EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State Athletics has announced its All-Sports Awards winners for the 2021-22 season. The awards include the George Alderton Male and Female Athletes of the Year, Chester Brewer Leadership Award, Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award, and Big Ten Conference Medals of Honor. A panel of administrators and coaches selected the winners.
AWARD – WINNER
George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year – Kenneth Walker III (football)
George Alderton Female Athlete of the Year – Jenna Magness (women’s cross country/track & field)
Chester Brewer Leadership Award – Jack Winkler (men’s tennis)
Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award – Jack Winkler (men’s tennis)
Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor (Male) – Morgan Beadlescomb (men’s cross country/track & field)
Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor (Female) – Lea Mitchell (gymnastics)
Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award – Farai Mutatu (men’s soccer)/ Mary Lewis (women’s tennis)
GEORGE ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
(Presented to top male athlete of 2021-22)
Winner: Kenneth Walker III (football)
Kenneth Walker III, who transferred to Michigan State from Wake Forest in 2021, electrified the Spartans in his only year wearing the Green and White, sparking the team to an 11-2 record and a Top-10 finish in the national polls (No. 8 Coaches, No. 9 Associated Press).
A unanimous first-team All-American who became the first Spartan to win Doak Walker Award and the Walter Camp National Player of the Year, Walker ranked second in the FBS in rushing in 2021 with 1,636 yards (136.3 ypg). The Big Ten Running Back of the Year and the AP Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Year also ranked eighth in the FBS with 18 rushing touchdowns. His 1,636 rushing yards were the fourth most by a Spartan in a single season in school history, and he was the fastest Spartan to reach 1,000 yards in a single season in terms of carries (153 carries). In addition, his 18 rushing TDs tied for fifth most in an MSU season and his 19 overall TDs (one receiving score) tied for fourth most.
Walker’s explosiveness was on display all season long, transforming the Spartans into one of the best offenses in the Big Ten. According to Pro Football Focus, he led the FBS in rushing yards after contact (1,168) and ranked second with 89 missed…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Michigan State University Athletics…