Getty Image
The Georgia Bulldogs and head coach Kirby Smith have an absolute glut of weapons at their disposal.
But perhaps the most dangerous one comes in the form of Australian punter Brett Thorson.
Yup, that’s right. Thorson, a junior, is perhaps the best punter in the nation and is currently in the midst of a streak that makes him immeasurably valuable to the Dawgs.
Thorson went the entire 2023 season, which included 32 punts, without allowing a single punt return. No, that’s not punt returns for a touchdown. That is punt returns, period.
And lest you think it’s just because he’s kicking the ball out of bounds or into the end zone, think again.
According to Georgia’s official roster, Thorson “recorded 32 punts for an average of 43.8 yards on the season, including 14 punts that landed inside the 20-yard line and six punts that sailed 50+ yards.”
All that came in just his sophomore season. Thorson began his junior season with a bang as well, punting four times for an average of 48 yards per punt against the Clemson Tigers. And, unsurprisingly, he allowed no punts to be returned.
Georgia Punter Brett Thorson Can’t Cash In On His Stardom
Now, Georgia also has the luxury of putting insane athletes on its punt coverage team. So that undoubtedly helps. But Thorson has developed into one of college football’s most elite weapons.
Unfortunately for Thorson, he can’t capitalize quite as much as his UGA teams.
“Due to my visa status as an international student, I am unfortunately not able to benefit from NIL deals in the United States,” Thorson tweeted in June. “However, I am excited to currently be home in Australia and can participate in deals and partnerships. If you or your business is interested, you can reach out to me directly or to the Classic City Collective – info@classiccitycollective.com. Go Dawgs!”