Per 247Sports/OB: Texas made a late addition to its 2015 class on Wednesday night. Australian punter Michael Dickson gave the Longhorns a verbal pledge just a week after receiving an offer and making an official visit. Horns247 confirmed the commitment. Dickson is likely the last member of Texas’ 2015 class. Per Hornsports: I think he is now 23. A "former Australian Rules Football player" who trained at Prokick Australia in Melbourne. Ohio State was looking at him in 2013, but they signed another punter, not sure what happened since. His Prokick mates claim -- "He has an explosive leg" "He continually (kicks) 65 yards, ball after ball after ball" "He can punt 80 yards" "He has a hang time of 5.2 to 5.4 seconds"
The last two Ray Guy Award winners — Tom Hackett and Tom Hornsey — were both products of Prokick Australia, a program that facilitates the transition of aspiring Australian kickers and punters to American football. Next in line is 6-foot-3, 210-pounder Michael Dickson, who became likely the final addition to the Longhorns’ 2015 class when he committed on Wednesday night. “Michael is a born leader,” said former Green Bay Packers punter and current Prokick Australia coach Nathan Chapman. “He’s very obliging and will do anything the coaches ask of him. He’s a quality punter that can flip the field and is an important piece to the puzzle for Texas. He’s going to be used somewhat like Cameron Johnston at Ohio State (another Prokick Australia alum). “Michael has a powerful leg. He can move left and right and kick it out of the back of end zones. He’s a solid athletic unit who can run all day and pass any endurance test. And of course, he has a cracking right foot.” Dickson was considered one of the top young Australian Rules Football players this past season as he starred for the Sydney Swans’ development academy. He linked up with Prokick Australia about six months ago when he decided to give American Football a try. So how did he end up at Texas? [Article continues here]
Great news. A booming punter can help a struggling offense tremendously. Not to mention give the defense more field to defend before harm. Welcome aboard.
Anytime someone mentions "Australian Punter" I think of Collin Ridgeway of the Cowboys who was famous for his high kicks ... some of which actually made it past the line of scrimmage.
"He continually (kicks) 65 yards, ball after ball after ball" If true, he's a game changer. I can't wait to see his first game. I'm certain he'll have a few opportunities to prove his worth.
Very impressive kid! http://www.foxsports.com/college-fo...y-go-down-under-to-unearth-next-punter-062515 Consistency is the key for a good punter. Among our legacy of good punters, maybe the next Russell E., Alex Waits, John Telscheck, Bill Bradley?
