Connor Hayden - Walk On Placekicker/Punter

[me@smu]

Interesting article on a potential walk-on who was 2nd team all-state kicker/punter in Florida

Connor Hayden,
Fort White
Coming into his senior season, Connor Hayden made a decision that changed his high school career.

With the encouragement of a few friends and coaches, Hayden decided to go out for the football team. Before his senior year, Hayden had only played soccer for four years.

"I had a little nervousness coming in," Hayden said. But he made the team as the starting punter and backup place kicker. Right before the first game of the season, the starting kicker broke his foot. Hayden filled in admirably, earning second-team all-state honors as a punter and a kicker.

"That was probably my best high school experience," Hayden said of joining the football team. "I'm so glad I did it. I have no regrets about it at all."

Hayden had another memorable experience on the soccer team as a senior. For the first time since 2003, when Hayden was a sophomore, the Indian soccer team reached the playoffs.

"It just brought back some memories," Hayden said, adding that it was nice to end his career on a high note.

Hayden, who finished fifth in his class overall with a 4.59 gpa, earned an academic scholarship to Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He said his parents had a big influence on his academic success. He added that watching his dad, who is a doctor, work so hard was a great motivating factor.

With his newfound football success, walking on to a college football team was now a viable option. He said that the decision came down between Miami (FL) or SMU. Hayden said that he basically lost contact with Miami, and enjoyed his visit to SMU, making the decision a no-brainer.

"It felt real cozy out there," Hayden said.

Now Hayden has a chance to accomplish what most high school athletes only dream of, playing on the next level. And to think that Hayden wouldn't even be in this position had he not joined his high school team as a senior.

"That would be the ultimate dream come true," Hayden said. "I just fell in love with the sport."

[CalallenStang]

I don't know who it was but some punter was practicing at Ford Stadium on June 19. He had a good leg and decent accuracy, but he didn't get good height on his punts.

[Dement-ed]

Any truth to the rumor that there's also a kicker who transferred from Tulane?
I don't know a name, stats, anything - just heard the rumor. Can anyone confirm?