University of Tennessee Athletics
Leaverton on Ray Guy Award Watch List
September 07, 2000 | Football
Tennessee punter David Leaverton is one of 32 punters comprising the first Ray Guy Award "Watch List," recognizing the nation's top collegiate punter.
Leaverton, a senior from Midland, Texas, averaged 42.6 yards per punt last season, the highest for a Tennessee punter since 1982. The three-time Academic All-SEC Honor Roll selection, who also handles the Vols' kickoff duties, had a net punting average of 39.8 to rank eighth nationally last season.
"David has shown maturity as a punter," said UT head coach Phillip Fulmer. "We hope he takes up where he left off last year with his ability to help us control field position."
Leaverton, a logistics and transportation major, graduated in December 1999. Last spring, he was one of three student winners in UT's Community Service/Students category at the 2000 University Honors Convocation. A native of Midland, Texas, was honored for volunteering over 70 hours of his time over the past year as an inspirational and motivational speaker to a number of community agencies.
The Ray Guy Award will be awarded to the nation's top punter as determined by a committee made up of sports writers, college football coaches, former punters, and members designated by the Greater Augusta Sports Council. The winner will display leadership, self-discipline and have a significant positive impact on the team's success. Players are eligible to join the "Watch List" throughout the season.
The award is named after one of the greatest punters of all-time. Guy, who attended the Vols' opening day opponent, Southern Miss, went on to a very successful NFL career with the Oakland Raiders from 1973-86.
