On the same day the Lou Groza Award watch list was unveiled, so too was the Ray Guy Award watch list. The Ray Guy Award is presented to the top punter in the country, but having the best net punting average is not always the end of the discussion for the award. Other factors include the percentage of punts landing inside the opponent’s 20-yard line and percentage of punts not returned. Other qualities such as leadership and self-discipline are thrown into the mix as well, as it is with most awards.
Last year’s Ray Guy Award winner was Tom Hornsey of Memphis. Texas A&M punter Drew Kaser is the lone finalist from last year returning on the watch list this season. The Ray Guy Award has been presented to a player from a non-power conference each of the last three seasons.
Here is this year’s Ray Guy Award watch list:
Wil Baumann, N.C. State
Riley Dixon, Syracuse
James Farrimond, Rice
Tom Hackett, Utah
Thomas Hibbard, North Carolina
Taylor Hudson, Vanderbilt
A.J. Hughes, Virginia Tech
Sam Irwin-Hill, Arkansas
Cameron Johnston, Ohio State
Drew Kaser, Texas A&M
Sean Kelley, Florida Atlantic
Cole Leininger, California
Justin Manton, ULM
Anthony Melchiori, Kent State
Will Monday, Duke
Peter Mortell, Minnesota
Hunter Mullins, UAB
Nick O’Toole, West Virginia
Trevor Pardula, Kansas
Zach Paul, Akron
Austin Rehkow, Idaho
Spencer Roth, Baylor
Mike Sadler, Michigan State
Garrett Swanson, Fresno State
Tyler Williams, Marshall
Catch up on your watch lists released this week:
Maxwell Award (best player)
Bednarik Award (best defensive player)
Hornung Award (most versatile player)
Mackey Award (best tight end)
Rimington Trophy (best center)