MEMPHIS, TENN. --- Memphis true freshman Tom Hornsey has been announced by the Augusta Sports Council as a candidate for the 2010 Ray Guy Award, presented annually to the nation's top punter.

The Australian punter is one of seven from Conference USA vying for the coveted honor. He is also one of just three freshmen on the watch list, while he and Iowa State's Kirby Van Der Kamp are both true freshmen.

Hornsey currently ranks 33rd nationally in punting with his average of 43.4 yards. He has dropped 15 punts inside the 20 and totals 12 punts for 50 or more yards. Only 17 of his 50 punts have been returned by the opponents, and he was named the C-USA co-Special Teams Player of the Week following the MTSU game.

In his first-ever American football game, Hornsey logged 438 yards on nine punts against Mississippi State. Since then, Hornsey has eclipsed the 400-yard mark against Middle Tennessee and Louisville.

A total of 51 athletes were nominated for this year's honor. Among the candidates are last year's winner, Drew Butler of Georgia, and finalist, Chas Henry of Florida. The list will be narrowed to 10 semi-finalists to be named on Nov. 12.

Following the semi-finalists announcement, a national body of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) sports information directors, coaches, media representatives, and previous Ray Guy Award winners will vote for the top three finalists, who will be identified on Nov. 22. The voting body will then cast ballots to select the winner.

The presentation of the Ray Guy Award will be featured on The Home Depot College Football Awards live on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

The show, hosted by ESPN's Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit will feature the live presentation of nine player awards, along with the recipients of Disney's Spirit Award; The Home Depot Coach of the Year Award, the NCFAA (National College Football Awards Association) Contributions to College Football Award; and student-athletes selected to the Walter Camp All-America Team.