Christopher Dunn wins Lou Groza Award
For the second time in school history, a NC State kicker has won the prestigious Lou Groza Award given to college football’s top kicker. Wolfpack super senior Christopher Dunn was honored Thursday evening after his season to remember.
In 2022, Dunn made 24 of 25 field goal attempts, including 10 that were 40 yards are longer, two of which were over 50 yards. The highlight of the season may have come when Dunn made 4 field goals, including matching his career-long of 53 yards, in a 19-17 victory over Florida State on Oct. 8.
Dunn earlier this week was named All-American by both CBS Sports and The Athletic, and he was named first-team All-ACC when the conference awards were announced.
The recognitions comes after Dunn set several ACC career records. He became the league’s all-time leader in points scored with 479 and field goals made with 93. His .960 kicking percentage in 2022 was second best nationally, and he led the conference in scoring and field goals. Dunn tied for the national lead in field goals per game.
“I’m so proud of Chris for all of his accomplishments and am so happy that he was recognized nationally with the Groza Award,” NC State football head coach Dave Doeren said. “Nobody has worked harder than he has.
“He’s overcome a lot of obstacles – on and off the field – but his dedication, persistence and faith have helped him become the remarkable person and kicker that he is today. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.”
Dunn joined former NC State All-American kicker Marc Primanti in winning the award. Primanti was honored in 1996 when he made all 20 of his field goal attempts and each of his 24 extra points.
The award is named in honor of Lou Groza, a nine-time all-pro and winner of eight championships, four in the AFL and four in the NFL. Groza was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.
Christopher Dunn also becomes the third different NC State player during Doeren’s 10-year tenure as head coach of the Wolfpack to win a national award. Former defensive end Bradley Chubb won both the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Ted Hendricks Award in 2017. The former is given to college football’s best defensive player, while the Hendricks Award is for the nation’s best defensive end.
Former center Garrett Bradbury won the 2018 Rimington Trophy awarded the country’s top interior lineman. Both Chubb and Bradbury would also be first-round NFL Draft picks.
Last year, offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu was a finalist for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the country’s top lineman.
