Cincinnati Bearcats punter James Smith named to Ray Guy Award watch list

Tom Groeschen | Cincinnati Enquirer

University of Cincinnati punter James Smith was the Bearcats' lone first-team All-American Athletic Conference football player in 2017, and Smith on Monday was recognized among the best in America.

UC sophomore Smith, a native of Wangaratta, Australia, was among 27 punters named to the 2018 Ray Guy Award Watch List, the Augusta Sports Council announced. The Ray Guy Award is presented annually to the nation’s top college punter.

Smith punted 64 times for a 42.0-yard average in 2017, with a long boot of 65 yards. Smith had 33 punts fair caught, dropped 21 inside the 20-yard line and had nine kicks for 50 or more yards.

The Bearcats led the league in punting and ranked 15th nationally with a net average of 41.0 yards per punt. UC was one of four teams nationally to not have a touchback on a punt in 2017.

UC football coach Fickell reacts to Bearcats being picked 4th in AAC East Cincinnati Bearcats coach Luke Fickell reacts to his team being picked 4th in the AAC preseason football media poll.

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The Augusta Sports Council created the Ray Guy Award in 2000 to honor Thomson, Georgia native and College and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Ray Guy. Guy played from 1973-86 for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, was on three Super Bowl champion teams and made seven Pro Bowl appearances.

Among statistics used to identify the winner is net punting average, number of times punt is downed or kicked out of bounds inside the opponent's 20-yard line, total yardage punted, average returned yardage and percentage of punts not returned, with particular emphasis placed on net punting average.

The winner must display team leadership, self-discipline and have a positive impact on the team's success. For more information, visit RayGuyAward.com.

PRACTICE BEGINS: The Bearcats report back to campus for training camp Thursday and begin practice Friday. The team is scheduled to practice on campus through Sunday, then travel for its annual two-week stay at Camp Higher Ground in West Harrison, Indiana.

COUNTING DOWN: UC opens the 2018 Season at UCLA on Saturday, Sept. 1 (7 p.m., ESPN) in the Rose Bowl.