While all eyes are on the offensive and defensive stars in the conference, the 2024 CUSA K/P Rankings highlight the players that put the “special” in special teams.
While a few pairs make the list, one stands above the rest.
CUSA 2024 K/P Rankings
10) Trey Turk, P, Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders
The Blue Raiders had a two-man punting system last season, with Miles Tillman and Trey Turk splitting time. Both were more than serviceable, ranking third (Tillman, 43.8) and fourth (Turk, 42.5) in the conference in yards per attempt.
With Tillman gone, it seemed 2024 would be Turk’s breakout season, but MTSU could run their two-man system back with 6’4″ true freshman Grant Chadwick joining the fray.
9) Zeke Rankin, K, Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders
While Middle Tennessee rotated punters, there was only one man for the kicking position: Zeke Rankin.
Outside of owning an elite name, Rankin made 10 of 14 field goals and 35 of 37 extra points last season. However, his range is limited at 5’8″, as he only attempted two kicks from 40+ yards out, missing both.
8) Buzz Flabiano, K, UTEP Miners
Buzz Flabiano is in the same tier as Rankin, connecting on 10 of 14 FGs but making just one of four from 40+ yards. However, he also does more for his program, serving as UTEP’s kickoff specialist.
There’s also the fact that Flabiano is only entering his redshirt sophomore season, leaving room for growth.
7) Max Morgan, P, Liberty Flames
When you are the punter on a team with one of the best offenses in the nation, you rarely hear your number called. But when Max Morgan was on the field, he booted his 35 attempts for 1,441 yards (41.2 YPA).
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Yet, where he made his largest impact was on kickoffs, where his number was called quite often, as Liberty scored a whopping 73 touchdowns last season.
With QB Kaidon Salter and RB Quinton Cooley back, Morgan might want to start warming his leg up now.
6) Jadon Cardell, P, Sam Houston Bearkats
For those unfamiliar with Jadon Cardell’s game, it may seem confusing why he has landed on preseason All-CUSA teams for multiple outlets. In 2023, he ranked second in the conference with 20 punts inside the 20 and tied for the second-most 50+ yarders.
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Of course, having the most attempts (75) helps, but Cardell’s average of 41.3 was right in the middle of the league.
5) Chase Gabriel, K, FIU Panthers
Chase Gabriel only attempted 12 field goals, making nine of them. He also missed two of his 23 extra points. So, why is he No. 5 on the 2024 CUSA K/P Rankings?
Gabriel was one of only three kickers to make a 50+ yarder in the conference, and he has the range to increase that number in 2024.
4) Lucas Carneiro, K, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
The preseason pick for 2024 CUSA Special Teams Player of the Year, Lucas Carneiro made a name for himself by drilling all 47 of his extra points as a redshirt freshman. And while his field goal numbers are far from gaudy (9 of 12), he did go 4 of 5 from 40 yards out.
3) Daton Montiel, P, FIU Panthers
After spending his first two years at Marshall, Daton Montiel has become a Ray Guy Award Watch List mainstay (three years in a row) at FIU. His hangtime is a blessing for the Panthers’ gunners and resulted in 41 fair catches last season, 16 more than any other CUSA punter.
Montiel may not consistently launch 50-yard or even 40-yard bombs, but the height his punts reach allows the coverage unit to handicap return yardage.
2) Jack Dawson, P, Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Jack Dawson is a 6’4″ Australian, so of course he is the best punter in the conference.
Dawson tied for the most 50+ yard punts among returns and also led the CUSA with 23 attempts landing inside the 20-yard line. His 2023 performance landed him on the Ray Guy Watch List this offseason, and he will single-leggedly put his defense in advantageous positions once again in 2024.
1) Colby Sessums, K, Sam Houston Bearkats
The Bearkats’ offense limited Colby Sessums’ time on the field, but he made the most of it. Not only did he tie for the conference’s longest-made field goal last season (53 yards), but he was the only CUSA kicker to push through multiple 50+ yarders.
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With an offense that should have no issues moving the ball down the field, expect Sessums to dwarf his field goal (11 of 14) and extra point (27 of 28) numbers in 2024.
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