Wilkins Among Ray Guy Award Watch List Honorees
7/27/2022 9:00:00 AM | Football
Sophomore punter recognized alongside nation’s best
HOUSTON – University of Houston sophomore punter Laine Wilkins has been named to the 2022 Ray Guy Award Preseason Watch List, honoring the nation's top FBS punter, the Augusta Sports Council announced Wednesday.
The 2022 watch list was compiled based on the 2021 Ray Guy Award Semifinalist List, the top 10 NCAA Punters from 2021, the 2021 all-conference teams, the 2021 All-America teams, the 2022 preseason all-conference teams and eligible punters on the 2021 watch list.
Wilkins boasted an average punt yardage of 41.8 highlighted by 13 punts of 50-plus yards in 2021. In last year's season opener against Texas Tech, the Perth, Australia, native booted four punts 50-plus yards. His season high long came on a 56 yarder against Navy (Sept. 25).
The number of eligible candidates for this season will grow when the award opens nominations on July 28. The complete list of candidates will be released Nov. 2. In mid-November, the Ray Guy Award committee will meet to select the ten semifinalists, who will be announced Nov. 8.
A national body of FBS sports information directors, media representatives and previous Ray Guy Award winners will vote for the top three finalists to be announced on Nov. 18. After the finalists are named, the voting body will cast ballots again to select the nation's top punter. The winner will be announced live during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN in December.
Houston opens its season on Sept. 3 at UTSA. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. from the Alamodome and can be seen on CBS Sports Network. The in-state matchup is the lone FBS contest nationally during Week 1 featuring two 12-plus win teams from a season ago.
Season Tickets on Sale
Your Houston Football program is fresh off a 12-win campaign and Birmingham Bowl title and fans are encouraged to act quickly to purchase 2022 season tickets while supplies last. Season tickets are available for as low as $99.
First-time season tickets holders can click here to purchase tickets or call the Houston Athletics Ticket Office at 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647).
Houston Athletics is excited to introduce our new "Family Four-Pack" seats that offer a fun and affordable entertainment option for families to come enjoy Houston Cougar Football starting as low as $80 per ticket (based on minimum of 4 tickets on select seating locations). For a full list of prices and TDECU Stadium seating map, click here.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
JOIN The 46ers and The HUDDLE
Fans are invited to join the 46ers and the Huddle to directly support Houston Football. Members provide financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond operating budget. For more information about the 46ers and the Huddle, call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684) or click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
The 2022 watch list was compiled based on the 2021 Ray Guy Award Semifinalist List, the top 10 NCAA Punters from 2021, the 2021 all-conference teams, the 2021 All-America teams, the 2022 preseason all-conference teams and eligible punters on the 2021 watch list.
Wilkins boasted an average punt yardage of 41.8 highlighted by 13 punts of 50-plus yards in 2021. In last year's season opener against Texas Tech, the Perth, Australia, native booted four punts 50-plus yards. His season high long came on a 56 yarder against Navy (Sept. 25).
The number of eligible candidates for this season will grow when the award opens nominations on July 28. The complete list of candidates will be released Nov. 2. In mid-November, the Ray Guy Award committee will meet to select the ten semifinalists, who will be announced Nov. 8.
A national body of FBS sports information directors, media representatives and previous Ray Guy Award winners will vote for the top three finalists to be announced on Nov. 18. After the finalists are named, the voting body will cast ballots again to select the nation's top punter. The winner will be announced live during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN in December.
Houston opens its season on Sept. 3 at UTSA. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. from the Alamodome and can be seen on CBS Sports Network. The in-state matchup is the lone FBS contest nationally during Week 1 featuring two 12-plus win teams from a season ago.
Season Tickets on Sale
Your Houston Football program is fresh off a 12-win campaign and Birmingham Bowl title and fans are encouraged to act quickly to purchase 2022 season tickets while supplies last. Season tickets are available for as low as $99.
First-time season tickets holders can click here to purchase tickets or call the Houston Athletics Ticket Office at 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647).
Houston Athletics is excited to introduce our new "Family Four-Pack" seats that offer a fun and affordable entertainment option for families to come enjoy Houston Cougar Football starting as low as $80 per ticket (based on minimum of 4 tickets on select seating locations). For a full list of prices and TDECU Stadium seating map, click here.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
JOIN The 46ers and The HUDDLE
Fans are invited to join the 46ers and the Huddle to directly support Houston Football. Members provide financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond operating budget. For more information about the 46ers and the Huddle, call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684) or click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
Players Mentioned
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