BOONE, N.C. — App State’s Michael Hughes is one of 30 kickers who have been named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award.
The College Football Network named Hughes a second-team All-American following a 2023 season in which he made 19 of 22 field goals, including a game-winning kick from 54 yards as time expired in a 41-40 victory at ULM. Over the last two seasons, he totaled 188 points by going 28-for-34 on field goals (82.4 percent) and converting 104 extra points.
The award is named for NFL 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.
Accomplishments will be tabulated throughout the season, and the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award will announce its 20 semifinalists on Nov. 19. From that list, on Nov. 26, a panel of FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalists and current NFL kickers select three finalists for the award.
