On social media Washington Football recognized wide receiver Rome Odunze as special teams player of the day for Monday April 18th. The post doesn’t say what he did to receive the award but it’s safe to say that it wasn’t won with his ability to punt the ball–although Washington is looking to replace one specialist, punter Race Porter.
@RomeOdunze got after it Practice 9! Appreciate your commitment to #The206 Rome 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/ChTKVPQw8j
— Paul Creighton (@Creightp) April 20, 2022
Porter, who finished 11th in the country with a average of 48.5 yards per punt, he might not be the most difficult player to replace on Special Teams for UW. Part of Porter’s average was his a big leg but also that the Huskies offense had prolonged periods of stagnation, scoring just 21.5points per game. Often times there was a lot of green to work with.
However, the Huskies are also seeking a replacement for special teams gunner, Kyler Gordon. They may have found one in the 2019 Nevada Gatoraid Player of the Year.
Over the course of the past two seasons Gordon was often found inside the opponents 5 yard line awaiting the arrival of Porter’s punt. That leads one to conclude that Odunze’s special teams prowess is his ability to help the punt team flip the field.
On the other hand, Odunze’s position coach Jamarcus Shephard tweeted a response to that “Rome wasn’t built in a day” but brick by brick, leading some to speculate that the receiver is imposing his 6-3, 200 pound frame on would-be blockers.
Either way, the praise reflects the unselfish nature of Odunze’s character and demonstrates the team’s new “JYD” mantra meaning Junk Yard Dawg.
