University of Pittsburgh Athletics
10/15/2024 12:58:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt sophomore wide receiver and returner Kenny Johnson and junior punter Caleb Junko have each earned watch list recognition for their special teams efforts through six games.
Johnson was named to the midseason watch list for the Jet Award, presented annually to the most outstanding return specialist in college football, while Junko was added to the watch list for the Ray Guy Award, given to the nation's best FBS punter.
A native of York, Pa. (Dallastown), Johnson paces the team with 303 kickoff return yards (21.7 avg.) this season and 650 yards over his two-year career. In terms of combined return yards (kickoffs and punts), he leads the ACC and ranks second nationally with 367 yards.
Johnson (6-1, 200) emerged as Pitt's primary kickoff returner last season and earned Honorable Mention All-ACC as a return specialist. He had a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown—tied for the longest by an FBS player in 2023—against North Carolina, Pitt's first kickoff return touchdown since Nov. 20, 2021 (Israel Abanikanda, 98 yards vs. Virginia).
Junko (Akron, Ohio/Hudson) is leading the ACC in punting average (50.56) in conference games. Seven of his nine punts in such games have gone for 50-plus yards and he's placed three inside the 20 yard-line. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound specialist was recognized for his efforts against Cal last week as part of Ray's 8, posting 50.7 yards per punt in six opportunities, with a long of 57 yards. He also pinned the Golden Bears inside the 20 twice.
Pitt is ranked No. 20 in both major polls after achieving its first 6-0 start since 1982. Following an open date this week, the Panthers resume action on Thursday, Oct. 24, when they host ACC foe Syracuse at 7:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised by ESPN.
