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Rice University Athletics
Martens Named Ray Guy Award Semifinalist
11/12/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 12, 2010
Kyle Martens is one of ten punters who remain in contention for the 2010 Ray Guy Award, which identifies the nation's top collegiate punter. The 10 semifinalists were announced by the Augusta Sports Council on Friday.
Joining Martens on the list of semifinalists are 2009 winner Drew Butler of Georgia, as well as Bryan Anger (California), Ryan Donahue (Iowa), Reid Forrest (Washington State), Chas Henry (Florida), Dan Hutchins (Pittsburgh), Anthony Santella (Illinois), Quinn Sharp (Oklahoma State) and Dawson Zimmerman (Clemson).
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 named on November 22. Voters will then cast a second round of ballots to decide the winner.
A junior from Spearfish, South Dakota, Martens leads C-USA and is fifth in the nation with a with a 46.93 average on 45 punts this season. He was named to both SportsIllustrated.com and College Football News.com's midseason All-America teams and Phil Steele's All C-USA midseason team as well as a 4th team midseason All America. He has placed 38% inside the 20 this year (17/45) and 53% (9 of 17) of those have been downed at or inside the 10. His previous career best was 14 inside the 20 in 2008 (52 punts).
The presentation of the Ray Guy Award will be featured on The Home Depot College Football Awards live on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. The show, hosted by ESPN's Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit will feature the live presentation of nine player awards, along with the recipients of Disney's Spirit Award; The Home Depot Coach of the Year Award, the NCFAA (National College Football Awards Association) Contributions to College Football Award; and student-athletes selected to the Walter Camp All-America Team.
Fans can visit the show's dedicated Web site at www.espncollegefootballawards.com to find the latest college football awards news, including show details, previous winners, fan voting, a photo gallery and video highlights.
