Nashville, Tennessee, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Vanderbilt University kicker Brock Taylor has secured a spot on the Lou Groza Award watch list, highlighting his progress and skill as a key player for the Commodores. Entering his junior year, Taylor has improved his kicking range and accuracy, boasting significant statistics from last season. With aspirations to enhance his performance, he aims to contribute to Vanderbilt’s success in the upcoming season while vying for this prestigious award.
Nashville, Tennessee – Vanderbilt University kicker Brock Taylor has been named to the prestigious Lou Groza Award watch list for the upcoming 2025 college football season. This award is given annually to the best kicker in college football, and Taylor’s spot on the list signals confidence in his abilities as a key player for the Commodores.
Taylor, who is entering his junior year, has demonstrated significant improvement and maturity since his days at Knoxville Catholic High School. His practice habits have changed, with a focus on avoiding unrealistic field goal attempts. Taylor has increased his realistic “go” line for field goals, with a new range starting at the 42-43 yard line, up from the 39-40 yard line. This change reflects his growth as a kicker and his understanding of game situations.
With aspirations to enhance his skills, Taylor feels capable of making field goals from distances up to 63 yards, confident in his ability to kick from 62 or 63 yards, especially in still wind conditions. He currently holds the Vanderbilt record for the longest field goal at 57 yards, achieved in a game against Missouri in September 2024.
Last season, Taylor demonstrated impressive accuracy, successfully making 18 out of 21 field goals and converting 39 of 40 extra points. His strong performances extended to long distances, where he went 5 for 6 on field goals of over 50 yards. These statistics underline his consistency and reliability as a kicker, elements that are crucial for the team as they prepare for the new season.
Vanderbilt’s special teams coach, Jeff LePak, has recognized Taylor’s potential to compete for the Lou Groza Award. However, Coach LePak emphasizes that Taylor needs to maintain and enhance his consistency to achieve this accolade. Alongside his goal of improving his kicking distance, Taylor aims to strengthen his kickoffs, focusing on improving his leg endurance and overall strength this season.
The process for the Lou Groza Award selection will begin with the announcement of 20 semi-finalists on November 18, followed by the finalists announcement on November 25, and concluding with the award winner being named on December 12 during the College Football Awards.
As the Commodores approach the 2025 season, Taylor’s role is expected to be pivotal, not only as a placekicker but also as a strategic component of the team’s overall performance. His advancements in technique and practice habits could translate into significant contributions for Vanderbilt’s success this year.
Key Season Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Lou Groza Award Watch List | Notable recognition for the upcoming season |
| Field Goal Accuracy | 18 of 21 field goals made |
| Extra Points | 39 of 40 extra points made |
| Longest Field Goal | 57 yards (record at Vanderbilt) |
| Field Goal Range | 42-43 yards as the new go line; capable of up to 63 yards |
| Long Distance Field Goals | 5 for 6 on field goals of over 50 yards |
FAQ
What is the Lou Groza Award?
The Lou Groza Award is an annual accolade recognizing the best placekicker in college football.
What were Brock Taylor’s statistics from last season?
Brock Taylor made 18 of 21 field goals and 39 of 40 extra points last season.
What is the timeline for the Lou Groza Award?
The semi-finalists will be announced on November 18, finalists on November 25, and the winner on December 12 during the College Football Awards.
What is Brock Taylor’s goal for the upcoming season?
Taylor aims to improve his kickoff distances and consistency to be a strong contender for the Lou Groza Award.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- MSN Sports
- Sports Illustrated
- Vanderbilt Commodores
- On3
- UT Sports
- Wikipedia: Lou Groza Award
- Google Search: Brock Taylor
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: Lou Groza Award
- Google Scholar: College Kickers
Author: HERE Nashville
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