FSU football: Top five darkhorse players for 2020 season
By Kelvin Hunt
Alex Mastromanno
The punter position is one that’s not been a strong suit for the Noles over the past five years or so. Logan Tyler was dismissed from the team last season after the first game, which meant walk-on punter Tommy Martin assumed those duties.
Martin performed admirably in his first few games, but the production trailed off as the season progressed.
Enter freshman Alex Mastromanno, who comes to Tallahassee from Australia. Mastromanno is still learning the American football game, but has gotten consistent praise from the coaching staff during fall camp and performed well during the scrimmages.
I understand it could e a significant challenge playing in an actual game as a freshman with his lack of American football experience.
However, he has a huge leg and could be a hidden weapon of sorts for the Noles in flipping field position. FSU punters have averaged just 41.5 yards per punt since the 2016 season.
They’ve also lacked hangtime, which is a concept Mastramanno has already stated is a priority for him to master. I wouldn’t sleep on the Australian making an impact in 2020.