The British Universities American Football League is delighted to  announce that Adam Hope of the Loughborough Aces has been  named the Offensive League MVP for 2011.

When Hope is on the field for the Loughborough Aces, hope  disappears from their opponents; because Adam Hope (Junior,  Loughborough University Aces) isn’t so much a Running Back, he’s  more a one-man wrecking ball – he smashes into defenders, explodes  into space, and destroys defenses dreams and aspirations with one  mean stiff arm, and a turn of pace.

It’s something that he’s been working on since he joined  Loughborough University three years ago, and – at the age of 21 – he’s  still learning and still getting better.

A product of the Sheffield Tomahawks Youth Team, Hope was the latest edition to a competent stable of Running Backs in 2008, and whilst he shared time with more senior ‘backs, his talent was obvious. On several occasions he proved to be the game winner, none more so than in the 2009 BUAFL playoffs, where he killed off the hopes of (previously undefeated) Staffordshire University with a lightning burst of pace on a 76 yard touchdown dart to seal the Midlands Division Title.

The following year, he was given the responsibility to lead the rushing attack, which he did with aplomb; carving up defenses for 879 yards across the eight game regular season. He topped this off with huge games in the playoffs, helping the Aces retain the Midlands Division Title, and dominate the Northern Conference on the way to the National title game. At this point they met the Birmingham Lions, who were looking to complete their second straight undefeated season, and win back-to-back titles. Despite rushing for 118 yards on the day, it wasn’t enough, as the Lions prevailed 27-16.

Despite balancing a busy University schedule and work experience, Adam attacked his third season as he would a defensive front – aggressively. He has not only worked tirelessly to improve as a player and athlete, but also as a team leader. He’s constanly inspiring his teammates to bigger and better things, and is seen often urging and encouraging the freshman Running Backs to work hard on and off the field, as well as holding the rest of the team accountable for their play and performance.

“He’s a difference maker, both on and off the field”, Head Coach Jason Scott said. “We encourage our veterans to be good role models to the younger, more inexperienced players, and Adam is the embodiment of that; the attitude, committment and effort he shows in all aspects of his life is admirable, and the way he inspires all those around him is fantastic to see.”

The hard work is paying off, as huge games at the start of the season; including 167 yards off only 11 carries (and 2 rushing TDs) against Staffordshire, and 111 yards of 5 carries (and 2 more ground TDs) have give him a great foundation, and following Sunday’s 16 carry 209 yard effort, he became the first Loughborough Running Back in 6 years to break the 1000 yard barrier. What’s all the more remarkable is that his 1054 yards were from only 106 carries giving him an average of 9.9 yards per rushing attempt.

Whilst the Aces may have eventually fallen to the Lions in the playoffs, Hope proved to be one of the key people who ended their long winning record in a thrilling regular season encounter at ‘The Cage’ in what for many was THE standout performance of any player during the season.
The Lions had built on their championship win against Loughborough with an undefeated start to the season, were now riding a 29 game winning streak; and had not conceded any points all season. Loughborough were also riding high, with their perfect start to the season. Something was going to break, and thanks to Hope’s running it was the 29 game streak that was snapped.

His 136 yard day from 24 carries and a score, lead the Aces attack all day, which continually hammered the Birmingham front, but also opened up the playaction game for the home team, and he also grabbed one catch for 32 yards. However, it was his fantastic work as a Kick Returner which ultimately proved to be the difference between the two teams.

The Aces scored the first two Touchdowns on the day – putting them 14-0 up – but the Lions roared back, with two scores of their own, bringing the score level. Then from the ensuing Kick Off, Hope took the reverse and raced for 87 yards for the first Aces Kick Off Return Touchdown in eight seasons. The timing was perfect, and the Lions were stunned. Yet more hard-nosed running from Hope after the half which ensured that the Aces notched up 10 more points from two time-consuming drives, gave the Aces a well fought 30-21 victory.#
Jason Scott, Loughborough’s Head Coach for the past three years welcomed the selection of Hope as Offensive MVP.

“Adam has been outstanding all year, both on and off the field. He’s developed into a team leader and real game changer for the Aces – whether it’s running the football, as an extra recieving weapon or on Special Teams. For him to leave the game with an injury last weekend was devestating, but I know he’ll respond really well, and be back for a bigger and better season next year.”

“As a Head Coach you look for those special players who go the extra mile, who are dedicated to the team and their teammates, and possess a fantastic ethic and workrate. Adam is undoubtedly one of those players – he’s been a pleasure to work with and to see him develop into one of the league’s best players is fantastic”.
The MVP voting panel included:
Jon Newman (HC Kent Falcons), Tony Athersmith (Winningest Coach in BUAFL History), Caleb Jackson (BAFA Director), Neil Reynolds (BBC Sport, NFL UK), Davie Parsons (President, Referees’ Association).