Nov. 17, 2008

University of South Carolina defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson has been named a finalist for the national Defensive Coordinator of the Year, as selected by FootballScoop.com, it was announced today.

Johnson is joined by four other finalists, including Tom Bradley from Penn State, Nick Holt from Southern California, Kirby Smart from Alabama and Justin Wilcox from Boise State, for the award.

Muscle Milk® and FootballScoop.com announced a partnership creating a new “Coaches of the Year” award for 14 different position coaches in College Football.

“The FootballScoop set of awards is unique from other “Coach of the Year” awards in that there is no other outlet that focuses on position coaches and coordinators; whereas nearly every other “Coach of the Year” award is solely for a Head Coach,” said Scott Roussel, President of FootballScoop.

“We’re excited to team with FootballScoop and support this award recognizing these coaches for all the hard work they put in throughout the year,” said Chris Kildow, director of Sports Marketing for Muscle Milk (CytoSport, Inc). “We provide nutritional product support for over 125 College Football programs nationally so this award is a natural fit for us.”

Finalists have been chosen for the 14 awards from the following areas: Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, Special Teams Coordinator, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Quarterbacks Coach, Running Backs Coach, Wide Receivers Coach, Offensive Line Coach, Defensive Line Coach, Linebackers Coach, Secondary Coach, Division 1-AA Coordinator, Division II Coordinator and Division III Coordinator of the Year.

To read about the finalists, and to vote, please visit http://www.footballscoop.com.

Voting will take place through Friday December 5th. Winners will be announced beginning on December 7th.

A panel of former coaches and players who will evaluate the finalists will select winners. Votes will be considered; however the Panel has final decision over the awards.