's Cup trophy for the 41-34 victory over Georgia Tech was officially presented by Shelton Stevens from Healthcare of Atlanta.