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EDINBORO, PA – Edinboro University
offensive tackle Greg Bzorek (Saxonburg, PA/Knoch) is one
of eight finalists for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the
Year, presented by the Manheim Touchdown Club. The award is named
after the former Oakland Raiders’ standout offensive lineman,
and recognizes the top senior offensive or defensive lineman in
Division II.
In addition to Bzorek, the other finalists are:
Brian Alderson, OT, South Dakota; Marcus Brisbone, OG,
Presbyterian; Jahri Evans, OT, Bloomsburg; Clayton Farrell, DL,
Abilene Christian; Pat McCoy, OT, West Texas A&M; Mike
McFadden, DL, Grand Valley State; and Dave Tollefson, DL,
Northwest Missouri State.
“Greg has been the leader of one
of the finest offensive lines in America the last three years,”
noted head coach Lou Tepper. “Greg was offered a Division I
scholarship and yet chose to attend Edinboro and help make us a
championship program. He has performed just that way. He’s
nasty on the field, and yet he’s been a real gentlemen off
it.”
Bzorek is a 6’6”, 230 lb. senior who
started 44 of 45 career games, helping lead Edinboro to three
straight PSAC West championships. Over the last three years, the
Fighting Scots posted a 26-8 record, the most wins ever in a
three-year period. After playing left tackle as a freshman, he
played his final three seasons at right tackle.
Bzorek has been selected to play in the Cactus
Bowl in Kingsville, TX on January 6. He was recently named a first
team Daktronics All-Northeast Region selection after previously
being named a first team All-PSAC West honoree for the second
straight year. He earned second team All-PSAC West honors as a
sophomore. He also was a Street & Smith’s and Lindy’s
preseason All-American.
Bzorek did not allow a sack for the second
straight year as the Edinboro offensive line led the PSAC in
fewest sacks allowed for the second straight year. The Fighting
Scots gave up just seven sacks in 2005 after permitting nine in
2004. As a junior he helped pave the way for Andre Burke to rush
for a school-record 1,713 yards. This past year Edinboro employed
three different tailbacks, none who had previously recorded a
carry at Edinboro, with the trio combining for 1,769 yards.
Edinboro averaged 199.3 ypg. rushing, 174.8 ypg., passing, and
31.4 ppg.
As a junior, Bzorek was named a third team
Associated Press Little All-American, in addition to earning
second team D2Football.com All-America honors and honorable
mention Football Gazette All-American recognition.
Long-time Edinboro offensive coordinator and
offensive line coach Scott Browning has coached numerous standout
linemen, and feels Bzorek is second to none.
“Greg’s as good as we’ve
ever had. I don’t know of any better. For his size, he’s
athletic. He’s got long arms. And he understands the
concepts, what we’re trying to accomplish.”
The winner of the Gene Upshaw Award will be
announced in conjunction with the 2006 Cactus Bowl festivities.
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