Phillips, Hackett named to 2014 award watch lists


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SALT LAKE CITY — University of Utah’s special teams front men continue to get more special. Andy Phillips and Tom Hackett were both named to 2014 watch lists for their respective positions.

Phillips was named to the Lou Groza Award watch list, which is given to the most outstanding place kicker in college football. Last season, in Phillips’ first season as a place kicker, he was 17 of 20 in field goals. Phillips tied the nation’s best with eight made field goals from 40-49 yards. Phillips was also perfect in PATs, making 41 of 41 PAT attempts.

Phillips is one of 30 place kickers to be named to the watch list, and one of four place kickers named in the Pac-12. Last season, Phillips was a semifinalist in the award.

Hackett was named to the Ray Guy Award watch list, which is given to the most outstanding punter in college football. Last season, Hackett punted for 3,300 yards on 76 punts, averaging 43.4 yards per punt. Hackett’s longest career punt came last year as a 70-yard punt.

Hackett is one of 25 punters to be named to the watch list, and one of two punters in the Pac-12.

Earlier this year, Phillips and Hackett were named to the Phil Steele preseason All-Pac-12 First Team.

Utah Players on 2014 College Football Award Watch Lists

PlayerPositionAwardRecognitionNo. of nomineesSemifinalistsFinalistsWinner
Dres AndersonWRMaxwell AwardCollege Player of the Year76Nov. 3Nov. 24Dec. 11
Andy PhillipsPKLou Groza AwardPlace Kicker of the Year30Nov. 6Nov. 24Dec. 11
Tom HackettPRay Guy AwardPunter of the Year25Nov. 6Nov. 24Dec. 11

The Lou Groza Award and Ray Guy Award are two of 21 annual awards sanctioned by the National College Football Awards Association. Over the next two weeks, watch lists for 15 of the awards will be released as follows:

Thurs., July 10: Bronko Nagurski Trophy/Outland Trophy

  • The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is presented to college football's top defensive player, voted on by the Football Writers Association of America. The first trophy was given to Rob Waldrop of Arizona in 1993. Last season, Aaron Donald of Pittsburgh was presented the trophy.
  • The Outland Trophy is presented to college football's top interior lineman, voted on by the Football Writers Association of America. The first trophy was given to George Connor of Notre Dame in 1946. Last season, Aaron Donald of Pittsburgh was presented the trophy.

Fri., July 11: Jim Thorpe Award

  • The Jim Thorpe Award is presented to college football's top defensive back, voted on by the Jim Thorpe Association. The first award was given to Thomas Everett of Baylor in 1986. Last season, Darqueze Dennard of Michigan State was presented the award.

Mon., July 14: Butkus Award/Rotary Lombardi Award

  • The Butkus Award is presented to the top linebackers at the high school, collegiate and professional level of football. The first award was given to Brian Bosworth of Oklahoma in 1985. Last season, C.J. Mosley of Alabama was presented the award.
  • The Rotary Lombardi Award is presented to college football's top lineman or linebacker. The first award was given to Jim Stillwagon of Ohio State in 1970. Last season, Aaron Donald of Pittsburgh was presented the award.

Tue., July 15: Biletnikoff Award

  • The Fred Biletnikoff is presented to college football's top receiver. The first award was given to Bobby Engram of Penn State in 1994. Last season, Brandin Cooks of Oregon State was presented the award.

Wed., July 16: Davey O'Brien Award

  • The Davey O'Brien Award is presented to college football's top quarterback, voted on by the Davey O'Brien Foundation. The first award was given to Jim McMahon of BYU in 1981. Last season, Jameis Winston of Florida State was presented the award.

Thurs., July 17: Doak Walker Award

  • The Doak Walker Award is presented to college football's top running back. The first award was given to Greg Lewis of Washington in 1990. Last season, Andre Williams of Boston College was presented the award.

Fri., July 18: Walter Camp Award

  • The Walter Camp Award is presented to college football's Player of the Year, voted on by NCAA head coaches. The first award was given to O.J. Simpson of USC in 1967. Last season, Jameis Winston of Florida State was presented the award.

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