Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
IRVING, Texas -- Cincinnati and Houston, which will meet Saturday in the American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game presented by RoofClaim, swept The American’s major individual awards as chosen by the league’s 11 head coaches.
Cincinnati saw quarterback Desmond Ridder repeat as The American’s Geico Offensive Player of the Year, while cornerback Ahmad Gardner was the unanimous choice as RoofClaim Defensive Player of the Year. Bearcat coach Luke Fickell was named Coach of the Year for the third time in the last four seasons.
Houston cornerback Marcus Jones was chosen as The American’s Special Teams Player of the Year, while running back Alton McCaskill was the coaches’ choice as Rookie of the Year.