Aussie punter to claim top college award, again

Australians have been named the top three punters in U.S. college football, a history-making result confirming how big boots from Down Under have transformed America's favourite sport.

Perth's Mitch Wishnowsky, punting for the University of Utah, Geelong's Cameron Johnston, a weapon for Ohio State and Sydney's Michael Dickson, for the University of Texas, were named the three finalists for the Ray Guy Award.

The award is the top honour for college punters.

This year's domination guarantees an Australian will have won the award four years straight.

Tom Hornsey, punting for the University of Memphis, claimed it in 2013 and Tom Hackett, for the University of Utah, made history with back-to-back wins in 2014 and 15.

Australia has three punters in the NFL - New York Giants' Brad Wing, Pittsburgh Steelers' Jordan Berry and New York Jets' Lachlan Edwards - and the "rugby style" kick has become a must-have skill for every punter.

But, winning the Ray Guy is not a guarantee to a big money contract in the NFL as Hornsey and Hackett have been unable to secure jobs with teams.

This year's three Ray Guy finalists confirms the success of former AFL player Nathan Chapman's ProKick Australia punting school, with Wishnowsky, Johnston and Dickson former students.