It is no longer disputable. Michael Dickson is the 2017 Ray Guy Award winner, making him the nation’s best punter.
Dickson is the first Longhorn to be named a finalist for the award.
And it really wasn’t up for debate for those that watched Dickson at his craft, for he was remarkably astounding during his third year on the 40 Acres.
Dickson has averaged 48.38 yards per punt, not far off from Todd Sauerbrun’s record of 48.42 yds/punt set back in 1994. Dickson also leads the nation in net yards per punt at 44.7 yards.
In the season-oppening loss to Maryland, Dickson had 2 punts that averaged 58 yards, his highest average yards punting per game of the season. But he didn’t stop there.
In the home-loss to Oklahoma State, Dickson punted the ball 11 times, averaging 50.9 yards/punt.
But his most impressive feat was his 76-yard punt against TCU. That punt was recorded as not only the 5th longest in FBS this season, but tied for 5th longest in Texas history as well.
Dickson averaged 45 yards per punt in 9/12 games thus far, including 6 of those games where he averaged at least 50 yards per punt (Maryland, 58; Kansas State, 53.3; Oklahoma, 55; Oklahoma State, 50.9; TCU, 50.8; and Texas Tech, 50.9).
The Aussie punter is the second player ever to be named finalist for the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year twice, and in back-to-back years no less.
Dickson has made no announcement as to whether he will be returning to Austin, Texas for his senior year. But one thing is for sure: the nation has taken notice of Dickson’s accomplishments this season.
And with the Texas Bowl still looming for the Horns, Dickson can look to further put his mark on history. And should he choose to forego his senior season, he can increase his draft stock as well.
Dickson and the Longhorns resume action on December 27th when they travel to Houston to play former Big 12 foe Missouri.
