IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior center Tyler Linderbaum and junior defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon were named Roy J. Carver Most Valuable Players as the Iowa football program announced its 2020 team awards with a virtual ceremony Thursday.
Linderbaum (Solon, Iowa) has started all 21 games over the past two seasons as the Hawkeyes have posted a 16-5 record. Iowa averaged 31.8 points and 368.6 yards total offense in eight games in 2021, posting a 6-2 record while winning its final six games. Linderbaum heads into his senior season in 2021 having started all 21 games over the past two seasons.
Nixon (Kenosha, Wis.) started all eight games at defensive tackle in 2020. He earned consensus All-America honors after leading the Big Ten Conference in tackles for loss (13) and total tackles (45) among defensive linemen. He was named the Nagurski-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and the Smith-Brown Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. Nixon was one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy and one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Award. Nixon has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Five team captains for the 2021 season were announced; Linderbaum and senior running back Mekhi Sargent on offense, senior end Chauncey Golston and senior linebacker Nick Niemann on defense, and senior kicker Keith Duncan for special teams play. Linderbaum was recognized with the Iron Hawk Award.
Sargent (Key West, Fla.) was second on the team in rushing yards (76-432) and shared the team lead with seven touchdowns. Sargent ranks 20th in career rushing yards (1,740) in three seasons. He is one of 11 players to rush for as many as 20 career touchdowns and he is tied for 26th in career scoring. Sargent participated in the Hula Bowl at the end of the season and was named his teams offensive MVP in that contest.
Golston (Detroit) was a first-team All-Big Ten selection by coaches and media. He earned honorable mention recognition and was a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy. The He started every game over the past two seasons and participated in the Senior Bowl following the season.
Niemann (Sycamore, Ill.) rotated at the linebacker positions throughout his career. He earned third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2021 after leading Iowa with 77 tackles in eight games. The four-year letterman completed his career with 157 career tackles.
Duncan (Weddington, N.C.) led the Big Ten in field goals per game, making 14-18 attempts on the season. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors (Associated Press) after earning consensus All-America honors as a junior. Duncan set an Iowa record with 20 career field goals of 40 yards or more and ranks fourth in career field goals (52) and sixth in career scoring (252).
Duncan, Golston, Linderbaum, and Niemann were honored with the Hayden Fry Award, which is presented to team members who show exemplary leadership and dedication throughout the year.
