Punting prospect Drew Kaser had special season at Texas A&M

Texas A&M’s Drew Kaser is the best punter in school history, which is saying something.

Kaser replaced Shane Lechler in most of the school’s punting records, including single-season average and career net average.

“That’s huge,” Kaser said. “Shane’s probably one of the best punters in the NFL history of our time, if not the best. So to break all of his college records is huge.

“I remember the first time I broke one of his records back my sophomore year was kind of surreal. I didn’t even realize it until it happened. As my career kept going on, going on, I kept breaking more and more records, it kind of just hit me how serious those records were and how amazing it was.”

Kaser led the SEC in punting two of the past three years. He broke Lechler’s single-season record of 46.5 yards per punt in 1999 with a 47.4 average in 2013. Kaser broke his own record last year with a 47.5 average.

He placed 60 of 168 career punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line and never had a punt blocked.

“Kaser needs to improve his feel for trajectory and placement but is generally accurate with a great feel for ball spin, showing a variety of maneuvers in his bag of tricks,” CBSsports.com draft analyst Dane Brugler said. “With his size, athleticism and leg strength, Kaser checks several boxes for what the NFL seeks.”

The Aggies have two kickers — Randy Bullock and Josh Lambo — in the NFL, and Lechler, 39, returns for a 17th season.

“It’s been huge with Randy Bullock and Josh Lambo both going in the league,” Kaser said. “They’re both really good friends of mine. So it’s good to have them on my side. Same with Shane Lechler. Having those guys on my side and telling me how it’s going, things to expect, things going on, it’s been a huge advantage for me.”

Kaser projects as a late-round pick, according to Brugler. Clemson’s Bradley Pinion was the only punter drafted last year, going to the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round.

“Sometimes teams will draft a punter. Sometimes they won’t,” Kaser said. “It’s just how it goes with our position. But at the end of the day, you can’t be let down if you’re not drafted, because at the same time you’re going to get a shot somewhere.”

Overview

The class is strong as specialists go. As many as five specialists could be drafted. Florida State kicker Roberto Aguayo could go as high as the third-round, and the top punter, Texas A&M’s Drew Kaser, projects as a fifth- or sixth-round choice.

Cowboys’ needs

Kicker Dan Bailey ranks as the most accurate kicker in NFL history, converting 90.6 percent of his field-goal tries. He finally earned his first Pro Bowl last season. Punter Chris Jones had his best season with a 45.2 average and a 42.5 net. The Cowboys still haven’t replaced returner Dwayne Harris, who signed last off-season with the New York Giants. Lance Dunbar started the season as the kick returner but was injured, and Lucky Whitehead took over the job. Whitehead also ended up winning the punt return job over Cole Beasley. But the Cowboys had no return touchdowns and averaged 25.1 on kickoff returns and 5.6 on punt returns.

Top five specialists

Roberto Aguayo, PK, Florida State, 6-0, 205: He left school with a year of eligibility left, having set the NCAA record with a .967 conversion rate on field goals and PATs.

Drew Kaser, P, Texas A&M, 6-2, 212: Kaser broke most of Shane Lechler’s school records, including the single-season mark with a 47.5 punting average.

Ka’imi Fairbairn, PK, UCLA, 5-11, 183: He won the Lou Groza Award, making 20 of 24 attempts last season.

Tom Hackett, P, Utah, 5-10, 198: The Australian twice won the Ray Guy Award and finished his career with a 45.2 average and 106 kicks inside the 20.

Ross Martin, PK, Duke, 5-9, 183: Has most of Duke’s records, including an 83.9 percent conversion rate.

Top long snapper

Nathan Theus, Georgia, 6-3, 243: Played in 48 games.

Sleeper

Brent Wahle, PK, Ohio Dominican, 6-1, 176: Made 67 of 84 field goals with a long of 53.

Top Texas ties

Jaden Oberkrom, PK, TCU, 6-2, 186: Made 79 percent of his career field-goal attempts, and 21 of 25 last season.

Taylor Bertolet, PK, Texas A&M, 5-9, 188: Made 71 percent of his field goals.

This story was originally published April 22, 2016 at 6:12 PM with the headline "Punting prospect Drew Kaser had special season at Texas A&M."