Lembo Named Semifinalist for the Broyles Award

University of South Carolina associate head coach/special teams coordinator Pete Lembo is one of 15 semifinalists for the 2022 Broyles Award, which honors college football’s top assistant coach, the Frank & Barbara Broyles Foundation announced today.

Lembo, who is in his second season with the Gamecocks, has his units ranked first in ESPN’s special teams efficiency. The Gamecocks are among the nation’s best in blocked punts (T2nd-school record 5), blocked kicks (T2nd-6), punt returns (2nd-18.70), kickoff returns (4th-25.47), net punting (9th-42.47), punt return defense (12th-3.00) and kickoff return defense (13th-16.65).

Individually, punter Kai Kroeger is averaging 45.8 yards per punt this season, 10th in the country and is one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award; placekicker Mitch Jeter is a perfect 9-for-9 in field goal attempts; kick returner Xavier Legette is averaging 31.5-yards per return, including a 100-yard touchdown return against Texas A&M; and punt returner Josh Vann is averaging 15.1 yards per return.

A 43-member selection committee of distinguished former head coaches, broadcasters and a committee representing the FWAA will select five finalists from the list of nominees and an overall winner.

The 2021 Broyles Award winner was Josh Gattis, who was the offensive coordinator at the University of Michigan. Gattis is now the offensive coordinator at the University of Miami. Previous winners are not eligible to be nominated for the Broyles Award until the completion of three seasons.

Proceeds from the 2022 Broyles Award support the Broyles Foundation’s mission to provide a game plan for Alzheimer’s caregivers through education, support, and resources. The Broyles Foundation can be followed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.