Powell’s catch in homecoming game up for GEICO Play of the Year award

After being featured as No. 5 on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10 Plays, junior wide receiver Will Powell didn’t think his one-handed catch would receive any more publicity. But he was wrong.

Monday, Geico chose Powell’s highlight from the Oct. 8 game against Southern Utah as a nominee for the Geico Play of the Year. It is one of four clips each week fans can vote on and the winner each week has the chance to be named Play of the Year.

“It feels incredible,” Powell said. “It’s something I dreamt of as a kid. It shows all of the hard work I’ve put in over the years has paid off.”

Sports Information Director, Kit Strief, sent Powell’s highlight to ESPN after the homecoming victory, not knowing it would actually make the cut.

Powell said he never expected the clip to be so popular.

“I’m surprised by everything, from it making it onto ESPN to the nomination (for Play of the Year),” he said. “It’s an awesome accomplishment not only for me, but for the school to get its name out there as well.”

Each week’s voting ends on Sundays at 10:59 a.m. ET. If Powell’s play makes it past this week’s round, it earns a spot in the final round. The overall winner will be announced Nov. 25 on CBS.