University of Houston Athletics
Houston's Leone Named Ray Guy Semifinalist
11/11/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 11, 2011
Houston, Texas - Even the most prolific offense in NCAA history will need to punt from time to time and University of Houston sophomore punter Richie Leone has quietly enjoyed a spectacular 2011 campaign, ranking among the national leaders in punting average and net punting.
The Roswell, Ga., native has punted just 29 times in 10 games this season and when he does get that opportunity to perform, the second-year starter has been spectacular, averaging 41.3 net yards per boot, which ranks No. 3 nationally.
Overall, Leone's 29 punts have averaged 44.5 yards, which is among the Top 15 in America. Nearly half (13) of his kicks have been fair caught and eight kicks have been downed inside the 20. Eight of his punts have traveled 50+ yards and just six of 29 boots have been returned (for just 12 total yards 2.0 yards per return).
Through 10 games, Leone's punting average is the second highest in Houston single-season history and he trails the school record (45.5 by Chase Turner in 2008) by just one yard.
Houston returns to action on Nov. 19 at 2:30 p.m. at home vs. SMU. It's the final home game of the regular season and tickets are moving quickly. Fewer than 500 tickets remain for the Saturday afternoon kickoff. Tickets are available online at UHCougars.com and by calling the UH Athletics Ticket Office at 713-GO-COOGS.
For more information on UH Football, please visit our website, UHCougars.com.
Ray Guy Award Semifinalists
Richie Leone, Houston
Ryan Allen, Louisiana Tech
Ian Campbell, UTEP
Steven Clark, Auburn
Bobby Cowan, Idaho
Scott Kovanda, Ball State
Pat O'Donnell, Cincinnati
Jackson Rice, Oregon
Brian Schmiedebusch, Bowling Green
Brad Wing, LSU
