ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – For the third straight day the UCF football team has placed a student-athlete on a national award watch list, as place kicker Matthew Wright was named to the Lou Groza Award Watch List on Wednesday morning.
Earlier this week Shaquem Griffin earned a spot on the Bednarik Award Watch List and Jordan Akins found himself on the John Mackey Award Watch List.
Wright is among just 30 collegiate kickers to make the watch list after connecting on 17-of-22 field goals as a redshirt sophomore in 2016. Wright led UCF with 90 total points after hitting 39-of-41 extra points. For the year, the Lancaster, Pa., native made nine field goals of 40 yards or longer.
Wright's 17 made field goals in 2016 are tied for the fourth most in a single season in UCF history. Additionally, his 30 career field goals in just two seasons are two away from cracking UCF's all-time top 10 list.
The 26th Annual Lou Groza Award, presented by the Orange Bowl Committee, will announce its 20 semifinalists on Thursday, Nov. 2, select three finalists by Tuesday, Nov. 21, and finally announce the winner on Thursday, Dec. 7.
The Award is named for National Football League Hall of Fame kicker Lou "The Toe" Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL Championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954.
RISE AND CONQUER
The second season of UCF Football under head coach Scott Frost is just around the corner. Fans can explore all of the new ticket options at Spectrum Stadium by visiting WeRiseandConquer.com or calling (407) 823-1000.
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