Sign Up for a Yearly Subscription and Save

Ray Guy Award finalists announced

By: Hunter Cornejo

Follow us on Twitter @THESoonerSurge

Follow us on Instagram at thesoonersurge

Please be sure to check out our latest episode of the Sooner Surge, an interview with KTUL Sports Director TJ Eckert.

https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7D2Wuibv0hzyXPJ0qfMdZA?utm_source=generator

This week, the Ray Guy Award announced their finalists for the 2022 Ray Guy Award. The finalists however, were extremely shocking. The three finalists were: Adam Korsak of Rutgers, Bryce Baringer of Michigan State, and Mason Fletcher of Cincinnati, with Fletcher being ranked 28th in yards per punt. Michael Turk is the most deserving winner of the Ray Guy award after he continued his dominant NCAA punting career this season building off of his dominant season from last year. Turk very well could’ve won the award last season. However, Matt Araiza was just as good and took home the award.

Turk’s impact

Turk played a major part in Oklahoma’s 6 wins this year, as he was the most consistent player on the team this year. When the offense was struggling, Turk did everything he could to flip the field for the defense. Turk’s monumental punts provided the defense the momentum and confidence to go out and get the ball back for the offense, especially in Bedlam. Turk’s Bedlam performance was absolutely unreal, having 11 punts for 539 yards.

On the season, Turk had 17 punts downed inside the 20. That is 25% of his punts. Turk had 19 punts that went for 50+ yards, which is nearly 32% of his attempts. Turk was also effective at limiting punt returns as 17 were fair caught. Turk averaged 46.7 yards per punt on 60 attempts.

Not only can Michael Turk punt the football at an elite level, but he can also sling the pigskin. Turk had 2 fourth down conversions on the season, both of which were completions to kicker Zach Schmit. Turk is 2/3 on the season for 5 yards and 1 TD, as well as leading the Sooners with a 190.7 passer rating.

Ray Guy Award Voters:

The Ray Guy Award voters should be absolutely ashamed that Turk is not at the bare minimum a finalist for the award. When you think of the Ray Guy Award, you think of the most elite punters in the country. That is exactly what Michael Turk is. The most elite punter in the NCAA. Turk’s ability to completely flip the field is absolutely unreal, and is quite frankly game changing.

NFL Draft

Although Turk will not be receiving this award, he will be hearing his name as one of the first punters drafted this April. Turk was the first NCAA player to attend the combine and then return to the college level. Whether the NFL club that calls his name needs a quarterback or punter, they are getting an elite one by the name of Michael Turk.

All Big 12 Team

Michael Turk was named to the 2022 All Big 12 first team for the second time in his career. He was the only Sooner named to the Preseason All Big 12 team. Congratulations Michael Turk on a very deserving All Big 12 first team nomination.

Podcasts

Be sure to subscribe to the Sooner Surge

https://open.spotify.com/embed/show/61OJTPCjTI6041Jnewpq3y?utm_source=generator\

Be sure to subscribe to the Red River Pod

https://open.spotify.com/embed/show/4oy2GHWBi4kGgfFhM7guI1?utm_source=generator

Latest News

Ep. 41 – News About RSJ, Sooners Get First 2024 Commitment, & Previewing Safety & MLB!

In this episode, Barry, and Damian, discuss the recent news surrounding a potential injury to Robert Spears-Jennings and provide some insider info on the topic. They also analyze the recent commitment from Cateel High School out of Arizona, Jeremiah Newcombe. Additionally, the guys preview the Safeties & MLB and provide their analysis of what they believe will happen this spring surrounding those position groups.

Read More »
Talk About It in The Switzer Center

Recent News

The Barry and Mack Show

Ep. 41 – News About RSJ, Sooners Get First 2024 Commitment, & Previewing Safety & MLB!

In this episode, Barry, and Damian, discuss the recent news surrounding a potential injury to Robert Spears-Jennings and provide some insider info on the topic. They also analyze the recent commitment from Cateel High School out of Arizona, Jeremiah Newcombe. Additionally, the guys preview the Safeties & MLB and provide their analysis of what they believe will happen this spring surrounding those position groups.

Listen Now »

Ep. 38 – The “All-Millennium” OU Football Draft for Your Offseason Enjoyment

In this episode, Barry, and Damian, have a fun off-season discussion as they each draft their own “All-Millenium” Oklahoma Football team. There are plenty of names you all recognize, and some you might not, as they draft the best players at their positions since the year 2000. Damian provides some context and backstories for the picks as someone who knew or played with a number of the selections.

Listen Now »