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‘He’s a freak show’: UTSA coach Jeff Traylor praises Illini punter Blake Hayes
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Not every team can boast a game-changing punter on special teams, but Illinois has a true weapon in Blake Hayes.
Hayes is already a captain for the Illini this season and is one of the best in the country at his craft. In the season opener against Nebraska, he pinned the Huskers at the 1-yard line early. He also helped produce the first points of the college football season with another booming kick.
With his pinpoint accuracy and booming power, Hayes has the ability to turn games and flip field position from any spot on the field. He has also caught the eye of UT San Antonio head coach Jeff Traylor.
During Monday’s media session, Traylor took time to highlight Hayes’ ability, labeling him a “freak show” because of his deadly leg. Traylor also highlighted the power behind the leg of kicker James McCourt with special teams being an area of interest this week.
On @McCourtJ_38: I don’t know if you noticed. They were on the 20-yard line, and he kicked it 5 yards deep into the end zone. I know I’m from east Texas, but to me that’s an 85-yard kick however you want to cut it. They’ve got big time legs.
— Scott Richey (@srrichey) August 30, 2021
UTSA will visit Champaign this Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm EST on BTN.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.