YSU junior punter Brendon Kilpatrick was named the recipient of the 2024 FCS Punter-of-the-Year Award by the Augusta Sports Council Board of Directors on Monday.

Kilpatrick had a spectacular year for the Penguins in 2024. He had 40 punts for an average of 46 yards per kick. He would rank in the top 10 nationally, but did not have enough attempts per game to qualify for the minimum. During the season he had 14 kicks of 50-plus yards while placing 19 inside the oppositions' 20-yard line. He boomed career longs of 65 vs. Villanova and South Dakota State. On a fourth down deep in YSU territory at Illinois State, he had a rush for eight yards and a first down late in the first half to help YSU run out that clock. He also had a standout year as the holder on placement kicks.

Additionally, the Penguins punt coverage unit leads the FCS in net punting at 43.88 entering the semifinals of the playoffs. 

Punters are evaluated on their overall statistics and contribution to the team. Particular emphasis is placed on net average, percentage of total punts inside the 20-yard line and percentage of punts not returned. The winner must display team leadership, self-discipline and have a positive impact on the team's success.

USC's Eddie Czaplicki was named the 2024 Ray Guy Award winner on Dec. 12. An event to honor Kilpatrick and Czaplicki will be held in Augusta at a late date.

FCS Punter of the Year Award Winners

2024 - Brendon Kilpatrick (YSU)
2023 - Aidan Laros (UT-Martin)
2022 - Patrick Rohrbach (Montana)
2021 - Brian Buschini (Montana)
2020 - Dj Arnson (Northern Arizona)
2019 - Alex Pechin (Bucknell)