There have been three kickers in the modern era to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft. And just one in the past four decades — Sebastian Janikowski. He was taken at No. 17 by the Raiders in the 2000 draft.
That should tell you just how generational of a talent he was at the position at Florida State.
In three seasons with the Seminoles, “Seabass” converted 66 of 83 field goals (79.5 percent). Most importantly, he could hit from basically anywhere in the opponent’s territory, often with room to spare.
Today the College Football Hall of Fame announced Janikowski was among 78 nominees on the ballot for the 2021 class.
Other former Raiders on the ballot include Tennessee wide receiver Willie Gault, Notre Dame linebacker Bob Golic, Penn State offensive guard Steve Wisniewski, and USC quarterback Carson Palmer.
Also on the ballot are former Raiders head coach and USC linebacker Jack Del Rio as well as former Raiders Defensive Coordinator and UCLA linebacker Ken Norton Jr.
The 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT will be officially inducted during the 64th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 7, 2021, at the New York Hilton Midtown. They will also be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2021 season.
[vertical-gallery id=66210]
[lawrence-newsletter]