7-10-2013 7:24pm

EMU's Place-Kicker Mulder Receives National Recognition

Dylan Mulder, the 2012 Saline High School graduate who booted kickoffs over uprights and the locker room roof, has been recognized as one of the best college place-kickers in the country.

Mulder, who played 10 games with the Eastern Michigan Eagles as a freshman last year, made the prestigious Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award 2013 Preseason "watch list."

The 22nd Annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, presented by the Orange Bowl Committee, recognizes the three finalists during an early week celebration in Palm Beach County, culminating with a gala awards banquet on Dec. 10.

According to EMUEagles.com, Mulder finished his freshman year with the sixth highest field goal percentage among kickers on the 125 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision. He booted 10 of 11 field goals, including three from beyond 40 yards. He made 24 of 27 point-after attempts and led EMU with 54 points.

Other kickers on the list come from schools such as University of Michigam, Notre Dame, Virgina Tech, Auburn and Tulane.

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.

For more information on the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award and to see the “Stars of the Week” throughout the season, please go to www.lougrozaaward.com. For even more updates on the best kicking performances throughout the season, follow @LouGrozaAward on Twitter.