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Iowa Football: Trio of Hawkeyes named semifinalists for annual awards

By Joe Kipp

Nov 21, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon (54) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon (54) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tory Taylor, Chauncey Golston and Daviyon Nixon were all named semifinalists on separate award lists for their outstanding performances this season.

Three members of the Iowa football program were recognized for their on-field achievements on Monday. Punter Tory Taylor, defensive end Chauncey Golston and defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon were all named semifinalists for separate awards.

Nixon, a junior, is one of 18 semifinalists named for consideration of the 2020 Chuck Bednarik Award, which honors college football’s “most outstanding defensive player”. Nixon is the only player from the Big Ten to be named a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award.

Taylor, a true freshman, is one of 10 semifinalists for the 2020 Ray Guy Award, which is presented to college football’s best punter.

Golston, a senior, was named a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy (out of 24 players), which is given to the best “IMPACT” player in the nation; impact being an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity. Former Iowa linebacker Josey Jewell was the recipient of the award in 2017.

All three players are extremely deserving of their respective nominations and have played pivotal roles for the Hawkeyes in 2020.

Nixon leads the Big Ten in tackles for loss (13) and sacks (5.5) in seven games played. He’s been a force in both the run and pass game. Meanwhile, Golston has compiled 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.

Taylor has emerged as arguably Iowa’s best punter ever. He averages 44.6 yards per punt on 32 attempts (18th in FBS), 17 of which have been downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. He also has no touchbacks.

From the original press releases:

"“Three finalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced Dec. 21 by the Maxwell Football Club. Three finalists for the Ray Guy Award will be announced Dec. 22. Winners for both awards will be announced Jan. 7, 2021 live on The Home Depot College Football Awards show on ESPN. Six finalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy will be announced Jan. 8, 2021, with the winner being announced Feb. 21.”"

Next. Iowa Football: Hawkeyes prepare for CFB’s best defense in Wisconsin. dark

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