D.J. HACKETT NAMED 2003 COLORADO FOOTBALL MVP

DENVER - Senior wide receiver D.J. Hackett, who set four records in recording the school's sixth 1,000-yard receiving season, has been selected by his teammates as the 2003 University of Colorado football team's Most Valuable
Player. The announcement came Sunday as part of CU's annual senior banquet at the Marriott City Center Hotel.

Hackett, who caught a CU single-season record 78 receptions for 1,013 yards and seven touchdowns, is the first wide receiver to win the award solely since 1990, when Mike Pritchard was selected the MVP of CU's national championship team. He is the sixth wide receiver to win or share the award, dating back to 1971 when Cliff Branch was the first to do so. Rae Carruth (1995 and 1996) and Darrin Chiaverini (1998) were co-MVPs when players were selected on both offense and defense.

In catching 78 passes, he edged the previous mark of 76 set by Michael Westbrook in 1992. Hackett also set school records for the most consecutive games with four or more receptions (12) and with six or more catches (4).

Two players were named to CU's prestigious Victory Club, as they earned the honor by recording a winning performance and/or productivity grade by the coaches in at least nine games. Those honored were Hackett and WR Derek McCoy. Hackett and McCoy combined for 141 receptions, the most by a duo in school history and the seventh most in the NCAA this past season.

The complete list of CU award winners announced Sunday, selected by the coaching staff unless otherwise indicated:

Lee Willard Award (outstanding freshman): OG Brian Daniels
Hang Tough Award (overcame the most adversity): FS Medford Moorer
Tyronee "Tiger" Bussey Award (perseverance over adversity, injury and/or illness): OT Karl Allis
Best Interview (selected by team beat media): QB Joel Klatt
Dean Jacob Van Ek Award (academic excellence): WR John Donahoe
Bill McCartney Award (special teams achievement): WR Jeremy Bloom
Regiment Award (greatest contribution with least recognition): DE Gabe Nyenhuis
Derek Singleton Award (spirit, dedication, enthusiasm): OG Marwan Hage
The Fugitive Award (symbolizing "I Don't Care" attitude for benefit of team): WR Derek McCoy
Tom McMahon Award (dedication and work ethic): ILB Sean Tufts
Dave Jones Award (outstanding defensive player): FS Medford Moorer
John Mack Award (outstanding offensive player): QB Joel Klatt
Zack Jordan Award (most valuable player): WR D.J. Hackett