Florida senior kicker Caleb Sturgis found out a few weeks ago that he would not be invited to the Senior Bowl for this year’s game.
But on Tuesday, GatorCountry.com learned that the 5-foot-11, 184-pound Sturgis has accepted an invitation to compete in the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 13, 2013.
“Caleb Sturgis has accepted an invitation to play in our game,” said Harold Richardson, executive director of the East-West Shrine Game. “We have received his paperwork and everything for the game.”
While many seniors want to participate in the Senior Bowl, Sturgis playing in the East-West game could be a good thing.
“Last year, all four of our kickers are playing in the NFL this year,” Richardson said. “St. Louis’ kicker [Greg Zuerlein] hit the game winner last week against San Francisco was in the game last year for us.”
Sturgis is a finalist for the Lou Groza Award, which will be given to the nation’s top kicker on Tuesday night.
On the year, Sturgis has hit 23 of 27 field goals, including three from at least 50 yards and a long of 51 yards.
Sturgis is also Florida’s all-time leader with 69 field goals made in his career. He surpassed Jeff Chandler’s previous school record with three made field goals in the Gators’ 37-26 win at Florida State on Nov. 24.