With Montana State beginning its second fall camp under Jeff Choate this week, Skyline Sports will break down MSU’s roster by highlighting prominent battles for playing time in each position group.
Today’s position: Punter
The players: Luke Daly (a 6-foot-2, 175-pound senior from Billings) and Jered Padmos (a 6-2, 175-pound sophomore from Boulder).
Luke Daly & Trevor Bolton on sidelines in 2015/ by Brooks Nuanez
What’s at stake: Trevor Bolton emerged as one of the most consistent and versatile punters in the Big Sky Conference as a senior in 2015. His graduation coupled with a torn ACL suffered by Daly and a suspension for off the field legal issues meant Montana State threw Padmos into the fire right away.
The former Class B three-sport athlete held his own as a true freshman. Daly is clear of his legal problems and full strength from his knee injury, meaning he is the clear favorite to be Montana State’s primary kicker. The senior will also push Padmos as Montana State’s punter.
How they fared in 2016: Padmos punted 58 times last season, averaging 39.7 yards per boot. He had a long of 76 yards, notched two touchbacks, forced 18 fair catches, pinned opponents inside the 20 on 10 separate occasions and hit five punts of more than 50 yards.
Daly sat out rehabbing from an ACL injury and clearing his name from domestic violence charges.
The case for Padmos: Padmos is a good athlete — he rushed for nine yards on his only fake punt of the season and worked out with the wide receivers during spring football — and he has the most experience as a punter in games.
Jeff Choate is one of the most respected special teams coaches in all of college football, so it’s reasonable to expect Padmos to improve greatly in his sophomore season. If he can’t beat out Daly, he will likely redshirt, giving MSU an option at punter for three more years after Daly graduates.
Montana State senior Luke Daly practices punting at the Triangle Classic/ by Colter Nuanez
The case for Daly: Because of his physical maturity and veteran experience, Daly has unquestionably the stronger leg of the two punters. But can he hit the ball consistently while also staying locked in as MSU’s primary kicker and kickoff specialist?
What they must accomplish during fall camp: During Thursday’s practice, the first of fall camp, Padmos consistently boomed punts, appearing stronger and most consistent in his ball striking as he enters his second year of college football. Daly will certainly push him but if Padmos can continue his development, he should be able to maintain his starting position.
Also on the roster: None.
Photos by Brooks and Colter Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.
