FOOTBALL

Notre Dame football player Kyle Brindza on Groza watch list

BOB WIENEKE

South Bend Tribune

Notre Dame specialist Kyle Brindza has been named to the preseason watch list for the Lou Groza Award, which goes to the nation's top place-kicker.

Brindza, a senior from Canton, Mich. connected on 20 of 26 field-goal attempts last season with a long of 53 yards, and hit all 38 of his extra-point attempts. He capped his junior season by tying an NCAA bowl record with five field goals in the Pinstripe Bowl win over Rutgers.

Brindza's name did not appear on the watch list for the Ray Guy Award, which goes to the nation's top punter. Brindza averaged 41.1 yards per punt in 2013 in his first season as the team's primary punter.

Preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation's best defensive player) and Outland Trophy (best interior lineman) will be announced on Thursday. Former Irish star Manti Te'o won the Nagurski in 2012.

Notre Dame kicker Kyle Brindza believes his work ethic can set an example in the locker room. SBT Photo/JAMES BROSHER Notre Dame kicker Kyle Brindza (27) follows through on a kick during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, in West Lafayette, Ind. (SBT File Photo/JAMES BROSHER)