University of Houston Athletics
Wilkins Named to Ray Guy Preseason Watch List
8/2/2023 10:00:00 AM | Football
Houston junior recognized among nation’s top punters entering season
HOUSTON – University of Houston junior Laine Wilkins has been named to the 2023 Ray Guy Award Preseason Watch List, honoring the nation's top FBS punter, the Augusta Sports Council announced Wednesday.
Among the 50-member watch list, Wilkins is one of six Big 12 Conference punters featured. The Perth, Australia, native has boomed 123 punts for an average of 42.2 yards across three seasons. Wilkins has downed 48 punts inside the 20-yard line and logged 27 punts of 50+ yards.
In 2022, the Cougars ranked third in The American in net punting. As a freshman in 2020, Wilkins did not allow a positive punt return as the Cougars ranked second nationally with -1.25 yards per return across his 38 punts.
The number of eligible candidates will grow when the award opens nominations on Aug. 3. The complete list of candidates will be released on Nov. 6. In mid-November, the Ray Guy Award committee will meet to select 10 semifinalists, who will be announced on Nov. 10. A full list of Houston Football preseason honors can be found here.
A national body of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) sports information directors, media representatives and previous Ray Guy Award winners will then vote for the top three finalists to be announced on Nov. 22. 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 airing on ESPN in December 2023.
HOUSTON FOOTBALL TICKETS ON SALE
Houston Football season tickets are on sale with seven-game packages beginning as low as $175. Fans are encouraged to act quickly to secure the best seats available. Mini plans are also on sale including the Cougar Paw Package which includes three games of your choice (excluding Texas) for as low as $66. Lone Star Packages are also on sale, giving fans the chance to see the Cougars face UTSA, TCU, Sam Houston and Texas for as low as $140.
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
Follow Houston Football on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarFB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Football on Facebook.
Among the 50-member watch list, Wilkins is one of six Big 12 Conference punters featured. The Perth, Australia, native has boomed 123 punts for an average of 42.2 yards across three seasons. Wilkins has downed 48 punts inside the 20-yard line and logged 27 punts of 50+ yards.
In 2022, the Cougars ranked third in The American in net punting. As a freshman in 2020, Wilkins did not allow a positive punt return as the Cougars ranked second nationally with -1.25 yards per return across his 38 punts.
The number of eligible candidates will grow when the award opens nominations on Aug. 3. The complete list of candidates will be released on Nov. 6. In mid-November, the Ray Guy Award committee will meet to select 10 semifinalists, who will be announced on Nov. 10. A full list of Houston Football preseason honors can be found here.
A national body of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) sports information directors, media representatives and previous Ray Guy Award winners will then vote for the top three finalists to be announced on Nov. 22. 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 airing on ESPN in December 2023.
HOUSTON FOOTBALL TICKETS ON SALE
Houston Football season tickets are on sale with seven-game packages beginning as low as $175. Fans are encouraged to act quickly to secure the best seats available. Mini plans are also on sale including the Cougar Paw Package which includes three games of your choice (excluding Texas) for as low as $66. Lone Star Packages are also on sale, giving fans the chance to see the Cougars face UTSA, TCU, Sam Houston and Texas for as low as $140.
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
Follow Houston Football on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarFB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Football on Facebook.
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