Wilbur, who was the first
semifinalist in school history a season ago for the honor, joined the
list comprised of the top non-graduating finalists from the previous
year, and a previous recipient.
Wilbur, who has seen action in 35 career games, owns a average of 43.0
on 178 punts. In 2005, his 2,459 punting yards led the SEC. He also
recorded his longest punt of the season (63 yards) in the Outback Bowl
victory against Iowa to establish a UF bowl record. Wilbur recorded a
50+ yard punt in eight of the Gators' 12 games in 2005. He also rushed
for 20 yards on a fake punt versus Georgia.
The Ray Guy Award is presented to the nation's best collegiate punter
as determined by a national selection committee made up of sports
writers, college football coaches and sports information directors,
former punters and members designated by the Greater Augusta Sports
Council. Among the statistics used to identify the Ray Guy Award winner
are total yardage punted, number of times a punt is downed or kicked out
of bounds inside the opponents 20-yard line, net average, average
returned yardage, and percentage of punts not returned. It is also of
importance for the award winner to display team leadership,
self-discipline, and to have a positive impact on the team's success.
The Ray Guy Award watch-list will be expanded after the start of the
season when statistical figures can be added. The national voting body
will then vote for the top three finalists who will be announced at the
end of November. In December the top three finalists will be in Orlando,
Florida for the Home Depot College Football awards show. The winner will
be announced live on ESPN.