WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Jonathan Nichols of Mississippi is the winner of the 2003 Lou Groza Award, given annually to the nation's top kicker.
Nichols will be honored Thursday night as part of the College Football Awards Show in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
"We're extremely proud of Jonathan and his accomplishments," said Coach David Cutcliffe. "He's a perfect example of a young man that's worked extremely hard and is getting to see his hard work pay off."
Nichols, who had a costly pair of misses in a 17-14 loss to LSU on Nov. 22, made 24-of-28 field goal attempts this season. He made all 45 extra point tries and has 117 points, making him 10th in the country in scoring.
""I'm very honored to win such a prestigious award," Nichols said. "To be the named the top kicker out of 117 NCAA Division I-A schools is very exciting."
Nichols beat out Nate Kaedling of Iowa, last year's winner, and Trey DiCarlo of Oklahoma.
