UCLA Football: Projecting the 2017 depth chart – Special Teams

Punter

1. Austin Kent, P, So.

Last year as a freshman, Kent took a majority of the punts. On 44 punts, Kent averaged 38.3 yards per attempt. He has a strong leg as demonstrated with a long punt of 61 yards. He was also a useful weapon last year pinning down opponents with 12 punts inside the 20-yard line.

Kent should start the season getting a majority of the punts but needs to increase his average to over 40 yards. If not, Mora may need to look somewhere else.

2. Stephen Flintoft, P, R-Jr.

Last year Flintoft didn’t see any action until the Bruins’ eighth game against Utah. After that he punted in every game becoming the Bruins’ sole punter in the last two games against USC and Cal.

While Flintoft had fewer punt attempts (23) than Kent, his yards per punt was a bit better at 40.3. He also landed eight of his punts inside the 20-yard line.

If Kent struggles in the beginning of the season or he had few more bad punts to drive Mora crazy, Flintoft has the ability to step in and take over the punting duties full time.