Aussies star in US college

Adelaide's Brad Craddock was named the top US college kicker while Melbourne's Tom Hackett claimed the top punter award.

Australia's invasion of American football continues with two young big boots claiming major college awards.

Adelaide's Brad Craddock, a deadly accurate field goal kicker from the University of Maryland, was named winner of the Lou Groza Award at college football's version of the Oscars on Thursday.

A short time later it was Melbourne's Tom Hackett walking up on stage to collect the Ray Guy Award after a dominant year punting for the University of Utah.

Another Aussie, Tom Hornsey, won the Ray Guy Award last year for his punting for the University of Memphis.

Craddock, who grew up playing Australian rules and went to school at Adelaide's Tabor Christian College, moved to the US to be a punter, but found himself with the high-pressure job of kicking field goals.

Craddock was 18-for-19 on field-goal attempts this season and hit a school-record 57-yard field goal against Ohio State on October 4.

"It's been a crazy journey," Craddock said.

Maryland head coach Randy Edsall said the young Australian's work ethic and competitiveness was unmatched.

To see him arrive at Maryland having never played football and transforming himself into the best kicker in the nation is something that is very special, Edsall said.

Hackett, a former Australian rules star at Melbourne's Scotch College, led US college football with an average 46.5 yards per punt.

I remember when he showed up on campus and started kicking, Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham told AAP.

He wasn't as polished he is right now, but he obviously had a strong kick."


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