During his time in Athens, Rodrigo Blankenship grew to become a fan favorite thanks to his off-field personality and his kicking ability.

And he was recognized for that ability on Thursday night when the senior was awarded the Lou Groza Award, which is given to the top kicker in the country.

As a senior, Blankenship connected on 25 of his 31 field goal attempts, while also making all 44 of his extra points. Blankenship has not missed a single extra point in his Georgia career.

In addition to placekicking, Blankenship has also handled kickoff duties for Georgia. He finished ninth in the country in touchback percentage this year, as 60 of his 79 kickoff attempts were not returned.

This is the latest in a long list of accolades for Blankenship this season, as he was named the SEC’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year as well as First Team All-SEC for his position.

Related: Andrew Thomas, Rodrigo Blankenship earn SEC Player of the Year honors

Blankenship is the first Georgia kicker to win the award and the third SEC kicker to do so, with the last coming in 2003. Randy Bullock of Texas A&M won it in 2011, but the Aggies were still Big 12 members at that point in time.

All season, Georgia coach Kirby Smart has spoken at length about what Blankenship has meant to the Georgia program.

“What Rodrigo has done, and overcome, is just a story for the ages,” Smart said after the Texas A&M game. “To be a walk-on, to not get a scholarship, to continue to work, get a scholarship, and continue to grind, and be as consistent as he has been in some of the toughest conditions this year that could ask a kicker to kick in. He’s just been tremendous. And he’s really become a weapon for us. Thank goodness. He’s really become a weapon for us. He’s done a great job.”

Thanks to his rec specs, Blankenship is one of the most recognizable kickers in the country. He has already graduated from the University of Georgia and it seems like there’s a very good chance he will be kicking in the NFL next season. To this point in his Georgia career, he’s made 78 of his 95 field goal attempts and has the school record for points scored.

Blankenship will play his final collegiate game on Jan. 1, when the Bulldogs take on the Baylor Bears in the Sugar Bowl.

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