Linam Named Liberty Bowl MVP

January 3, 2011

An Atmore son was named the defensive MVP for the University of Central Florida Knights as they defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 10-6 in the Autozone Liberty Bowl.

Josh Linam, a junior middle linebacker for the Knights, grew up in Tavares, Florida, and Atmore. On Friday, he made his  career interception, the tenth different Knight to make an interception this year but just the second linebacker.

What was going through Linam’s head during his MVP interception? “I was thinking just catch it and not fumble it so coach wouldn’t get mad,” he said.

The Knights tied the game up 3-3 just before the half, but even that score was tinged with a bit of disappointment. UCF got an interception from Linam and promptly moved the ball to the 6-yard line. But that’s where the drive stopped after a spiked pass, an incompletion and a stopped scramble.

Linam said there was a bit of disappointment in giving up six points to the Bulldogs.

“We thought we would give up zero. We knew it was going to be a tight ball game, and we prepared for that. We just came out and did our job,” he said.

Linam was named to the All Conference USA All Academic 1st Team, ESPN-nominated for Academic All American, ESPN All District 3 Academic 1st Team and Conference USA player of the week versus Houston with 17 tackles.

Linam  finished season with 78 tackles, 9.0 tackles for losses and one interception.

Linam is the son of Dr. Kevin R. Linam of Atmore.

Pictured top: Josh Linam (#50) assisted with a tackle in the Autozone Liberty Bowl as UCF beat the Georgia Bulldogs 10-6. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

3 Responses to “Linam Named Liberty Bowl MVP”

  1. richie on March 3rd, 2011 4:43 am

    Josh is a great guy. A terrific role model. And he is so handsome!!

  2. Just Asking on January 3rd, 2011 8:36 am

    Never Mind I see it now.

  3. Just Asking on January 3rd, 2011 8:15 am

    What’s Linam’s first name?