AUGUSTA, Ga. – FIU punter Daton Montiel and Jax State punter Jack Dawson have been named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Ray Guy Award, given to the nation’s top punter, as announced Friday by the Augusta Sports Council.  
 
A three-time member of the Ray Guy Award Watch List, Montiel attempted 72 punts for 2,820 yards and an average of 39.2 yards per attempt in 2023. He recorded a long punt of 58 yards and booted a total of nine kicks over 50 yards. Montiel placed 10 kicks inside the 10-yard line, forced 41 fair catches and did not have a kick blocked.
 
Tabbed the CUSA Punter of the Year in 2023 by College Football Network, Dawson led the league in net yards per punt (40.09) and ranked second in punts over 50 yards (10). He was twice named CUSA Special Teams Player of the Week on Aug. 26 after punting five times for an average of 45.8 yards and on Sept. 23 after punting five times for an average of 41.0 yards.
 
The number of eligible candidates for this season will grow when the award opens nominations on August 3. The complete list of candidates will be released on November 6. In mid-November, the Ray Guy Award committee will meet to select the ten semifinalists, who will be announced on November 15.
 
A national body of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) sports information directors, media representatives, and previous Ray Guy Award winners will then vote for the top three finalists to be announced on November 26. After the finalists are named, the voting body will cast ballots again to select the nation’s top punter. The winner will be announced live during The Home Depot College Football Awards airing on ESPN in December 2024.