Syracuse punter Rob Long is one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award, which goes to the country’s top punter. Of course Long sure has an awful lot of practice these last four years.

In any case, Long has stuck 19-of-47 punts inside the 20 and 22 of his punts haven’t been returned at all this year. He’s averaging 42.7 yards per punt for his career, which is sixth among active kickers and second on Syracuse’s all-time career list. His 8,035 career punting yards are fourth on Syracuse’s all-time list. (Again, the practice thing.)

The greatest statement on Long, though, is that he’s a team captain, as elected by his teammates. It’s a rare kicker or punter who doesn’t feel somewhat separate from his other teammates. It’s an even rarer one who those teammates choose as a leader.