Miami Hurricanes punter Lou Hedley named ESPN way-too-early 2021 All-America team
Punter Lou Hedley has become one of the most popular Miami Hurricanes players in his two seasons. After being named a consensus second-team All-American in 2020, ESPN named Hedley to its “College football’s way-too-early 2021 All-America team.” which was released Tuesday morning.
Hedley was second nationally averaging 47.3 yards per punt in 2020. Hedley had 19 punts of 50-or-more yards, only two touchbacks, 13 punts inside opponents’ 20-yard line and 24 of his 46 punts fair caught. Hedley helped Miami finish first nationally in net punting averaging 44.96 yards.
Miami allowed only 59 yards in punt returns in 11 games. Opponents averaged 5.4 yards per game in punt returns and 7.38 per return. Hedley and consensus first-team All-American kicker Jose Borregales to give Miami the best tandem in the country. The Hurricanes had the only specialist All-American pair nationally.
Hedley came to Miami from Mandurah, Australia via the City College of San Francisco in 2019. With Hedley the last two years, Miami has significantly improved their punting. Miami finished 115th out of 130 FBS teams in 2018 averaging 38.25 yards per punt. Hedley has two years of eligibility remaining.
"P Lou Hedley, Miami HurricanesHedley was one of three finalists last season for the Ray Guy Award as the top punter in college football, finishing second nationally with a 47.3-yard average. A former Australian Rules Football player, the 6-4, 220-pound Hedley had 19 punts of 50 yards or longer, and the Hurricanes led all FBS teams during the regular season in net punting."
Hedley could become the first consensus first-team All-American Punter in Miami Hurricanes history. Carlos Huerta in 2001 and Borregales in 2020 are the only consensus All-American specialist in Miami history. The success Hedley has had for Miami has been a huge extension to the Miami defense.
Next. Manny Diaz one of few head coaches calling defensive plays. dark
Head coach Manny Diaz has frequently spoken about the importance of field position. With Hedley as the punter, Miami flipped the field better than anyone in college football in 2020. Hedley allowed the Hurricanes to have the best punt coverage in 2020. Hedley should continue to be elite in 2021.