February 4 – The Oberlin College football team held its annual year-end banquet on Sunday afternoon, honoring the players for their outstanding efforts in 2007.

Oberlin finished the 2007 campaign 5-5 overall and ended third in the North Coast Athletic Conference at 5-2 in league play. OC ended its strong season with an exciting 27-22 victory over Allegheny – a game that was televised on SportsTime Ohio.

One of the key components to Oberlin's success this past season was senior leader and team captain Chris Schubert. Schubert, a 5-foot-10 wide receiver from Oberlin, was honored with the Michael P. Dougan Yeoman Award as the senior who shows the most courage and devotion to Oberlin Football. He was also honored as team's Special Forces Player of the Year, being one of the top return men in the conference.

Schubert led OC in catches (60), receiving yards (723), TD catches (6) and all-purpose yards (2,041). Some of his season highlights also include an 84-yard kickoff return for a TD in Oberlin's 63-33 win over Kenyon (Nov. 3) and a 43-yard punt return for a score in the Yeomen's 49-14 victory over Hiram (Sept. 29) in 2007.

After being named as the NCAC Offensive Player of the Year, R.V. Carroll was the obvious choice to be named as the Offensive Player of the Year for the Yeomen. Carroll, a junior running back from Perry, Ohio, led the league in rushing (103.8 yards per game), scoring (9.8 points per game), and touchdowns (16). He is the first Oberlin player to ever lead the NCAC in any of the three categories.

First-team All-NCAC selection, Chase Palmer was named as Oberlin's Defensive Player of the Year. Palmer, a native of Highland, Utah, was the defensive leader for the Yeomen last season as he tallied a team-high 103 tackles – including 11 for a loss. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder, also recorded two interceptions, 13 pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.

Center Caleb Buck was tabbed with the “Joe Gurtis Unsung Hero Award.” Buck, a 6-foot-3, 250-pound senior from Wakeman, Ohio, started all 10 games for the Yeomen in 2007 and continually worked hard everyday. Buck's efforts on the field also earned him the Most Valuable Lineman Award.

The one player who always made sure his teammates were inspired and ready to play was first-year linebacker Ron Rupard as he was dubbed with the “Coaches Award” for being the most inspirational player. The 6-foot, 190-pound native of Waynesfield, Ohio, played in nine games – tallying 13 tackles and one sack.

The 2007 Newcomer of the Year Award went to first-year defensive lineman Adam Wigren. Wigren was a nemesis for opposing offenses this season as he totaled 29 tackles – including 3.5 for a loss to go along with a 1.5 sacks.

OC also named its offensive and defensive captains for 2008 on Sunday afternoon.

QB Greg Mangan will lead the offense for Oberlin this upcoming season. Last year he started all 10 games – throwing for 2,236 yards and 12 touchdowns. He finished the year with a .627 (198-of-316) completion percentage and QB efficiency rating of 127.44.

The OC defense will be led by lineman Jon Feazell. Last season, the 6-foot-2, 235-pounder started all 10 games – recording 38 tackles – including 1.5 sacks and six tackles for a loss.

Complete Awards List Breakdown
Michael P. Dougan Award – Chris Schubert
Offensive Player of Year – R.V. Carroll
Defensive Player of the Year – Chase Palmer
Special Forces Players of the Year – Chris Schubert
Most Valuable Lineman - Caleb Buck
Newcomer of the Year – Adam Wigren
Joe Gurtis Unsung Hero - Caleb Buck
Coaches Award - Ron Rupard

2008 Captains
Offense – Greg Mangan
Defense - Jon Feazell