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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.
Today, we finish the special teams unit. I know you all are as sad as I am.
Nathan Renfro, Sophomore (RS), Punter, #18
via grfx.cstv.com
Stats:
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 205
Major: Letters and sciences
Twitter: @TheNateFro
Collegiate Stats: 75 punts, 39.7 average, long of 60, three tackles (two solo)
High School Stats: 27 punts for a 39.0 average with ten inside the 20, 4/7 on field goals with a long of 42
Recruiting Ratings: Two stars by Rivals, five stars by Chris Sailer punting, who had him as the sixth-best punter in the country
High School: Brentwood Academy
Hometown: Brentwood, Tenn.
High School Highlights:
How'd He Get to College Park?
Renfro was a stud at Brentwood Academy, playing kicker, punter, defensive tackle, defensive end, outside linebacker, tight end, wide receiver and fullback for the Tennessee school. He was a Signing Day addition to the 2012 class after originally committing as a preferred walk-on to Florida State. With Travis Baltz graduating and Nick Ferrara's injury concerns, Maryland was more than willing to offer him a scholarship, which he accepted. Renfro was also being recruited by Northwestern, Harvard, and Central Michigan.
Renfro was another beneficiary to the injury sustained by Ferrara in 2012, becoming the starting punter and performing well. Averaging just under 40 yards per punt, he got plenty of practice - with Maryland's offensive woes, he had just one game with less than six attempts after the first two weeks. This year, Renfro appears to be a lock to start - his main competition, Michael Tart, has been moved to kicker, while his only back-up is walk-on Sam Retzky.
Nickname:
"The Brentwood Boomer"
Career Highlight:
A 60-yard punt against William & Mary in his first collegiate game.
Dream Season:
Renfro gets above the 40.0 mark, with at least two punts of 60+ yards.
2013 Prospectus:
As we mentioned above, Renfro appears to be a lock to start at punter, and as really the lone bright spot of Maryland's kicking game last year, it's hard to complain. Renfro was one of the top freshman punters in the country, and as he continues to grow with the team he could join a long line of successful Terp punters. With the uncertainties at kicker, it's nice to know Maryland has a pretty solid option at the punting game. Let's just hope he doesn't get used too much this season.
Up Next:
One of our next two players played at a high school football program known best for a movie. The other is from a town that shares the name of an old music festival.
curterp ties it up.
Standings:
Redturtle - 2
curterp - 2
proudterp - 1
terpsfinish - 1
KHemer - 1