:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10960781/123917783.0.jpg)
A recurring series where we will profile every player on Maryland's roster, counting down to kick-off against Florida International on August 31. Thanks to OBNUG for the idea.
We continue our march through the specialists.
Michael Tart, Junior (RS), Kicker, #29
via grfx.cstv.com
Stats:
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 195
Major: Communications
Twitter: @miketart704
Collegiate Stats: 2/3 PATs, three punts for 102 yards (34.0 average)
High School Stats: N/A
Recruiting Ratings: #1 punter in North Carolina by prokicker.com
High School: Mallard Creek
Hometown: Charlotte, Nc.
High School Highlights:
Couldn't find any.
How'd He Get to College Park?
Tart did a great job at Mallard Creek, and was one of the better kicker/punters on the combine circuit. He averaged over 40 net yards per punt as a junior in high school, and was also a good kicker for the Mavericks. He was named to the MECA 7 all-conference team after his junior year, and came to Maryland as a walk-on after being recruited by North Carolina and Duke. Two years ago, Tart entered the spring as the presumptive favorite to start at punter, but Randy Edsall and Lyndon Johnson (special teams coordinator at the time) instead chose to have Nick Ferrara kick and punt. He played in the last game of the season, making two of three extra point attempts and punting three times for 102 yards. Last year, Tart did not play at all, instead sitting out in favor of Brad Craddock and Nate Renfro (as well as Brendan Magistro).
Nickname:
"Kick" Tart. That, I think, is my favorite nickname of the series.
Career Highlight:
Making two extra point attempts two years ago.
Dream Season:
Tart beats out Craddock for the starting job, after the latter proves to be unreliable again.
2013 Prospectus:
Michael Tart is currently second on the depth chart at placekicker, sandwiched between Brad Craddock and Brendan Magistro. Last season, after Craddock repeatedly struggled on short-range attempts (and extra points), Maryland brought in Magistro as a short-ranged specialist, leaving Craddock in for the longer attempts. Don't be surprised if you see the same platoon this season, only with the converted Tart as the short-range kicker.
Of course, Tart could also see playing time at punter, his old position, but that one seems a bit more secure than kicker. Maryland needs a reliable presence kicking field goals and extra points, and with three possible options there, here's to hoping once can come through.
Up Next:
Our next player is from the capital city of his state.
KHemer gets on the board.
Standings:
proudterp - 1
Redturtle - 1
curterp - 1
terpsfinish - 1
KHemer - 1