Linebackers Coach of the Year

FootballScoop is proud to announce that Bob Fraser (Rutgers) is the 2009 FootballScoop Linebackers Coach of the Year powered by Muscle Milk®.

Fraser’s linebackers helped the Scarlet Knights defense finish 1st in the Big East Conference in five different defensive categories including Scoring Defense, Total Defense, Fumbles Recovered, Turnovers Gained, and Tackles for Loss. The top four linebackers combined for 5 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions, 8 sacks, and 1 touchdown. Rutgers’ opponents have rushed for just 3.2 yards per attempt this season, the 2nd best average in the Greg Shiano era that began in 2001.

The play of Fraser’s linebackers has helped the Scarlet Knights create 32 turnovers and lead the nation in turnover margin. Linebackers Ryan D’Imperio, Damaso Munoz, and Antonio Lowery were among the top five in tackles on the team. In Fraser’s first season as co-defensive coordinator and calling the plays, the Scarlet Knights finished 15th nationally (Scoring Defense), 17th nationally (Rushing Defense), 19th nationally (Total Defense). The 19 fumbles recovered was more than the 18 combined from Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Pitt.

Surprisingly, just one Rutgers defensive player was voted 1st or 2nd team All-Big Conference. Obviously, there was an outstanding coach effort on the defensive side of Greg Schiano’s staff.

Fraser told FootballScoop, “The honor really goes to the players that I coach who work extremely hard to be successful from week to week.  I am very excited that their hard work and dedication is being recognized. I am truly humbled by such a tremendous award and want to thank the coaches who nominated and voted for me.  Thank you also to the guys at FootballScoop and to Muscle Milk for sponsoring these awards.”

Rutgers (8-4) earned a trip to the St. Petersburg Bowl, where the Scarlet Knights will play UCF on Saturday, December 19th.

Fraser was nominated by his peers and was selected by a panel of coaches, former coaches, and previous winners. Other finalists for the award were Tyrone Nix (Ole Miss) and Darrell Wilson (Iowa).

Fraser will receive his award at the AFCA Convention in January and will receive a complimentary supply of various Muscle Milk® and CytoSport products.