Houston punter Richie Leone is among the 25 candidates nominated for the watch list for the 2012 Ray Guy Award, given each year to the best punter in college football. Leone was All-Conference USA honorable mention in 2011.
Joseph Duarte writes, "For the season, Leone averaged at least 40 yards in eight games, had 12 punts of 50 or more yards and 15 downed inside the opponents' 20-yard line. He had a career-high 63-yard punt against North Texas. In addition, Leone also handled the Cougars' kickoff duties, averaging 63.5 yards per kickoff with five touchbacks."
The Ray Guy Award winner is selected by a national voting body of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) coaches, sports information directors, national media and former Ray Guy Award winners. Punters are evaluated on their overall statistics and contribution to the team. Particular emphasis is place on the following statistics: net average, percentage of total punts inside the 20-yard line and percentage of punts not returned.