MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Colorado School of Mines senior punter Taylor Accardi will continue his 2012 campaign on Saturday by competing in the 2012 D2 vs. NAIA Senior Bowl in Myrtle Beach, S.C., at 1 p.m. (EST).
A 2012 First Team All-American by Beyond Sports Network and Daktronics, Accardi set a new NCAA Division II season record on a minimum of 30 punts with a 51.1 average in 2012, which breaks the record for the category set by Steve Ecker of Shippensburg in 1965 (49.1).
Against Western New Mexico this season, Accardi punted five times for 283 yards for an average of 56.6 yards per punt, which puts him in the No. 15 spot for single-game punting average in the all-time NCAA record books.
He set the NCAA Division II record with an average of 48.6 yards per punt on a minimum of 50 punts in 2011, and ends his collegiate career as the NCAA Division II career record holder with a 46.1 yards per punt average over his four-year career. He broke the record of 44.9 yards per punt set by Jeff Williams of Adams State (2002-05).
His 48.6 yards per punt average in 2011 is the sixth-highest season across all levels of college football and his 2012 average of 51.1 is the tops all-time across any division – breaking the record of 50.3 yards per punt set by Chad Kessler of Louisiana State (LSU) in 1997.
Finally, Accardi's career average of 46.1 is the second-highest number across all NCAA Divisions, just behind longtime NFL veteran Todd Sauerbrun (West Virginia, 1991-94) with an average of 46.3.
The game will be streamed live on the game's website, http://www.d2vsnaiabowl.com/.
About the D2 vs. NAIA Bowl
The "D2 vs. NAIA Senior Bowl" will bring players who represent both the D-II and NAIA college football levels, to an all-star game format. Players selected will partake in practices, NFL combine testing, an awards banquet, and a showcase game with pro scouts in attendance. For the players, this will be a three-day experience. Equally important for the players and fans will be the opportunity to play against outstanding peers in a challenge to measure these two levels of football talent against each other. This game is only available to seniors who have completed their collegiate eligibility.
