Utah Utes football: Sakoda selected for top honor as kicker

Utah senior Louie Sakoda made more team history on Thursday.

Sakoda was named a first-team All-America place-kicker by the American Football Coaches Association, making him the first Ute to earn such high-profile recognition at two different positions. Last season, he was named a first-team All-America punter by the Football Writers Association of America and CBSSports.com.

"You can't ask for any higher honor," Sakoda said. "It's huge for the school. It's huge for more confidence, as far as kicking, which all kickers need. It's just a great honor."

Sakoda, who is a finalist for the Lou Groza (kicking) and Ray Guy (punting) awards, picked up his third consecutive Mountain West Conference Special Teams Player of the Year accolade earlier this week.