Oklahoma State University Athletics
Matt Fodge A Ray Guy Award Semifinalist
October 30, 2008 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State senior Matt Fodge is one of only 10 punters included on the list of semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award presented to the top punter in the nation, it was announced today. This year 53 punters were nominated for the honor. The nominees were evaluated on their overall statistics and contribution to the team. Particular emphasis was placed on the following categories: net average, percentage of total punts inside the 20-yard line, average return yardage, and percentage not returned.
“It's an honor to be included in the top 10 for the Ray Guy Award,” Fodge said. “It's the top individual honor you can receive as a punter and I'm flattered to be a semifinalist. It's a credit to my teammates and coaches that I am in this position.”
Fodge has punted 20 times this year for a net average of 43.0 yards per punt, with 13 of his punts being downed inside the 20-yard line. The Garland, Texas product is the primary reason why the Cowboys rank fourth nationally in net punting. He has not had any of his punts find the endzone for a touchback and through eight games, Oklahoma State's opponents have mustered a staggeringly-low total of only five punt return yards.
The award is named for football legend, Ray Guy, the first punter ever inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (2004).
A national voting body of Bowl Subdivision coaches, sports information directors, national media, and former Ray Guy Award winners will decide the three award finalists, and ultimately the winner of this year's award. The winner will be announced live on ESPN during the ESPNU - Home Depot College Football Awards show, Thursday, December 11, 2008. The winner will again be honored at the Greater Augusta Sports Award Gala in early 2009.
2008 Ray Guy Award Semifinalists
Bryan Anger................ California........................ Freshman
Derek Epperson......... Baylor.............................. Sophomore
Ryan Donahue........... Iowa................................. Sophomore
Matt Fodge.................. Oklahoma State.............. Senior
Chas Henry................. Florida............................. Sophomore
Kevin Huber................ Cincinnati....................... Senior
Pat McAfee.................. West Virginia.................. Senior
Zoltan Mesko.............. Michigan......................... Junior
Louie Sakoda.............. Utah................................. Senior
A.J. Trapasso............. Ohio State....................... Senior
