Kids & Family

Memphis Kicker, LT Grad Jake Elliott Up for National Award

Elliott set a University of Memphis record with a 56-yard field goal Saturday against South Florida.

Former Lyons Township kicker Jake Elliott, who broke a University of Memphis record with a 56-yard field goal Saturday, is one of 20 semifinalists for the 2013 Lou Groza National Collegiate Place-Kicker Award.

Elliott, a freshman from Western Springs, made the 56-yarder late in the first half against South Florida. The ball bounced high off the crossbar and through the uprights, breaking a Tigers record set when current New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski nailed a 53-yarder in 2005, according to WREG Memphis.

The former Lion also hit on field goals of 19 and 34 yards in Memphis' 23-10 win, WREG reports.

Elliott has made 14 of 15 field-goal attempts during his freshman season. 

The long field goal from Elliott should come as no surprise to LT fans. Among Elliott's memorable kicks as a Lion was a 52-yard game-winner as time expired against OPRF during LT's 2011 Homecoming game.

That season was his first playing football. 

Three Lou Groza finalists will be announced on Nov. 25 after the semifinalists are voted on by college head coaches, sports information directors, past winners and national and regional football writers.

The finalists will be honored at a Dec. 10 banquet in West Palm Beach, FL, and the winner will be announced during ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 12.

Among the semifinalists is Tulane's Cairo Santos, who won the award in 2012. 


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