Tennessee football’s top five punters in history
42.2 career yards per punt. player. 839. Scouting Report. 2010-2013. Michael Palardy. 5. Pick Analysis
He’s actually more famous for his role as a place kicker, including kicking the game-winning field goal to beat a South Carolina Gamecock team that would finish in the top five in 2013. However, in 2012, Michael Palardy began to double as Tennessee football’s punter and place kicker, and he was actually more incredible on the punting front.
That season, Palardy punted 36 times for an average of 43.1 yards per punt even as he lost his starting job on the kicking front at times. He took the starting punting job away from Matt Darr, who punted 16 times that year.
Things got even more impressive for Palardy in 2013. He upped his average to 44.9 yards per punt on 63 punts while becoming an elite place kicker. He probably had the best all-around kicking season in UT history that year, as he hit 14-of-17 field goals as well, including the memorable South Carolina one.
This is about his punting ability, though, and Palardy’s strong leg was a huge asset. He nailed 33 of his 63 punts inside the 20-yard line, and 19 went 50-plus yards. Having a majority of his punts go inside the 20 is an insanely impressive stat, and there is a reason he was able to turn that into a pro career. It’s unfortunate for him that he had to labor under a bad time on Rocky Top.