Written by Tyler Pastorius
Braden Mann set a record that was set in 1983 for the NCAA single-game record for punting average with a 60.8 yard per kick. In a game that is about field position, the Punter position is one that is overlooked by many but is truly one of the best assets for a team. The Texas A&M Junior recorded his longest punt against the University of Kentucky with a beauty of a 82-yard punt. Mann has punted for a total of 47 times this year with a gross average of 51.1 yards. Through his entire career, he has totaled 2498 yards punting the ball.
“It’s a blessing, that’s the only way to describe it. It was God’s plan to get me here and there was nothing to stop it.” Braden stated after being asked what it means to him to be in the position that he is in. “I loved the way the team bonded this year. Everyone bought in fully…. My punting, my snapper, I’ve just had every opportunity and I wanted to take full advantage of it.” The Junior punter has a good head on his shoulders and is right, he was granted the best opportunities and he took advantage of it.
Throughout the season Braden Mann was leading the nation as the best punter and cemented it with the award tonight. Braden is the first punter in Texas A&M history to win the award.
The Junior for A&M beat out Cincinnati’s James Smith and Utah’s Mitch Wishnowsky. Wishnowsky was also a finalist last season for the Ray Guy Award.
