Jose Pizano’s historic season of kicking for the UNLV football team has reached new heights.
Pizano on Tuesday was named one of three finalists for the Lou Groza National Place-Kicker Award, marking the first time a UNLV football player has been a finalist for a major college award.
Pizano, a transfer from Missouri State in his final season of eligibility, is 23 of 25 on field goal attempts and a perfect 50 for 50 on extra points.
He’s been named the Special Teams Player of the Week in the Mountain West three times in helping the Rebels to a 9-3 record and berth in Saturday’s league championship game against Boise State.
Pizano has established a handful of program records, including field goals in a game (six) and season (23), and consecutive field goals made at 19. He’s also set a record with 119 points in a season.
The other finalists are Graham Nicholson of Miami (Ohio) University and Will Reichard of Alabama. The winner will be announced Dec. 8 during the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.
Fans can vote for the winner online. The kicker with the most fan support receives one vote in the final tally for the honor voted on by 100 coaches, media members and sports information directors, UNLV said in a news release.