Fusco wins Upshaw Award
MANHEIM — Slippery Rock University center and Seneca Valley graduate Brandon Fusco was named the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year.
The announcement came Monday from the Manheim (Pa.) Touchdown Club.
“Can you believe that? To be recognized as the best lineman in the nation in Division II is an outstanding honor for Brandon and for our program,” SRU coach George Mihalik said.
Fusco becomes the first PSAC player to receive the award, which debuted in 2004. SRU offensive lineman Mike Butterworth was a finalist in 2007.
“This was my goal at the beginning of the season,” Fusco said. “To actually see it happen — it’s the biggest accomplishment in my life, so far”
The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Fusco isn’t finished. He’s working out daily at a football camp in Bradenton, Fla., getting ready for postseason all-star games.
“I’m working out from 6:45 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day, running, lifting, doing offensive line work. I don’t get a break,” Fusco said. “But that’s OK. It’s making me a lot better.”
The Upshaw Award gives Fusco a spot in the East-West Shrine Game Jan. 23 in Orlando, Fla. Fusco already received a bid to play in the NFLPA All-Star Game Feb. 5 in San Antonio.
“Winning this award simply validates the fact that everybody out there knows about Brandon,” Mihalik said. “It’s even more impressive that he’s received this honor without ever playing in a playoff game.
“He hasn’t been seen all over the country, but word of his abilities is clearly out all over the country.”
Fusco received 29 first-place and 30 second-place votes in the balloting. He received a top-four vote on 79 of the 101 ballots cast by sports information directors at NCAA Division II football schools.
Colorado School of Mines senior defensive tackle Marc Schiechl finished second, and University of North Alabama defensive end Courtney Harris was third.
Ben Staggs, an offensive lineman from West Liberty (W.Va.) received the Upshaw Award last year.
“I was honored to be considered for this. I never thought I would receive it,” Fusco said.
Upshaw was a standout offensive lineman at Division II Texas A&I — now Texas A&M-Kingsville — and became a Pro Football Hall of Famer following a stellar career with the Oakland Raiders. He is the only player in NFL history to play in three Super Bowls in three different decades.
Upshaw served as executive director of the NFL Player’s Association until his death in 2008.
Butterworth spent two years on the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. Jason Capizzi, a former Indiana (Pa.) offensive lineman and Upshaw Award finalist, spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Brandon’s draft status in the NFL will be dictated by how well he does in those all-star games,” Mihalik said.
A preseason All-America pick this year, Fusco started all 44 SRU games since 2007, his freshman season. He served as team captain and was The Rock’s Offensive MVP in 2010.
