LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV Super Senior Daniel Gutierrez is one of just 30 players from across the nation named to the official Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Watch List, which was released Wednesday by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.
 
Gutierrez (Los Angeles, CA/Granada Hills Charter High School) heads into his final season with the Rebels as the school's most accurate booter in history. The All-America candidate, who originally walked on to the team in 2017 and earned a scholarship before last season, was one of 20 semifinalists for the Groza last season after nailing all but two of his 18 field-goal attempts and making all 25 extra-point tries.
 
Owner of the school record with 16 consecutive field goals made in 2020-21, Gutierrez's career combined field goal numbers of 37-of-45 equate to a record-high percentage of 82.2. Named 2022 Preseason Second Team All-Mountain West by Athlon, he finished last fall an impressive 16-of-17 all-time from 39 yards or closer but also made two of his three attempts from at least 50 yards. The UNLV Special Teams Player of the Year already earned his bachelor's degree in management and is part of a post-graduate program. He will open preseason camp with his teammates later this week and open play August 27 at Allegiant Stadium vs. Idaho State.
 
Of the Groza Watch List, Gutierrez is one of just six returners who averaged at least 88 percent on field goals with at least 16 made. The Groza Committee releases a weekly "Stars of the Week" feature on www.lougrozaaward.com and the Rebel returner was featured last season after making all four of his attempts, including three from 47 yards or longer, to reach 14 points in the 2021 opener vs. Eastern Washington.
 
The organization will announce its 20 semifinalists on November 3. From that list, a panel of more than 100 FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalists and current NFL kickers selects the top three finalists for the award, to be announced November 22. That same group will then select the national winner, who will be announced December 8 during the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.
 
The 31st Annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, presented by the Orange Bowl, will recognize the three finalists during a celebration in Palm Beach County, culminating with a gala awards banquet at the West Palm Beach Marriott December 5. The award is named for Pro Football Hall of Fame kicker Lou "The Toe" Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns, winning four NFL championships and being named NFL Player of the Year in 1954.