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Syracuse Football: Sterling Hofrichter on verge of football immortality

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 10: Tommy DeVito #13 of the Syracuse Orange warms up before their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter Finley Stadium on October 10, 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 10: Tommy DeVito #13 of the Syracuse Orange warms up before their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter Finley Stadium on October 10, 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Syracuse football punter Sterling Hofrichter is on the verge of college football immortality. Here’s why that’s the case and how he can do it.

A Syracuse football player has never won the Ray Guy Award, but that could change in 2019.

On Monday Sterling Hofrichter was named a semi-finalist for the annual award that is handed out to the nation’s best collegiate punter.

He was 1 of 10 semifinalists that were announced from a field of 78 nominated candidates. The selection process considered contributions to the team, overall statistics (net punting average, punts inside an opponent’s 20-yard line, etc).

Sterling’s contributions to the team can’t be understated, he’s been a huge factor for the Orange over the last two years.

Hofrichter has booted 61 times this season for an average of 44.1 yards per put, which translates to a net average of 43.2 yards per punt.

Sterling leads the conference with 25 punts that have been downed inside the 20-yard line and that includes two touchbacks. On top of accuracy, Sterling brings a powerful leg to boot.

Hofrichter is top-3 in the ACC in punts that have traveled over 50 yards (he has banged 20 such punts).

"“The three-time captain additionally ranks third nationally in net punting as opponents have only 10 punt returns for 17 yards (1.7 avg.) against the Orange,” per the official press release."

They say big-time players make big-time plays. That was certainly the case for Sterling earlier this season when Syracuse faced its stiffest challenge of the year vs the Clemson Tigers.

Hofrichter had a career day:

  • Averaged 52.2 yards per kick on nine punts (that’s the best average in team history for a player with at least five punts).
    • Vs Clemson, he hit a career-best six punts that traveled at least 50 yards. He also matched his career-best with an unreal 65-yard punt. Back in Week 3 he was awarded ACC Specialist of the Week and was voted the Ray Guy Award National Punter of the Week for his efforts, per the press release.

"Over his 47 game career, Hofrichter has punted over 262 times for 11,317 yards. His gross average of 43.2 yards per punt is currently on pace to be the third-best figure in program history, per the press release."

The 10 semifinalists will be boiled down to a final three which will be announced on Monday, November 25. Voters will then cast a second round of voting to determine who the true winner is, but did you know you can help Sterling?

One additional vote will be determined by YOU the fans! Click here to vote for Sterling Hofrichter on the fan vote and give him an opportunity at immortality, just like Andre Szmyt did in 2018 when he became the first Orange kicker in program history to win the Lou Groza Award.

Next. Syracuse Football: Ranking every SU first round pick in NFL Draft history. dark

The winner of the Ray Guy Award will be announced live on Thursday, December 12 during the College Football Awards Show on ESPN, per the official press release.

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