Who Is The Best Of The Best?
Hello everyone and welcome back to Last Word On College Football. We’re continuing our conference by conference look at the best players returning for 2022. Right now we’re moving through the ACC and today we’re looking at the best kickers. In addition, we’ll count down the top three punters. Just like Ryan Seacrest let’s begin our countdown of the ACC’s Top Returning Specialists at number five.
Fifth Best Returning Kicker
Christopher Dunn– North Carolina State- The Wolfpack got a huge shot in the arm when Dunn announced he was returning for the fifth year. He’s already N.C. State’s all-time leading scorer with 377 points, which is tied for ninth-best in ACC history. In addition, he’s made 170 straight extra points, also a school record. Big things are expected in Raleigh this year and having a clutch kicker may make the difference in a couple of games. Of course, the Wolfpack may still be smarting from not playing in a post-season after Holiday Bowl was canceled.
Fourth Best Returning Kicker
Andre Szmyt– Syracuse- On Senior Day last year it looked like the Orangemen were losing a staple from the last few years. Szmyt announced he wasn’t returning for another year. However, he changed his mind and is back as a redshirt senior. He’s already the school’s all-time leading scorer with 348 field goals made (65). As a freshman, he came out of nowhere drilling 3o field goals which led the nation. As a result, he won the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top kicker.
We’re nearly halfway through our countdown of the ACC’s Top Returning Specialists. Let’s continue on to number three.
Third Best Returning Kicker
Andres Borregales– Miami- As a true freshman last season the hometown hero converted all 45 of his extra points. He also made 17 of 21 field goals earning him honorable mention All-ACC honors. Furthermore, he finished fourth in the ACC in points scored by a kicker. Borregales also hit a career-high four field goals in the Hurricane’s win over Duke. With big things expected in Miami, the sophomore gives coach Mario Cristobal a big-time weapon.
Second Best Returning Kicker
Sam Scarton– Pittsburgh- Playing in the pinball offense led by quarterback Kenny Pickett the junior to be put up some huge numbers. Scarton made 69 of 71 extra points and led the league in both categories. He also converted 17 of 21 field goals placing him fifth in the ACC. Scarton’s 120 points put him second only to Wake Forest’s Nick Sciba. With Pickett gone he may not put up the gaudy numbers but will be needed to make field goals in clutch situations.
That’s four down and one to go in our list of the ACC’s Top Returning Specialists. Only one more to go so without further ado let’s check out who tops the chart.
The Best Returning Kicker
B.T. Potter– Clemson- Dabo Swinney’s Tigers got a big surprise when their kicker returned for another year. As a senior, he led the club with 101 points and was named second-team All-ACC. In addition, he nailed all 38 of his extra points and 21 of 26 field goals. He was perfect inside the 30-yard line and hit a season-long 51-yarder against Iowa State.
For his career, Potter’s made 185 of 186 extra points and 53 of 71 field goals. He heads into 2022 with 344 total points which puts him fourth all-time at Clemson. He’s also trying his hand at punting this season.
That takes care of the kicker portion of the ACC’s Top Returning Specialists. Now as promised let’s look at the best punters in the league.
Punters:
Third Best Punter
Porter Wilson– Duke- It’s not the best thing when your punter is a bright spot on your team. However, that was the case with the 2021 Blue Devils. As a sophomore Wilson finished second in the league with a 44.8 average per punt. In addition, he landed 22 punts inside the 20-yard line. He also ran the ball twice for 10 yards.
Second Best Punter
Peter Moore– Virginia Tech- As a freshman, Moore averaged 44.5 yards a punt which was good for fourth in the ACC. He also landed 24 punts inside the 20 and 17 punts of over 50 yards. Moore finished the 2o21 as a third-team All-ACC selection.
The Best Punter
Lou Hedley Miami- A season ago the junior ranked third in the league with a 44.7-yard average per punt. He landed 19 punts inside the 20-yard line and 11 went over 50 yards. However, he only had one kick going for a touchback which is pretty remarkable. As a result, he finished second-team All-ACC and should move up this year. Between Hedley and Borregales Miami has the market cornered on special teams.
That’s our list of the ACC’s Top Returning Specialists here at Last Word On College Football. Is someone ranked too high or low? Comment in the section below or on Twitter.
