Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – After taking over the place kicking duties the Florida Gators Week 3 victory over Tennessee, Trey Smack has emerged as one of the nations best kickers. Smack is being recognized as such as he was named a semifinalist for the 2023 Lou Groza National Place-Kicker Award as announced by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission Thursday morning.
 
The award is named after National Football League Hall of Fame kicker Lou Groze, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns tallying four NFL championships and was NFL Player of the Year in 1954.
 
The Severna Park, Maryland native has been recognized previously for his special team's success as he was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week during Week 4 against Charlotte and Week 7 versus South Carolina. He was also named Lou Groza Star of the Week in those same contests.
 
Smack is one of twenty kickers eligible to win the 2023 award. Semifinalists will be voted on by a panel of more than 100 FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalist and current NFL kickers to select the three finalists. Finalists will be announced on November 28.
 
TREY SMACK RESUME
 
Overall, the sophomore has converted on 14 of 16 field goals (87.5%) and is 19 for 19 on extra point attempts (100%) which is good for a total of 61 points scored over the course of the season.
 
Below is a breakdown of Smack's field goal attempts based on yardage:

• 1-19 Yards: n/a
• 20-29 Yards: 5 for 5
• 30-39 Yards: 3 for 3
• 40-49 Yards: 4 for 6
• 50+ Yards: 2 for 2

 
In the Gators Week 4 contest against Charlotte, Smac's five field goals made was the most in a single game since 2017 when current NFL player Eddy Pinerio made five against UAB. He recorded makes from 23 yards (twice), 27 yards, 36 yards and 54 yards. In turn, Smack account for 15 of Florida's 22 points scored in the contest.
 
His 54-yard field goal came in the second quarter and extended Florida's lead to 16-0. The field goal itself was a career long make for Smack and was a season long for the Gators. It also stands tied for the seventh longest field goal in Gators history.
 
Smack was equally impressive in the Gators come from behind road victory against South Carolina. He made four of five field goals and converted on all three extra point attempts.
 
During said contest, Smack tied his career long field goal during the contest as he drilled a 54-yard attempt in the third quarter.
 
He also recorded two makes from 44 and 48 yards. His only miss during the contest, and for the season at the time, was blocked by South Carolina.