After a tremendous 2018 campaign, Rice football punter Jack Fox has been recognized as a semifinalist for the Ray Guy award.
Jack Fox’s selection to the Conference USA Football Coaches Preseason All-Conference team was just the beginning of what has become an incredible senior season. The Owls’ punter has been selected as a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award, an honor given the nation’s top punter.
Fellow state of Texas specialists Dominic Panazzolo of Texas Tech and Braden Mann of Texas A&M were also recognized.
Fox was honored to simply be mentioned in the conversation. “It’s something I’ve been working for since I was a freshman,” said Fox, who is now one of 10 players still in the running for the award. The list will be paired to three on Tuesday, Nov. 10 before the winner is formally announced during the Home Depot College Football Award Show on Dec. 6. If Fox wins, he’ll be invited to the formal presentation at the Gridiron Football Banquet in August, GA in January.
Special teams coach Pete Lembo was effusive with his praise, saying Fox’s contributions to the team go well beyond the box score — which is impressive in its own right. “Jack can see the big picture,” said Lembo, “He’s got a real good understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish and how he needs to do his job to make that happen.”
Making that happen, for Fox, has included a long list of statistical achievements. He booted a career-long 76-yard punt against North Texas earlier this season and kicked a career-high 12 punts against UAB which tied a school and conference record. Fox has amassed a 40.1 net while averaging 45.3 yards on 66 punts so far this season.
Lembo credits Fox’s willingness to learn and experiment with new things, like a rugby-style kick which he added to his game in the weeks prior to the Owls’ opener against Prairie View. “If there’s any critique its sometimes he’s too hard on himself,” admitted Lembo with a grin.
However he’s made it happen, Fox is having the senior season he could have only dreamed of. It’s only right that he’s being recognized as one of the best at what he does. You can vote for Jack Fox in the Ray Guy fan vote here.
