The awards and accolades are nothing new when you mention the name Max Duffy. This morning, Max Duffy was selected as 1 of the 19 candidates for this years Ray Guy Award. The prestigious award, which is given to the nations best punter by the Augusta Sports Council, will be announced during the Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 10th. Ten semifinalists will be announced on November 24th, followed by three finalists on December 2nd.
The Australian native has been on nearly every preseason watchlist this summer as another huge season is expected out of him. Duffy has been named a First-team All-American by Athlon Sports, Walter Camp, Sporting News and Phil Steele's College Football List.
Last season, Max Duffy led the nation in net punting, with a 44.55-yard net average. He also averaged 48.1 yards per punt, which was the best in the country. The impressive season led him to winning the 2019 Ray Guy Award, making him a heavy favorite to do it back-to-back.
His 2019 campaign also crowned him:
First-Team All-America (AP, Sporting News, ESPN, FWAA, Walter Camp, AFCA Coaches', The Athletic, USA Today, Phil Steele and Athlon Sports)
Second-Team All-America, Punter (Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports)
First-Team All-SEC, Punter (AP)
Second-Team All-SEC, Punter (Coaches)
Midseason All-American by the AP, Sporting News, ESPN and CBS Sports
Named to SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll
Dean's List (Fall 2019)
Led the nation in punting, averaging 48.1 yards per punt
With Duffy’s distance and placement, Kentucky led the nation in net punting with a 45.13-yard net average
UK’s career punting leader with a 46.3-yard career average
Only 11 of 49 punts were returned (22%)
24 of 49 punts landed inside the 20-yard line (49%)
Had 22 punts of 50-plus yards
Ran 26 yards on a fake punt for a first down against Missouri
Three career tackles
Averaged a career-best 57.7 yards per punt on three punts for 173 yards vs. UT Martin
Two-time Ray Guy Award Player of the Week
Three-time Ray's 8 honor roll
SEC Special Teams Player of the Week (Oct. 28)
Despite being 27 and considered 'the old guy' on the roster, Max Duffy seems to have become quite the fan favorite.