Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
Stanhope Elmore High School senior punter Colby Beyer recently won a punt competition during a summer camp at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. The competition featured more than 40 punters from around the country. After winning the competition, Beyer’s father, an alumnus from Florida State, tracked down Seminole’s Head Coach Mike Norvell, for a picture with the younger Beyer.
“Meeting Coach Norvell was a great experience,” Beyer said. “I was a little embarrassed to ask for a picture, but he was a great person to be around. You can really tell the care and energy he puts into football by just being there. He’s been the best college coach to meet in my opinion and definitely made the competitions feel like you’re winning his respect.”
The competition featured several different rounds. The requirement for the first round was to punt the ball 35 yards from the spot of the snap, with the punter 15 yards behind the snapper. Many of the non-punters and younger athletes were eliminated at this stage.
An additional 5 yards was added to the second round of the competition, with another five yards added to the third round. Following the third round, only five punters remained. At that point, Head Coach Norvell added the requirement of hitting the hash mark from the sideline.
“Once Coach Norvell added the requirements of hitting specific areas my confidence to win went up because I rely on being accurate overpower as a punter because it pays off to be accurate over being powerful,” Beyer said.
The fifth round of the competition had an addition of best hang time, and Beyer and another punter tied for the best within 0.01 seconds. The two punters faced off for the final round, with the requirement for hitting between the hash marks. Beyer made the requirement with length, while the final contestant missed the mark.
“Coach Norvell had a speech at the end as well and he told everyone that coming to the camp that they just need to take one thing away from it, to make the most of it.”
Beyer will turn his attention toward his senior year. Similar to last year, his goals are to have made all of his extra points and all of his field goals within 45-yards. “I also want to be able to use punts to change the tone of the game alongside kickoffs,” said Beyer. “I want to be a leader to the team and be able to leave Coach Adams with a kicker like John Espy who can take over and be able to do everything he needs in the next season.”
Beyer will be making a college decision at some point during his senior year. With a 35 on his ACT, Beyer can pretty much go wherever he wants, but his opportunities as a punter will also play a part in that decision.
“My college decision will depend on how the season goes for me because I want to go all out for this season without worrying about the college decision. I have favorites like South Alabama and Florida State, but I want to see who takes interest and what opportunities come about.”
