Joseph Petrino returns to lead Maryland football’s kickers in 2019

We have entered the final week of our summer position preview series, which has already highlighted the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs. To wrap things up, we’ll be covering special teams, starting with Maryland football’s kicking position.

Joseph Petrino, No. 27

Height: 5’11
Weight: 182
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Richmond Hill, Ga.
High School: Richmond Hill HS

Petrino committed to Maryland in July 2017 over schools such as West Virginia and Army. The Richmond Hill, Georgia, native was rated as a three-star prospect and the No. 10 kicker in the 2018 class, per the 247Sports Composite. That same year, Petrino also received a 4.5-star ranking from Kohl’s Kicking, which focuses on training and ranking specialists.

Petrino wasted no time getting his feet wet, becoming the first true freshman to start at place kicker for Maryland since Brad Craddock in 2012. He made his collegiate debut against No. 23 Texas in Maryland’s season opener and converted a pair of field goals and all four extra-point opportunities. Petrino saw early success in his freshman year, knocking down the first 11 field goals of his career before finishing 12-of-14 on the season and accounting for 76 points in total.

Let’s also not forget what Petrino is capable of:

Mike Shinsky, No. 41

Height: 5’9
Weight: 174
Year: Senior
Hometown: Towson, Md.
High School: McDonogh

After receiving all-state, All-Metro and All-MIAA conference honors at kicker, Shinsky attended Maryland as a preferred walk-on. He also had ties with Craddock — but instead of Craddock himself, it was with his former coach Matt Stover, a former NFL kicker who spent time coaching Craddock. Shinsky was linked to Maryland through Stover.

He finished his high school career converting 38 of his 39 extra-point attempts, including eight of nine field-goal attempts during his high school senior campaign. He made his lone field goal attempt as a freshman and appeared in line for a starting role before Petrino came in.

Paul Inzerillo, No. 38

Height: 5’7
Weight: 181
Year: Junior
Hometown: Staten Island, N.Y.
High School: Monsignor Farrell HS

In his final two years at Monsignor Farrell High School, Inzerillo hit 19-of-25 field goals, including 14-of-17 as a senior. He also converted a 53-yard field goal, which is not only a career high but the longest field goal in his school’s history.

Inzerillo has not kicked a field goal yet in his collegiate career, but served as the placekicker for one kickoff in 2018.

For the second consecutive year, Petrino is the guy.

After a solid freshman campaign, Petrino has not only solidified himself as Maryland’s kicker this year but for the remainder of his eligibility. However, if for some reason they will need to turn to somebody else, Maryland will look towards upperclassmen Inzerillo and Shinsky.

Shinsky would be the first option. Despite not appearing in 2017 or 2018, Shinsky appeared in two games as a freshman and converted his only attempt that season. Although Shinsky participated in Maryland’s spring scrimmage as a punter, notching five punts for a total of 130 yards, he is not anticipated to play that position with freshman punters Anthony Pecorella and Colton Spangler joining the Terps this summer.

Inzerillo was the only Terp to kick field goals in Maryland’s spring scrimmage. He went 1-for-3 with his only make coming from 24 yards out.

Maryland only attempted 14 field goals all of last season, but with Petrino back in the fold and backups in place, the Terps can have confidence once they get in range this fall.