The accolades continue to pile up for University of Hawai‘i star kicker Kansei Matsuzawa.
Though Matsuzawa fell short of winning the Lou Groza Award on Friday, given to the nation's top kicker, the senior has earned a bevy of All-America honors in recent days.
On Tuesday, Matsuzawa was named a first-team All-American at kicker by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). He was also named a first-team All-American at kicker by the Associated Press, CBS Sports, and the Walter Camp Football Foundation.
Additionally, Matsuzawa was named a second-team All-American at kicker by The Athletic, Sports Illustrated, Sports Info Solutions, USA Today and On3.
While the Sporting News and Football Writers Association of America have yet to release their All-America teams, Matsuzawa has already earned the distinction of consensus All-American. He is the first player in University of Hawai‘i football history to earn the honor, a program that began playing games in 1909.
Following Tuesday's practice, Matsuzawa maintained his even temperament.
"I always say we're just focusing on the process, and then the results were amazing at the end of the season," he said. "I kick once at a time, and it was just one kick. Focus on the next one. The next kick is the most important kick. ... Then (the accolades) come up in December. It's just an honor what we've done throughout the season. I want to celebrate the process we had throughout the season."
Matsuzawa made 25 of his 26 field goal attempts in the regular season, as well as all 37 extra point tries. His 25 consecutive field goals to begin a season tied an NCAA FBS record.
Matsuzawa credited his long snapper, Jack Mowrey, as well as holder Caleb Freeman, for making the operation smooth all year. In turn, those around him have reveled in his success.
"I'm gonna hold this forever. This is truly a special season," said Mowrey when asked about being a part of Matsuzawa's historic year. "I've been thankful to be able to snap for some great kickers in the past, too. ... But this (season) is just something special, just the way Kansei is, and there's no one more deserving of this year."
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Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
