Thompson Named Ray Guy Award Punter of the WeekThompson Named Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week
Steven Walter

Thompson Named Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week

Junior landed two punts inside the 20, blasted a 50-yard punt against Bowling Green

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State junior punter Riley Thompson was selected Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week on Tuesday. Thompson averaged 47.0 yards per punt in No. 8/7 Penn State’s win over Bowling Green.

 

He landed two punts inside the Bowling Green 20 yard-line and booted a 56-yard punt on Saturday.

 

The Ray Guy Award honors the nation’s best collegiate punter.

 

Riley Thompson · Jr. · P · 6-1 · 221 · Melbourne, Australia · Haileybury/Deakin/Florida Atlantic

  • Named to Ray Guy Award Watch List in the preseason.
  • In his career, Thompson is averaging 45.6 yards with 46 punts inside the 20, 14 inside the 10 and 31 punts of 50+ yards.
  • His 45.8 yards per punt average at Penn State ranks first all-time at PSU (minimum 50 punts).
  • Voted All-Big Ten honorable mention by the coaches and media.
  • In 2024, Thompson is averaging 45.5 yards per punt on eight punts with three landing inside the 20.
  • His 45.5 yards per punt average sits 14th in the FBS this season.
  • At West Virginia, Thompson averaged 44.0 yards per punt on four boots and placed a 46-yard punt at the WVU 11.

 

The Augusta Sports Council created the Ray Guy Award in 2000 to honor College and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Ray Guy. Among the statistics used to identify the winner are net punting average, number of times punt is downed or kicked out of bounds inside the opponents 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.

 

The Ray Guy Award committee will announce its 10 semifinalists on November 15 and its three finalists on November 26.

 

No. 8/7 Penn State welcomes Kent State on Saturday, Sept. 21 for a non-conference matchup. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on Big Ten Network at Beaver Stadium.

 

For club and ticket information for the 2024 Penn State Football season presented by PSECU fans can visit www.PSUnrivaled.com, or call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.