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THIBODAUX, La.  – The Nicholls State University football program wrapped up its 2013 season Monday night as the Colonels held their annual awards banquet in the Bollinger Memorial Student Union.

Headlining the award winners was sophomore quarterback Tuskani Figaro who received Norman Swanner Memorial Most Valuable Player after his breakout season. Figaro, who was supposed to redshirt this season, led the Colonels with 2,238 yards of total offense which included a program record 1,103 yards rushing. Along with setting the single-season rushing mark, Figaro rushed for a Colonel record 281 yards against Arkansas Tech. In addition to ranking 21st in the FCS with 100.3 yards rushing per game, Figaro accounted for 15 touchdowns and became the first player in program history to pass and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season.

Receiving the Academic Award for the second time in his career was senior safety Jordan Hanberry, who was recently named to the 2013 Capital One Academic All-America First Team for Division I. A biology/pre-med student, Hanberry has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA at Nicholls and has been named Southland All-Academic twice. On the field, he was sixth on the team in tackles with 58, had two pass break ups and one forced fumble.

The Outstanding Offensive Player was awarded to senior offensive lineman Abasi Salimu. A second-team All-Southland honoree, Salimu anchored the left side of the line, starting all 12 games at tackle. Salimu helped pave the way for the Colonel rushing attack which averaged 5.0 yards per carry and ranked fourth in the Southland in rushing with just less than 200 yards per game.

Another repeat winner received the Outstanding Defensive Player Award as senior safety Siegan
Vergenal garnered the accolade for the second time in his career. Vergenal, who was named second-team All-Southland this season, ranked third on the team in tackles with 66 despite missing the final game with a leg injury. Vergenal had three pass break ups on the year while the Colonels ranked second in the league in passing yards allowed with 223.2 per game.

The senior trend continued for the award winners as wide receiver/return specialist Carey Forston received Outstanding Special Teams Player. Fortson had a stellar year for the Colonels as a kick returner, ranking fourth in the Southland with a 25.5 yard per return average. While Fortson's average ranked fourth in the SLC, the conference featured the nation's best returners as he ranked 23rd in FCS. At Lamar, he returned a kick 94 yards for a touchdown.

Redshirt sophomore tight end Hayden Cardiff was named Model Student-Athlete. Cardiff holds a 3.947 GPA in business administration and actively participates in the Colonels' community service efforts. On the field, Cardiff had five receptions for 76 yards and added seven tackles on special teams.
Rounding out the award winners were senior offensive lineman Eric Alt, senior linebacker Chris Bermond, junior long snapper Ty Boudreaux, junior defensive lineman Cole Frazier, senior fullback Russ Gisclair and senior wide receiver Brad Nelson – who all received the Band of Brothers Award. The award honors players who displayed the attributes of being the ideal teammate.