Scott Kovanda is probably the next Ball State punter to go to the NFL
Now that the football season is over, it’s time to take a look at each position and how the position performed in 2012. We conclude the reviews this evening with a look at the special teams players; here’s what I wrote about the unit prior to the season:
Kovanda ensured Ball State’s hold on the nickname of Punter U remains secure, he’s one of the top punters in the country and Schott is solid, if unspectacular, which is pretty good for a college kicker.
|
Name |
FGM |
FGA |
% |
PATM |
PATA |
|
Steven Schott |
25 |
32 |
78.1 |
50 |
51 |
|
Name |
No. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
Long |
I20 |
Blkd. |
|
Scott Kovanda |
47 |
1,892 |
40.3 |
56 |
27 |
0 |
Kovanda was again one of the top punters in the country and was one of the three finalists for the Ray Guy Award, although that somehow wasn’t good enough for him to make an All-MAC team. His average might be down this season, but that was a result of the improved offense and Scott focusing more on pinning opponents inside their own 20. Scott was invited to the NFL combine and will almost certainly be in a NFL training camp this summer.
Schott had a very good senior year and made 78.1% of his field goal attempts, including the memorable game-winning field goal against Indiana. Steven made first team All-MAC as a senior and was one of the semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award, his clutch kicking will likely earn him the opportunity to make a NFL team.
Scott Secor had a mostly good season as the kickoff specialist and was the long-range kicker, although he did not attempt a field goal this season. He will get the first shot at replacing Schott and could also be a candidate to replace Kovanda at punter as well. Garrett Mack had an unmemorable season at long snapper, which is a great thing for both him and the team, if you know your long snapper’s name it’s usually for a bad reason.
Go Cards!!
Filed under: Ball State football Tagged: | Ball State football, Garrett Mack, position review, Scott Kovanda, Steven Schott
I would look for redshirt freshman Kyle Schmidt to take over the punting duties. I have heard he has a strong leg and has the physical attributes to follow in the footsteps of Ball State’s great punters!
I saw on Twitter he and Scott Secor were headed to Brian Jackson’s kicking camp, hopefully he or another punter can seize the job. Secor was the listed backup this season but I’m not sure the coaching staff would want him handling both duties if he wins the kicker’s job.