There will be numerous images and memories Nittany Nation will cherish when they relive Penn State[apos]s thrilling 19-17 Capital One Bowl win over LSU. The rained-soaked, torn-up turf and Daryll Clark dropping to his knees as time expired may be the primary images. But, one of the memories and highlights of the game was the performance delivered by placekicker Collin Wagner, who overcame the difficult field conditions to boot the game-winning field goal with just :57 to play. The trey culminated a 4-for-4 effort for Wagner, as he delivered the top performance in his first season as the Nittany Lions[apos] kicker. The State College native was named to ESPN.com[apos]s Big Ten All-Bowl team for his efforts against the Tigers, as he tied the school record for field goals in a bowl game. Wagner has joined a long line of placekickers from Central Pennsylvania that have made an impact for Penn State. Players such as Travis Forney, David Royer, David Kimball and 2006 Pro Bowl kicker Robbie Gould are among the local products that have made a contribution on special teams for the Nittany Lions during the past dozen years. Wagner was ranked No. 5 in the Big Ten in overall scoring in 2009 with a team-high 91 points. He connected on 15-of-22 field goal attempts, with a long of 47 yards in the 20-0 win over Minnesota. Wagner, who was an all-state choice at State College Area HS, has a strong and accurate leg. He earned significant experience last year and should continue to improve his skills and productivity for the 2010 campaign. Wagner is on schedule to earn his degree in accounting in December.
2009 Senior Season
In his first season as the starting kicker, Wagner ranked No. 5 in the Big Ten in overall scoring with a team-high 91 points. He connected on 15-of-22 field goal attempts, with a long of 47 yards in the 20-0 win over Minnesota. He converted on all 46 of his PAT attempts, one of just three Big Ten kickers to connect on 100 percent of their point after tries. Wagner was 10-for-11 on field goal attempts between 20 and 29 yards and connected on four tries beyond 30 yards. He averaged 62 yards per kickoff, including 10 touchbacks. Wagner delivered the biggest game of his career in the 19-17 Capital One Bowl victory over No. 13 LSU. He connected on all four field goal attempts, including the 21-yard game-winner with 57 seconds remaining on a rain-soaked field. He was named to ESPN.com[apos]s Big Ten All-Bowl team for his efforts against the Tigers, as he tied Travis Forney[apos]s school record for field goals in a bowl game (four vs. Kentucky in the 1999 Outback Bowl). Wagner posted a four-game stretch spanning from Eastern Illinois to Northwestern where he made 7-of-8 field goal attempts, including a 2-for-2 performance in the victory at Michigan and 2-for-2 in the win at Northwestern, on a breezy day near Lake Michigan.
2008 Junior Season
Opportunities were limited for Wagner, playing behind record-setting kicker Kevin Kelly. Wagner made the most of his chances when called upon, connecting on his only field goal attempt and all three of his PAT attempts. He was successful on his first career field goal attempt, from 43 yards, in the third quarter of the win at Syracuse. Wagner also made two PAT attempts against Coastal Carolina and made his only PAT attempt against the Orange. Also playing in the wins over Illinois and Wisconsin, Wagner averaged 67.7 yards on three kickoffs.
2007 Sophomore Season
Wagner made his collegiate debut in the win over Florida International, successfully converting both of his PAT attempts.
2006 Freshman Season
Redshirt season.
High School
At State College Area HS, Wagner played football and baseball. Playing for Coach Al Wolski, he earned Associated Press all-state honors and was the kicker and punter on the All-Mid-Penn Conference team. He also was named to the Harrisburg Patriot-News Platinum 33 and played in the 2006 Big 33 Classic. Wagner helped the Little Lions reach the state quarterfinals.
Personal
Full name is Collin James Wagner. He is the son of C.J. and Susan Wagner and has a twin brother, Chris, and a younger brother, Joey. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games. Wagner is an accounting major in the Smeal College of Business. Born May 26, 1988 in State College, Pa.