Jason Sanders Named to Groza Watch List
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — While it has seemed like Jason Sanders was the college football equivalent of Rodney Dangerfield in 2016, perhaps he is starting to get some much due respect in 2017. Sanders, who was nearly perfect kicking last season and was the nation’s top kickoff man, was one of 30 kickers named to the initial Lou Groza Watch List, as announced by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.
Sanders is the fifth Lobo kicker to make a Groza Watch List, joining Vladimir Borombozin (2001), Wes Zunker (2003), Kenny Byrd (2005 and 2006) and James Aho (2009). Sanders is one of five Mountain West kickers on the list, joining San Diego State’s John Baron II, San Jose State’s Bryce Crawford, Fresno State’s Kody Kroening and Air Force’s Luke Strebel.
Sanders was 12-for-13 on field goals, hitting his final nine, with four of those from beyond 45 yards. He was a two-time Mountain West Player of the Week, and his 52-yard field goal into the wind proved to be the winning points in a 23-20 win over UTSA in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl. Sanders hit a school record 61-of-62 extra points, with his only miss being blocked. He established a UNM record with 82 straight extra points made.
Sanders was also the nation’s top kickoff man, with a touchback percentage of 82.14%, hitting 69 of 84 kickoffs for touchbacks. That percentage is the highest in the last nine years in the NCAA Division I FBS ranks.
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. Although an All-Pro offensive lineman as well, Groza ushered in the notion that there should be a place on an NFL roster for a kicker.
For more information on the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award and to see the “Stars of the Week” throughout the season, please go to www.lougrozaaward.com. For even more updates on the best kicking performances throughout the season, follow @LouGrozaAward on Twitter.
Lobo Football season tickets are now available and start at just $86. Visit golobos.com or call Joe Gehling at 505-925-1620 for more information.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
7-20 24th Annual Women’s Football Clinic
7-25 & 26 Mountain West Media Summit in Las Vegas
7-27 Fall Camp Opens
9-2 Season Opener at Dreamstyle Stadium vs. Abilene Christian