Counting Down The Best SEC Kickers
Hello everyone and welcome back to the latest in our series looking at the top returning players at each position in the SEC. Over the last couple of years, the league has lost some great ones like Evan McPherson and Cade York. However, there are still a ton of great players who may be in the league soon. Who’s at the top? Let’s do our best Ryan Seacrest and count down the SEC’s Top Returning Specialists.
Fifth Best Returning Kicker
Chase McGrath– Tennessee- The former USC transfer is taking advantage of the extra COVID season and is returning as a “Super Senior.” During his first year in Knoxville McGrath was the leading scorer in the Vols’ highest scoring team ever. He converted all 66 extra points, a school record, and 12 of 16 field goals for 102 total points.
For his career, he’s made 184 of 185 PATs and 44 of 58 field goals. With Josh Heupel‘s offense set for another big year, he’s likely going to finish near the top of all the statistical categories.
Fourth Best Returning Kicker
Cam Little– Arkansas- As a true freshman Little burst onto the scene in 2021. He converted all 46 extra points and 20 of 24 field goals. That placed him fifth in the league in points with 106. In addition, he also came in fifth in extra points and field goals made along with field goal percentage. Little hit four field goals in the big win over Texas and a career-high 51-yarder against Mississippi State.
Third Best Returning Kicker
Will Reichard– Alabama- Playing for the national runner up the senior to be converted on 71 of 72 extra points and 22 of 28 field goals. In 2o2o he converted all 14 of his field-goal attempts. For his career, Reichard’s made 176 of 178 extra points and 41 of 48 field goals.
However, he’s at his best in the big games. In last year’s season opener he made three including a season-high 51-yarder. In addition, he nailed three more against Texas A&M and finished with a bang with four in the national title game. The days of concern about the Crimson Tide’s kicking game are over.
Second Best Returning Kicker
Harrison Mevis– Missouri- In two seasons in Columbia Mevis has put up some very impressive numbers. The junior’s never missed an extra point going 69 for 69. In addition, he converted 40 of 45 field goals. In fact, he led the SEC in percentage at 92 making 23 of 25. He was perfect inside the 40-yard line and was named 1st team All-SEC.
If you are scoring at home that’s four down and one to go in our countdown of the top kickers. To no great surprise, our number one plays for the defending national champions.
The Top Returning Kicker
Jack Podlesny– Georgia- The statistical numbers between the junior to be and Reichard are pretty amazing. They both tied for tops in the SEC in scoring with 137 points. In addition, they both made 71 of 72 extra points. However, Podlesny’s gotten it done in clutch situations so he gets the nod over Reichard and Mevis.
He made all his attempts inside 30 yards last season and finished strong making two field goals including a 49-yarder in the national title game. With the Bulldogs’ offense looking strong again in 2022 he’ll be at the top of the list once again.
That wraps up our countdown of the top kickers. However, as mentioned in the beginning let’s give the punters some respect also as we continue our look at the SEC’s Top Returning Specialists.
Counting Down The Best SEC Punters
Fourth Best Returning Punter
Reid Bauer– Arkansas- In 2021 Bauer averaged 43.3 yards per punt. In addition, he landed 16 punts inside the 20 and only had three touchbacks. The combination of Bauer and Little may be the best in the league.
Third Best Returning Punter
Jeremy Crawshaw– Florida- As a freshman, he ranked third in the league with 44.1 yards per punt. The Australian native landed 20 balls inside the 20-yard line. Only six of his 52 punts went for touchbacks. New coach Billy Napier may have some questions about his Gators’ team but punter certainly isn’t one of them.
Second Best Returning Punter
Oscar Chapman– Auburn- Another punter from the land down under Chapman placed second in the SEC just a tenth ahead of Crawshaw. He had 12 punts of 50 plus yards and had 23 lands inside the 20-yard line. He gives coach Bryan Harsin a valuable tool heading into 2022.
The Top Returning Punter
Nik Constantinou– Our top returning punter hails from Texas A&M. As a sophomore Constantinou led the league with nearly 47 yards a punt. In addition, he put 22 balls inside the 20-yard line and only had two touchbacks. A first-team All-SEC selection in 2021 he looks to go back to back in 2022.
Thanks for checking out our list of the SEC’s top returning specialists. Do you agree with where the players are picked? Let us know in the comment section below or reach out on Twitter.
