UTEP Football: Maddox Earns Preseason Honors

UTEP football’s Jay Mattox was named to the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Preseason watch list, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission announced onThursday.

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.

The watch list highlights 30 of the best returning kickers in the country and Mattox is one of two Conference USA kickers earning recognition.

Last season, the junior was the Miners starting kicker in all 13 games and inherited the punting duties in the last seven contests. Mattox converted 43-of-44 PATs and 13-of-16 field goals posting new career highs. He nailed a career-best 47-yard field goal in the victory over UTSA, while splitting the uprights on a 20-yard attempt.

The Miners will open play on Sept. 5th against Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark.

Courtesy: UTEP Athletics