MOBILE, Ala. – South Alabama kicker Laith Marjan has been named a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, which is awarded annually to the best place-kicker in college football.
 
Through 10 games, Marjan has made 15-of-16 field goal attempts after entering the season having never attempted a field goal in a college game. His longest make of the year was from 49 yards in South's visit to Death Valley to challenge nationally-ranked LSU. He has twice made three field goals in a game this season. Marjan has also connected on 32 PATs this year, giving him a total of 77 points. He ranks sixth nationally in field goal percentage at .938, 24th in field goals per game and 47th in total points scored.
 
The Award is named for National Football League Hall of Fame kicker Lou "The Toe" Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Although an All-Pro offensive lineman as well, Groza ushered in the notion that there should be a place on an NFL roster for a kicker.
 
Semifinalists will be voted on by a panel of FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers to select the three finalists. These finalists will be announced on November 26th and honored at the 33rd annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Banquet on December 9th in Palm Beach County. The same panel then selects the winner, who will be announced live on ESPN at the Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 12th.
 
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