Frye Named a Semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award

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Nov. 6, 2014

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia placekicker Ian Frye was named one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award presented by the Orange Bowl, was announced Thursday by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. The Lou Groza Award is given annually to the nation’s top placekicker.

Frye (Bristol, Va.) is 17-of-20 on field goals this season and is one of 10 FBS placekickers that has connected at a rate of 85 percent or greater while also making double-digit kicks. Twice Frye has been named a Lou Groza Award ‘Star of the Week’ for his performances versus Louisville and at BYU. Frye’s 42-yard field goal against Louisville won the game for the Cavaliers. Frye’s 17 field goals rank No. 5 all-time at UVa for a season.

Frye is one of six ACC placekickers that made the list of 20. Joining Frye are: Robert Aguayo (Florida State), Ammon Lakip (Clemson), Ross Martin (Duke), Cole Murphy (Syracuse) and John Wallace (Louisville).

FBS head coaches and SIDs, past Groza finalists, and national and region football writers will vote to narrow the 20 semifinalists down to three finalists. These finalists will be announced on Nov. 24 and honored at the 23rd annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Awards Banquet on Dec. 9 in West Palm Beach, Fla. The winner will be announced live on ESPN at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Thursday, Dec. 11

The award is named in honor of one of the all-time great kickers in football history, Lou Groza. Groza played 21 seasons for the Cleveland Browns setting numerous franchise records, including most games played, most points scored, and an amazing 107 consecutive games in which he scored a point. Groza was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.