Name: Kyle DeWeen
School: University at Buffalo
Position: Punter/Holder
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 192
Q: What were some of your goals heading into your final collegiate season?
I learned from a former strength coach that it is essential to have both team-oriented and personal goals for each season. With that, my team goal for my senior season was to aid in winning the field position battle in each game to help my team win a MAC Championship. My personal goals were to average over 40 yards per punt on the season and to break the Career Punting Average record at UB, which I was successful in doing both.
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Consistent, Competitive, and Passionate.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I will be training with Adam Tanalski of the Hammer Kicking Academy, who I have trained with for 5 years now. I will also be attending the Gary Zauner Senior Combine, which I was invited to in December.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
The key thing I focus on is technique. Aside from breaking down and watching my own film, I like to watch current NFL punters such as Brett Kern and Britton Colquitt. You can learn a lot from watching someone who has nearly perfected their craft and apply bits and pieces of it to your own. When I am watching film of the team we’re facing for the week, I will analyze the return unit to see where they like to set their returns up in accordance to direction and tendencies of the returner.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
The most important aspect of punting is consistency. I am a true directional punter who can place the ball wherever it needs to be placed, while maintaining above 4.8 hang time and distance well over 45 yards. Also, having played in Buffalo, I have experienced all forms of weather ranging anywhere from 30 mph winds to 15 degrees and snowing. I am able to perform at a high level despite any adverse conditions.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My major strengths and abilities that I think would be beneficial to a team on the field would again be consistency in the punting game and my ability to perform in any adverse conditions. I’ve also been blessed with an amazing support system at home and coaches at UB who have shown me that your duties and responsibilities as a football player are not limited to just the playing field, but also off of it. I have done numerous volunteering events in the community around Buffalo including visits to the local Veterans Hospital and to many elementary schools for talks about the importance of getting an education and going to college. There isn’t an NFL or CFL without the fans and people that support these teams and it’s important to give back to the communities in which they come from.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
I want you to take a chance on me. I feel that I have one of the greatest “Punting Minds” in the country and I know that it will make me into a true professional. You’re getting a guy who will bring leadership and consistency to your Special Teams units as well as someone who will carry himself humbly and have a huge impact in the entire football community. Thank you for your time.
