Nov 9, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers kicker Michael Palardy (1) before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Palardy went out with a bang at Tennessee.
The maligned kicker/punter had a fantastic senior season that saw him average 44.5 yards a punt. He also had 33 punts that landed inside the 20, which was tied for first in the FBS.
Palardy was essentially the Vols’ MVP in their win against South Carolina (their first win over a ranked opponent since 2009). He helped the Vols win the field position battle and eventually kicked the game-winning field goal.
The Florida native didn’t get drafted on Saturday, but he was quickly scooped up by the New York Jets.
It’ll be tough for Palardy to make the Jets’ roster as the team’s starting punter, as incumbent punter Ryan Quigley is coming off a season where he averaged 45.5 yards a punt.
Palardy has the talent to be an NFL punter, he just needs to find the right situation.
I’m not so sure the situation in New York is the right one for Palardy.