Rhys Dakin punts in Soccer Shoes. The Aussie will be on Scholarship. Is raising Funds for Count the Kicks US, a Stillbirth Prevention Campaign
- Thread starter Franisdaman
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Just watch, next guys “only” going to average 45 per punt, and we’ll all be disappointed.
I can't tell you how refreshing it is for me to see a young athlete factor academics into his college choice.
Best of luck to your son in his academic and athletic pursuits at UGA.
Thanks. A lot of factors played into it. Many ask about playing for his dream school including coaching staffs. He didn’t have a specific dream school , he had a set of criteria if met would make it his dream school. I think that’s where many thought Iowa was his dream school, but were surprised he didn’t have a specific school. We gave our opinions on pros and cons of each, but support his decision not matter what as he’s the one that has to live with it.
With our special teams history, I'm not questioning Kirk Ferentz or Levar Woods who they bring in as our next punter or how they do it. Could be the Portal or Pro-Kick. I have never seen Drew Miller kick and he could be very good, but relying on a freshman punter can be very risky. Punting and field position are critical components to Iowa's success.
I wish Drew well, Athens is a great place (lived in Georgia for 10 years and know a lot of Dog fans) but I'm still partial to Iowa City.
Go Hawks!
Maybe Miller didn't want to ride the pine behind Tory. But if he's riding the pine at Georgia and the path to P1 is open...
Good luck to your son! College isn't cheap and it sounds like he approached his decision well. UGA is a great school and their team does not suck.
He's got serious skills. Best of luck to him.
Good post, Gunner. But clearly, as you've stated, you've never seen Drew kick. He is, easily an elite punter. He's very, very good and will be great at Georgia.
If the next one is as good as Tory, I am down! Perhaps we run across someone better! And saying that in a sincere way because Tory ROCKS! Glad he came to Iowa!
His numbers show he has a powerful leg. High School is much different than college though. Big crowds, big time pressure, plus the speed is different.
Hope he does well. Always like seeing Iowa kids do well.
It’s funny people say this then are ok with bringing in an Aussie who’s never played in front of those crowds or even played American football for that matter. Much easier punting as a freshman than kicking which Drew Stevens and many others have been fine with. You either have it or you don’t.
I think he made a big mistake....He would be getting 10 punts per game and being on TV a lot at Iowa. At Georgia he'll probably only get two per game and in the end know one will know his name
From my experience, you never want to be the person to replace a legend. You want to be the person, after the person, who replaces a legend.
Count me as someone who wanted Drew to be the next Iowa Punter. I know Drew will be fine and do well, I just would rather have him do well wearing a Hawk uniform. I do not know him or his family....but they sure seem like great people.
I also appreciate the academic factor.....but we can't dismiss the "southern accent & sundress" factor. My Iowa buddies & I met some UGA girls on spring break back in the day & all of us regretted not taking a college visit to a big southern school.
The Ped Mall was nice......but in those days most girls wore baggy sweaters half the year.
Didn't realize Parker at OT potentially had another year. Massive human being, but never really made it in there.
I wonder if there is a different skill set with the Aussies than that of the US punters because of their background playing the Australian version of football? It wasn't Taylor's leg that made him super special, although he did average great yardage. What truly makes him a weapon and the GOAT is his ability to shape his punts as well as control the landings. It is like golf, the great ones can hit it left to right, right to left, high, low, straight, roll it out or backspin the landing. Tory is one of those guys only as a punter. I would be skeptical if that is being taught, practiced or addressed in the US, like, who even has a punting school in America? Who can even teach that stuff? Versus the Aussies, where there is not just a venue in their sport to develop those skills, but also having a real school to cultivate it and people to teach it.
Just my 2 cents.
Just my 2 cents.
Some American punters work on it. My son did for sure and can hit those punts. It’s basically self taught since they are teenagers attending high school and playing other sports versus 20+ year old Aussies training/living full-time at a punting academy.
On Nov 15th Scott Dochterman reported that we were getting another Aussie punter.
Now we know his name. Rhys Dakin.
5.66 seconds is REALLY good. He will be on a FULL scholarship.
Check this out & watch:
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@MepoDawg# out of curiosity does your son play soccer? My old man played on a year round select team through middle school and high school back in his day. He said he could make FGs from 60-70 with a soccer ball but could barely make 30 yards with a football. Said he never could learn it.
Yes, played club through U14 then just HS his freshman and juniors years. All-State goalkeeper last year. He spilt in club with a kid who went down to Sporting KC academy for a couple of years and just signed with Creighton. Drew started kicking footballs just as early. It was a bit of an adjustment after/during the soccer season to prepare for camps. With punting it doesn’t impact too much.
