Much like the effective punts he sends booming downfield for the Utes, the expectations for punter Tom Hackett this season are sky high.
That said, Hackett is trying to keep himself grounded.
Coming off of a monstrous junior year, which culminated in being honored with the 2014 Ray Guy Award as the nation’s top punter, as well as numerous first-team All-American honors, Hackett recognizes the importance of being back on the field during the spring.
“This time of year is really important,” the Australian native said, “I think because it sets us up for a good year. At least, that’s what I thought last year, that’s where it all started.”
Returning as the first-ever Ute to receive the Ray Guy Award, Hackett is focused more on improving his ability to put more distance between the opposing offense and the end zone than on defending his award.
“Hitting my net punt [average] is my main focus,” Hackett said. “Last year it was 41. It’s going to go up to 42, maybe 43 … if I can achieve that, generally the awards will flow.”
The formula of improving on the success of years past seems to be working for Hackett. After leading the Pac-12 in total punt yardage, average punt yardage, average punts and longest punt in 2013, Hackett increased his numbers in all of those categories in 2014, with the exception of longest punt.
Yet with all the continued work on his game, Hackett, who played Australian rules football at Scotch College in Melbourne prior to coming to the U, admits that running down the field to make hits and support the coverage after he does his thing is not something Ute fans can expect to see out of him.
“I’m kind of lazy in that aspect,” he joked. “If it’s a nice punt, I like to admire, and hopefully my guys will come down and make a play for me.”
Despite Hackett’s admission, head coach Kyle Whittingham affirmed the punter’s commitment to improving his game as well as the possibility of him playing in the NFL one day.
“He’s a master at what he does,” Whittingham said. “He’s worked hard to become the punter he is today. All the accolades we won last year were very well deserved. All he’s got to do is keep the same work ethic, the same focus, the same concentration. This is senior year. If he wishes to kick beyond college if he has the opportunity, hopefully he’ll be able to do that.”
It’s true that Utah returns both Hackett and skier-turned-placekicking-sensation Andy Phillips as one of the most lethal special teams unit in the country, but Hackett believes last year’s success will have little bearing on their potential success in the fall.
“For us, its just another year,” Hackett said. “We just try to keep focused. What happened in the past stays in the past. Its nil-nil, in soccer terms.”
@austinfacer