As far as consistency was concerned for the Florida Gators last season, UF coach Jim McElwain needed to look no further than Johnny Townsend.
Each time the offense stuttered — whether because the opposing defense was dominant or the offense just couldn’t get going — the 6-foot-1 punter with a powerful right leg seemingly always came to the rescue.
Expect more of the same this year from the Ray Guy semifinalist and second team All-Southeastern Conference member.
“He's a guy that this team really likes, this team trusts,” McElwain said. “And our team is starting to understand the value of those spots and not just taking it for granted.”
Last year, Townsend ranked 10th nationally in average yards per punt (45.36 yards). Of his 83 punts — the most in the SEC and fifth-most in the country — 29 went at least 50 yards, 30 pinned opponents inside their 20-yard line and just five landed in the end zone for a touchback.
“Sometimes those guys, you don't give them enough credit for how they change the game,” McElwain said. “And him understanding the game is probably what I'm most impressed about from that position. ... Even if you've just got to punt it 30 (yards), pin them inside the ten, forcing them to go long yardage is huge.”
Townsend, however, isn’t the only Florida special teams player receiving a lot of hype heading into the Sept. 3 opener against Massachusetts.
His placekicking partner Eddy Pineiro is giving Florida fans hope for a successful kicking game after three erratic seasons from Austin Hardin.
Pineiro, a junior college transfer from Miami and former soccer standout, came to UF as the top-ranked kicking prospect despite him never attempting a field goal in a game where the score actually mattered.
“I don't want to sit here and put all these high expectations on him,” McElwain said. “I mean, the guy hasn't kicked in a game yet and yet all of a sudden, we're ready to say this guy is the Golden Toe Award or whatever.”
Despite this, Pineiro showed off his potential in Florida’s Spring game, making three of his five field goal attempts — all of which were from at least 46 yards — and showcasing a booming leg on kickoffs.
“I mean, he was rated a great kicker and obviously through the kicking camp guys, he's a name that constantly came up,” McElwain said. “So we knew our need for the position and obviously targeted him as that guy. And you know, I'm excited he chose us. I'm excited to see him grow as a kicker, as well. … I do know this: He has the talent to do it, and I love the way he goes about his work.”
Contact Jordan McPherson at jmcpherson@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @J_McPherson1126
Johnny Townsend, the Gators redshirt junior punter, signs Thierry Pitot's chest after the 2016 Orange & Blue Debut in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Friday night. The 20-year-old tourism and hospitality management sophomore was part of a reported crowd of 46,000.
