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SALT LAKE CITY — “Kicker U” added a new award to its wall of fame Thursday.
University of Utah placekicker Matt Gay took home the Lou Groza Award at Thursday’s college football award show. It’s the first Lou Groza Award for the University of Utah.
Gay, who transferred to Utah from Utah Valley University earlier this year as a walk-on before earning a scholarship and another year of eligibility, made 27-of-31 field goals this season, including 5-of-6 from 50 yards or more, and was perfect in all 37 point-after-touchdown attempts. Gay also holds the second longest kick (56 yards) in Utah history.
Earlier this week, Gay was named to the first team of the All-Pac-12 team. He was also named to the Associated Press All-Pac-12 team and to the SI.com and SBNation All-American teams.
The Lou Groza Award, which is given to the nation’s best placekicker, was first awarded in 1992 to Joe Allison of Memphis State. A total of seven players from the Pac-12 have won the award, including Gay, and it’s the third consecutive year the Pac-12 has taken home the award. Arizona State’s Zane Gonzalez won the award last season.