Cody Webster Named Ray Guy Award Semifinalist

In an otherwise dismal season there is one small bright spot for Purdue football. Cody Webster who, let's face it, has gotten plenty of practice with Purdue not even reaching the red zone for three straight games, was named as one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award, given to the nation's best punter.

Purdue has had one Ray Guy Award winner before, as Travis Dorsch took it home in 2001. From the official release:

The candidates were evaluated on their overall statistics and contribution to the team.  Particular emphasis was placed on the punter’s net average, percentage of total punts inside the 20-yard line and percentage of punts not returned.  A national voting body of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) coaches, sports information directors, national media and former Ray Guy Award winners will decide the three award finalists, who will be announced on November 25.  Voters will then cast a second round of ballots to decide the winner.

2013 Ray Guy Award Semi-Finalists
Steven Clark (Sr.) - Auburn
Tom Hornsey (Sr.) – Memphis
Cameron Johnson (Fr.) – Ohio State
Drew Kaser (So.) – Texas A&M
Richie Leone (Sr.) – Houston
Cody Mandell (Sr.) – Alabama
Michael Palardy (Sr.) – Tennessee
Mike Sadler (Jr.) – Michigan State
Will Scott (Sr.) – Troy
Cody Webster (Sr.) – Purdue

The presentation of the Ray Guy Award will be featured on The Home Depot College Football Awards live on Thursday, December 12 at 7:30 pm ET on ESPN. The show, hosted by ESPN’s Chris Fowler, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard will feature live presentation of nine player awards, along with the recipients of Disney’s Spirit Award, The Home Depot Coach of the Year Award, the NCFAA (National College Football Awards Association) Contributions to College Football Award, and student-athletes selected to the Walter Camp All-America Team.

Webster has punted 49 times for an average of 44.8 yards and 18 have been downed inside the 20. He has 13 punts over 50 yards and twice has booted one for 73 yards, including the punt in the season opener that was fumbled and led to Purdue's only touchdown.

Webster ranks 10th nationally in yards per punt. He could, in theory, win the award without even being named all-Big Ten, as Michigan State and Ohio State (as if the Buckeyes need a punter) also have candidates.

Good luck, Cody. Hopefully we can win SOMETHING this year in football. The Ray Guy winner at least get a shot at being drafted too, as Dorsch was.