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Gators long snapper Rocco Underwood on Mannelly Award Watch List

On3 imageby: Keith Niebuhr08/04/25On3Keith
Rocco-Underwood-Florida-Gators
Florida Gators long snapper Rocco Underwood (42) celebrates a tackle against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. (Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports)

Rocco Underwood of the Florida Gators won the Patrick Mannelly Award last year, which goes to the country’s best long snapper. Now a senior, he has a chance to become the first two-time winner.

Underwood on Monday was named to the 2025 Patrick Mannelly Award watch list.

Underwood, who is from Lake Mary, Fla., was a Phil Steele First-Team All-American in 2024 and second-team All-SEC pick. Two weeks ago, he garnered second-team All-SEC honors from reporters at SEC Media Day.

Per a UF release, “The reigning award winner looks to continue his past successes on the field with senior punter Tommy Doman who transferred into the program from the University of Michigan and senior kicker Trey Smack. In 2024, Underwood improved his game in every way by playing a total of 103 snaps, recording three tackles and having one fumble recovery on the season. Underwood also a total of 56 successful punt coverages and 57 successful field goal and extra point attempts.”

Thirty players are on the watch list. It will be narrowed to 10 semifinalists Nov. 17, with three finalists being announced Dec. 1 and the winner chosen Dec. 13.

Here’s a look at Rocco Underwood’s honors while at UF:

COLLEGIATE HONORS

  • Mannelly Award Winner (2024)
  • AFCA Second-Team All-American (2024)
  • All-SEC Second Team (2024)
  • Phil Steele First-Team All-American (2024)

ACADEMIC HONORS

  • Earned his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management (Spring 2025)
  • Three-time SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll (2022-24)

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