Townsend Named Semifinalist for Ray Guy Award
Friday, November 11, 2016 | Football
Johnny Townsend is one of 10 candidates up for the award, which honors the top collegiate punter.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Redshirt junior punter Johnny Townsend has been named a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award, announced by the Augusta Sports Council on Friday.
Townsend is one of 10 candidates up for the award, which honors the top collegiate punter. In just his third season with the Gators, Townsend has emerged as one of the top punters in the nation. Through eight games, the Orlando, Fla. native is fifth in the nation and second in the SEC in punting, averaging 47.05 yards per punt (41 punts, 1,929 yards).
In addition, Townsend's 47.05 average would set the all-time in program record, passing Kyle Christy's mark of 45.8 yards per punt in 2012.
Overall this season, Townsend has placed 19 punts inside the 20 and has 19 boots over 50 yards, including a career-high long of 62 yards against Vanderbilt. Entering this weekend, his 19 punts of over 50 yards was tied for the third-best mark in the country. However, 46.3% of Townsend's punts (19 of 42) went over 50 yards, which is the third-highest percentage in the nation.
Townsend was named the Ray Guy Punter of the Week after the Gators' win at Vanderbilt. During that contest, he punted seven times for 363 yards with an average of 51.9 yards per punt and five of those landed inside Vanderbilt's 20-yard line.
The candidates were evaluated on their overall statistics and contribution to the team. Particular emphasis was placed on the punter's net average, percentage of total punts inside the 20-yard line and percentage of punts not returned. A national voting body of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) coaches, sports information directors, national media and former Ray Guy Award winners will decide the three award finalists, who will be announced on November 21. Voters will then cast a second round of ballots to decide the winner.
The presentation of the Ray Guy Award will be featured on The Home Depot College Football Awards live on Thursday, December 8.
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