UB Football Names Its Finest Stars Of 2006

Ten student-athletes receive inaugural 'U Believe' awards

James Starks

BUFFALO, NY - It's become awards season across the nation and it's no different for the University at Buffalo Bulls football team. Head coach Turner Gill and his staff have announced the winners of the 'U Believe' awards for outstanding performances by individuals in their respective positions during the 2006 season.

On the offensive side of the ball, James Starks (Niagara Falls, NY/Niagara Falls), Chad Upshaw (Southport, CT/St. Joseph's), Naaman Roosevelt (Buffalo, NY/St. Joseph's Collegiate), and Jamey Richard (Weston, CT/Weston) were named the top performers while Trevor Scott (Potsdam, NY/Potsdam), Jeff Bublavi (Norwood, PA/Interboro), and Kendric Hawkins (Upper Marlboro, MD/DeMatha Catholic) received defensive honors.

Starks, a redshirt freshman running back, was chosen as the standout from UB's offensive backfield. During his first year on the field for the Bulls, Starks racked up 709 yards rushing, six touchdowns, and 34 receptions. After a 162-yard and three-touchdown performance against Mid-American Conference foe Kent State, Starks was named MAC East Offensive Player of the Week. After the completion of the season, Starks made his way onto the 2006 All-MAC Second Team and The Sporting News' Freshman All-American honorable mention list.

Upshaw, a senior, won the 'U Believe' award as an outstanding tight end for the Bulls. He finished his senior year in style by grabbing six catches for 83 yards and a touchdown in his final game for Buffalo. Upshaw had 419 yards receiving and a team-best 35 receptions on the season. Upshaw is slated to compete in the Magnolia Grid-iron Classic later this month.

Naaman Roosevelt

A bright star for the Bulls in his first year, Roosevelt took top honors for UB's wide receivers and special teams. Roosevelt had 31 catches for 429 yards, averaging a team-high 35.8 yards receiving per game. While playing on special teams, Roosevelt had 724 kickoff return yards, averaging 25.9 an attempt. Those numbers put him at the number one spot for kick return average in a season and second for number of kickoff return yards by a Bull. After finishing the season with 1,306 all-purpose yards, Roosevelt ranks ninth in school history for all-purpose yardage in a single season.

Richard, a junior, was selected as the 'U Believe' winner from the offensive line for the Bulls. Richard anchored the line at center, started every game, and was one of the captains of the team. Richard was also recognized during the season for his performances against two ranked teams, Auburn and Boston College, with the UB Offensive Player of the Week award.

Scott stepped up to the challenge of changing sides of the ball this year, as he earned the 'U Believe' award for Buffalo's defensive line. A junior for the Bulls, Scott switched from tight end to defensive end for the 2006 season and found success in doing so. Scott started every game, registered 45 tackles on the season, and led the team in sacks with nine for a loss of 62 yards. He also reigned supreme in tackles for a loss with 13.5 for 75 yards.

Former walk-on Bublavi, a senior, was also a defensive force for the Bulls, winning the award for the linebackers. Bublavi was in the starting lineup for each game and led the team with 110 tackles, 59 of which were of the solo variety. His 110 tackles during the 2006 season tie him for 10th best in school history for tackles in a single season.

The award for defensive backs went to Hawkins, a redshirt freshman cornerback. Hawkins had 53 solo tackles and 70 total tackles during the season, putting him at fourth place on the team for total tackles. Hawkins led the squad with five pass breakups and placed second on the Bulls in tackles for loss with eight. He also grabbed two interceptions, forced a fumble and recovered two fumbles. Along with Starks, he was also named to The Sporting News Freshman All-American honorable mention list.

Jeff Bublavi

Also being noted for their contribution on the compete team, which are Buffalo's scout teams, were Mario Henry (Erie, PA/Strong Vincent), LaRon Haymore (St. Louis, MO/Cardinal Ritter), and Marc Faria (Toronto, Ontario/Michael Power).

2006 'U Believe' Winners
Offensive Backfield - James Starks
Tight Ends - Chad Upshaw
Wide Receivers - Naaman Roosevelt
Offensive Line - Jamey Richard
Special Teams - Naaman Roosevelt
Defensive Line - Trevor Scott
Linebackers - Jeff Bublavi
Defensive Backs - Kendric Hawkins

Compete Team:
Offense - Mario Henry
Defense - LaRon Haymore
Special Teams - Marc Faria

12/20/2006