TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State senior place-kicker Zane Gonzalez picked up two more All-America First Team honors as he was named to both the Sports Illustrated and USA Today All-America teams announced Thursday afternoon.
Gonzalez, a senior from Deer Park, Texas, claimed his third and fourth first team All-America honors after receiving first team recognition by Sporting News and Pro Football Focus yesterday.
Gonzalez made an FBS-leading 14 field goals from at least 40 yards out in the 2016 season, and was a remarkable 7-for-9 on attempts from 50 yards or more. That mark, the second-most ever from long distance in an FBS season, includes the longest FG of the year, a 59 yarder that was also the kick to give him the all-time record for career points by a kicker.
Gonzalez finished his illustrious four-year career at ASU as the all-time FBS leader in field goals made (96) and points by a kicker (494). His 23 made field goals out of 25 attempts in the 2016 season led the Pac-12 in both makes and percentage.
Through the season, Gonzalez has claimed four Lou Groza Star of the Week honors, the most by any kicker in the country. With his four 'Star of the Week' honors this season, Gonzalez has earned an unprecedented six career Groza honors, the most by any kicker in the award's history.
Gonzalez became the first ASU player to earn Sports Illustrated and USA Today All-America First Team recognition since defensive tackle Will Sutton in the 2012 season. Gonzalez also became the first specialist in ASU history to receive first team Honors.
Gonzalez, one of three finalists for the coveted Lou Groza Award, will look to become the second Groza Award winner in ASU History, joining Thomas Weber who earned the award following the 2007 season.
This year's Lou Groza Award winner will be revealed on ESPN during The Home Depot College Football Awards Show airing live from the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. ET.