The watch list is composed of preliminary candidates for the 15th annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, presented by the FedEx Orange Bowl. The winner is announced Dec. 7 during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Award Show in Orlando, Fla.
James Wilhoit, a communications graduate from Hendersonville, stands as the active SEC scoring leader with 229 career points. He is a three-time Academic All-SEC honoree and is coming off his best season as a Vol, having made 14-of-19 field goals last year and leading the team in scoring for the third straight season.
Last year’s finalists were Mason Crosby of Colorado, Jad Dean of Clemson and Alexis Serna of Oregon State, with Serna taking home the award.
Also making the list from the SEC were Chris Hetland of Florida and Brandon Coutu of Georgia.
The 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award are announced Nov. 7, followed by the naming of the three finalists Nov. 21.