Take a look at the 32 punters currently performing in the NFL and you will find that many of them made it only after failing on their first attempt out of the box. Obviously a strong leg is essential, but a top professional must also possess good hands, directional kicking skills, hang and turn over the football, handle game pressure, the elements, a consistently quick and consistent punting operation and most importantly must have practical playing experience.
Jake Richardson of Miami (OH) U. and Graham Gano of Florida State, both certainly have the leg strength, but must develop more overall operation consistency. Mike Podobnik of Arkansas Tech put up some very impressive numbers in his first season and is certainly one to watch in 2008.
| Grade |
Last |
First |
School |
2007 Stats
Punts - Yds - Avg |
| D |
Podobnik |
Mike |
Arkansas Tech |
43-1945-45.2 |
| D |
Azarik |
Phil |
Bucknell |
43-1766-41.1 |
| D |
Thiry |
Zach |
Carroll College (MT) |
80-3474-43.4 |
| D |
Maners |
Jimmy |
Clemson U |
55-2354-42.8 |
| D |
Lane |
Brandon |
Elon |
48-2060-42.9 |
| D |
Gano |
Graham |
Florida St |
58-2514-43.3 |
| D |
Walden |
Zach |
Jacksonville St |
50-2124-42.4 |
| D |
Masthay |
Tim |
Kentucky U |
50-1992-39.8 |
| D |
Leo |
Jason |
Lehigh U |
43-1811-42.1 |
| D |
Keagle |
Chris |
Louisiana Tech |
76-3139-41.3 |
| D |
Richardson |
Jake |
Miami (OH) |
68-3063-45.0 |
| D |
Kucek |
Justin |
Minnesota U |
62-2645-42.7 |
| D |
Hanson |
Jamie |
Missouri Western |
56-2345-41.9 |
| D |
Titchener |
Dan |
Nebraska U |
49-2023-41.3 |
| D |
Dittbenner |
Andy |
Northern Illinois U |
59-2564-43.4 |
| D |
Trapasso |
A.J. |
Ohio St |
53-2199-41.5 |
| D |
Fodge |
Matt |
Oklahoma St |
51-2164-42.4 |
| D |
Brytus |
Dave |
Pittsburgh U |
66-2613-39.6 |
| D |
Morstead |
Thomas |
SMU |
57-2545-44.6 |
| D |
Barefoot |
Britt |
So Mississippi U |
48-2039-42.5 |
| D |
Perez |
Aaron |
UCLA |
91-3853-42.3 |