University of Virginia starting place-kicker Connor Hughes was named one of 20 semifinalists for the 2005 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award yesterday. The award, presented by the FedEx Orange Bowl, is given to the nation's best place-kicker in honor of NFL Hall-of-Famer Lou Groza.
Three finalists will be announced Nov. 14, and the finalist Dec. 6. A panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, conference representatives, professional kickers and past winners will vote on the winner.
Hughes, a pre-season All-American, leads the Cavaliers in scoring with 73 points after going 16-19 on field goals and 25-25 on extra points this year. The Williamsburg native is currently Virginia's all-time leading scorer.


![“[That whole class] is everything they have been hyped up to be,” DeSorbo said. “Heilman and Williamson in particular are the real deal and other guys are elevating because of them.](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/cav/4f32b0b3-555e-43cd-9d36-27de7adbaef0.sized-1000x1000.png?w=1000&ar=4%3A3&fit=crop&crop=faces&facepad=3&auto=format)

