Name: Davan Dyer
School: Louisiana Tech
Position: P
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 225
Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?
With a new special teams coordinator coming in, I set to impress him and secure the starting role. I wanted to have more than 40 yards average per punt, and pin the opposition in their own 20 more than 25 times. I wanted to finish my collegiate career with a second bowl ring, and the opportunity to compete in a senior bowl, all of which I was able to accomplish this year.
Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?
My coach would say that I’m someone with a blue collar mindset who turns up day in day out with the attitude to work and get better. My special teams coordinator said in an article, “He’s a joy to coach. He’s a fun kid to be around. He comes out here every day with a good attitude and is always working to get better. That’s something you can count on.”
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
I’m focusing on my mechanics, making sure that I’m kicking through the ball and staying upright, and having a good flat ball drop. Then Im looking at the placement of the punt and making sure my hang is matching my distance and not out kicking my coverage. Lastly, I’m looking at the opposition’s returner to see what his tendencies are and set a game plan to keep him from having an impact in the game.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
I grew up playing Australian Rules Football which is a high-paced, heavy contact sport with kicking being the main way to move the ball around. Ever since I can remember, my brothers and I would kick the football with each other in the backyard like American kids would throw the football to each other, so kicking a football is like second nature to me. It wasn’t until two and half years ago that I tried to transition my Aussie kicking into American Football punting and more traditional spiral punts. I adapted to this transition quickly and was able to find myself being recruited to a collegiate team and starting in a short time. What separates me is my versatility and ability to be coachable.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I have been maintaining a workout schedule and focusing on my strength and flexibility. I’m also working with a renowned punting coach to master my craft punting every second day, working on my consistency.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I’m someone who has a bit of fun around the locker room and bonds well with teammates. I also understand my role on the team and know that when my number is called I need to be able to dial in and focus at a flick of a switch. On the field my best asset is my ability to pin the opposition deep and have great consistency landing punts inside the 10 yard line.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
In the 2 years that I have been around American football my punting has improved considerably. I am now more used to the speed and flow of the game. I feel that I have only scratched the surface of my ability and still feel I have great potential for more improvement.
