Florida’s punt returner earns Jet Award Mid-Season Watchlist mention

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 05: Chimere Dike #17 of the Florida Gators breaks a tackle from Mac McWilliams #20 of the UCF Knights in the first half of a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Florida football wide receiver and punt returner Chimere Dike was named among the Jet Award Mid-Season Watchlist nominees announced Tuesday by the Jet Award Foundation.

The senior wide receiver, who transferred from the Wisconsin Badgers to join the Gators in the previous offseason, has returned 8 punts for 157 yards in six games this fall. His 19.6-yard average return ranks second in the nation and first in the SEC among players with multiple punt return attempts.

In his four years in Madison, he returned a total of 12 punts for 108 yards, which comes out to an even nine yards per. He also returned 20 kickoffs for 472 yards (23.6 average) while with the Badgers as well, but has not returned any kickoffs as a Gator.

Clearly, he has found his niche with the Orange and Blue as a punt returner. However, Dike has also caught 19 passes for 353 yards (18.6 average) and a pair of touchdowns on offense as well.

The 14th annual Jet Award will honor the most outstanding return specialist in college football on April 10, 2025.

About the Jet Award

The award, named in honor of Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers, will culminate with the presentation at the Jet Award Gala next spring.

The award honors athletes who demonstrate exceptional skill and impact in the return game and the achievements of these athletes who inspire the next generation of football players to strive for excellence in all aspects of the game.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/floridas-punt-returner-earns-jet-160147463.html

Author : Gators Wire

Publish date : 2024-10-16 16:01:47

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