Athletes award Moore swag title

Three months ago, a certain Daily Campus columnist unveiled his "Top Ten Swags" in UConn athletics.

Apparently, the rankings - which slotted seldom-used men's basketball player Scottie Haralson at No. 2 - didn't sit well with many UConn athletes.

So, they were given the chance to form their own poll and 71 athletes took part in the voting process.

The rules were simple: Each athlete was asked to vote for their top three swags. A first-place vote was worth five points, a second-place vote was four points and a third-place vote was three points. Athletes were not allowed to vote for themselves, but some (and by some, I mean Jasper Howard) decided to ignore that rule.

The final results (left) didn't leave any doubt: Maya Moore, who received 13 first-place votes, has far and away the most swagger on campus.

First of all, I'd like to congratulate Moore on this honor. I'm sure, many years from now, she'll have cut out this article and stashed it away with her high school National Player of the Year trophy, her three collegiate National Player of the Year trophies, her five WNBA MVP trophies and her Best Women's Player Ever plaque.

Here's a breakdown of the rest of the poll:

Biggest Surprise: Jasper Howard, football

Howard finished No. 4 in the polls and ahead of some much bigger names. After watching some film on Jaz's swag, I completely agree with the voters. To put it lightly, Howard had a rough year as the punt returner, but his confidence - which teeters on the edge of pure cockiness - wasn't fazed at all.

Runner-up: Kwame Watson-Siriboe, men's soccer

While many athletes received votes from their own teammates, Watson-Siriboe also picked up votes from volleyball, football, women's soccer and track athletes.

Biggest snub: Julius Williams, football

How crazy is his swagger? Apparently, at a home football game versus Pittsburgh, a fan held a sign in the student section that read: "Julius Williams, 1st-team All-Swag." Honestly, I had Williams at No. 2 on my ballot (which of course doesn't count for anything) behind Jerome Dyson. Aside from being the most jacked human being on campus, Williams possesses that laid-back, southern style that isn't common in Storrs. Williams needs to excel at Pro Day to find a spot in April's NFL Draft, but even if his 40-time isn't up-to-par, I'm sure his swag rating will blow scouts away.

Runner-up: Chauntay Mickens, volleyball

Mickens had a breakout season as a senior. Her offensive numbers - and her swag - more than quadrupled this past fall when she became a starter. Somehow, Mickens didn't receive one vote. That's an absolute travesty.

Most underrated swag: Melissa Gonzalez, field hockey

Gonzalez finished No. 12 in the voting, but she should have been at least five or six spots higher. The fact that she plays field hockey instead of basketball or football really hurt her cause (although I don't know if she'd make it as a football player). Half of her elite swag is based off how good she is at her sport - she's only halfway done with what is sure to be one of the most prolific careers in program history. I don't know Gonzalez, but judging by her ballot, it's clear that her swag is oh-so-serious these days. Here's how Gonzalez voted: "Lorin Dixon is hands down No. 1 she's got swaggggggg to the max… My No. 2 has to be Shannon Slaughter (field hockey), she's got swagger and 'tude."

Runner-up: Kalana Greene,women's basketball

Greene hops up out of bed and straight turns her swag on. She's smooth on the court and all she does is chill off of it. KG deserved to be ranked higher than 24th in this poll.

Swag to watch: Scottie Haralson, men's basketball

Scottie is buried on the bench behind a deep backcourt, but following the graduation of A.J. Price and Craig Austrie, he'll find his way into the rankings in '09-'10. Everyone loves a 3-point gunner, especially one with a mean mug and a serious strut like Haralson. I wouldn't be surprised to see him in the Top 5 next season.

Runner-up: Lindsey Witten, football

Mark my word, Witten will be a star next season. He's already got crazy style, but because he was behind Williams and Cody Brown on the depth chart, his unbelievable swag wasn't on display as often as it could have been. This dude will give Jasper Howard a run for his money as the most swaggerliscious football player in '09.