Patrick Durkin, the Florida Gators' transfer kicker, has been named to the Lou Groza Award preseason watch list, recognizing college football's top kicker.
A transfer from Tulane, Durkin connected on 25-of-28 field goal attempts (89.3%) for the Green Wave last season, earning him a spot on the watch list.
The Lou Groza Award is named for Pro Football Hall of Fame kicker Lou Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns.
Florida special teams coach Johnathan Galante said, "He’s just getting comfortable and had a great season last year. He transitions now to a whole new town, a whole new city, a whole new environment, higher level. And he did well. He finished better than he started spring ball and in the position he’s in right now, I’m very excited where he’s at."
Durkin’s 89.3% field goal accuracy is the second best among returnees who made at least 20 field goals in the FBS last season.
He connected on three field goals during the Florida Gators spring game at The Swamp last April but missed a 49-yard attempt as time expired.
The Groza Award will announce its 20 semifinalists on November 17, and a panel of over 100 FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers will select the top three finalists for the award, announced on November 24.
The national winner will be announced on December 10 during the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.
The Lou Groza Award is a prestigious honor, and Durkin's inclusion on the watch list is a testament to his impressive performance last season.
Durkin's 25 field goals is tied for second most among returning FBS kickers, and his accuracy will be a key factor in the Gators' success this season.
Florida's kicker will face stiff competition from other top kickers in the country, but Durkin's talent and experience make him a strong contender for the award.
The watch list will narrow down to a group of semifinalists, and Durkin will have to continue to impress in order to make it to the final round.
As the season progresses, fans will be watching Durkin's performance closely, hoping to see him make it to the top of the list.
Durkin's transfer from Tulane to Florida has brought new energy to the Gators' special teams unit, and his inclusion on the Groza Award watch list is a significant milestone in his career.
Source: Yahoo Sports