ATLANTA--Outside linebacker Jake Muasau, running back Donald Russell, and wide receiver-return specialist Albert Wilson were named the Most Valuable Players for Georgia State's 2011 football season, celebrated at Georgia State's 2011 Football Banquet, held Saturday evening at the Westin Hotel.

Muasau, a senior from Sierra Vista, Ariz., was named Georgia State's Defensive MVP for the second straight year. The top playmaker on the Panther defense was the team's third-leading tackler with 56, including eight tackles for loss, plus two interceptions. In his two-year career, he is GSU's career leader with 16.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, four fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles.

Russell, a junior from West Palm Beach, Fla., was named the teams's Offensive MVP after he led GSU with 665 yards rushing on 128 carries and nine touchdowns, despite missing almost two full games. He became the first 100-yard rusher in school history when he gained 136 against Murray State, and then he topped that with 146 yards in the season-ending win over Campbell.

A sophomore from Port St. Lucie, Fla., Wilson was also honored for the second year in a row as the Special Teams MVP. He led GSU with 1,210 all-purpose yards, an average 134.4 yards per game. His average of 11.9 yards per punt returns ranks eighth in the nation, and against Old Dominion, he set a school record with 229 all-purpose yards. On offense, he contributed a team-leading 37 catches for 772 yards and six touchdowns.

Muasau also earned the team's Iron Man Award, recognizing outstanding performance and dedication in the weight room.

Senior noseguard Kalan Jenkins, an exercise science major with a 3.94 grade point average, was named Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Junior running back Malcolm Smith received the courage Award, recognizing his dedication and perseverance through injuries and adversity.

Team captains Christo Bilukidi (defense), Arthur Williams (offense) and Akeen Felder (special teams) were also recognized.

Kevin Thompson, Arington Jordan and Jamaal May were honored as the Scout Team Players of the Year.

All 20 GSU seniors were recognized, including six who will graduate this semester: Joseph Gilbert (graduate degree), Cliff Ibarrondo. Ben Jacoby, Brandon Jones, Kevin Thompson and Bailey Woods (graduate degree).

The 2011 Georgia State Football Banquet was presented by Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

--30--