We’re sticking with special teams for our in-state players, and next on our list is Brent Cimaglia. In 2017, Cimaglia began to fill in for Aaron Medley on some field goals, and he nailed one beyond 50 yards that season.
Last year, he finally became the full-time starter for Tennessee football, and he was highly efficient. The guy was 10-of-13 on field goals for the year, and he went 4-of-6 on field goals of 40 yards or more, which was always the problem Medley had during his time in Knoxville. Oh, Cimaglia has yet to miss an extra point as well.
This year, he figures to take another major step. And if he does that, he’ll be a crucial player for the Vols. Having an elite kicker can make a huge difference in games. Just ask anybody who followed the 1998 national title team. Jeff Hall vs. Collins Cooper was the difference in the win over the Florida Gators.
Now, Jeremy Pruitt may have that same break with Cimaglia entering his second season as the full-time starting kicker. His experience should allow him to be a huge difference maker and possibly continuing a tradition of elite place-kickers for Rocky top coming from Middle Tennessee.