Matthes Named to FCS Punter of the Year Preseason Watch List
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Matthes Named to FCS Punter of the Year Preseason Watch List

Valparaiso University football sixth-year senior Evan Matthes (Reston, Va. / South Lakes [West Virginia]) has been named to the FCS Punter of the Year Award Watch List, as announced on Wednesday by the Augusta Sports Council.

Matthes is one of 17 players on the watch list for the award, which will be announced at the end of the regular season. A 2022 All-Pioneer Football League Second Team honoree, Matthes was named the team Special Teams Player of the Year after ranking second in the league in punting average at 41.38 yards per punt. He had 57 punts totaling 2,360 yards while booming 10 kicks 50+ yards and pinning 22 inside the 20. He drilled a 67 yarder on Sept. 24 vs. San Diego, tied for the longest in the PFL all season.

Matthes has continued Valpo’s recent trend of successful punters after Ben Niesner was also a member of the FCS Punter of the Year Watch List in Fall 2021 and was a semifinalist in Spring 2021.

2023 Preseason Watchlist
Aaron Trusler, Richmond
Austin Dunlap, Southeastern Louisiana
Bradley Porcellato, Samford
Evan Matthes, Valparaiso
Grant Burkett, Missouri State
Jack Culbreath, VMI
Josh Sanchez, Arkansas Pine Bluff
Kaedin Steindorf, North Dakota State
Luka Zurak, Butler
Matt Noll, Jackson State
Patrick Haughney, Holy Cross
Ryan Kost, Delaware
Shelby Pruett, Colgate
Trey Wilhoit, FAMU
Tyler Pastula, University at Albany
Will Lynch, LIU
Will Whitehurst, William & Mary
 

About the FCS Punter of the Year Award
The Augusta Sports Council, also home to the Ray Guy Award (awarded to the best collegiate punter in the FBS), created the FCS Punter of the Year Award in 2019 to honor the best collegiate punter playing in the FCS. Among the statistics used to identify the winner is net punting average, number of times punt is downed or kicked out of bounds inside the opponents 20-yard line, total yardage punted, average returned yardage and percentage of punts not returned with particular emphasis placed on net punting average. The winner must display team leadership, self-discipline and have a positive impact on the team's success.

About the Augusta Sports Council
The Augusta Sports Council (ASC) enriches the quality of life and economic well-being for the Augusta metropolitan area by supporting and attracting sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.augustasportscouncil.org.