Aussie goes viral in USA after launching punt out of stadium
Updated . First published at
Melbourne superboot Nick McLarty has won the starting punter's job at Ohio State University after sending a football out of a stadium in the preseason.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day announced on Friday that McLarty had prevailed in competition with fellow Australian Joe McGuire - the son of media identity Eddie - as well as Anthony Venneri and Hadi Jawad.
McLarty is unusually large for a punter, listed at 204cm and 115kg.
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The 20-year-old is following a well trodden path of AFL converts into the United States college football system.
McLarty trained at the 'Punt Factory' under the guidance of former NFL punters and compatriots Darren Bennett and Sav Rocca.
One of his recent practice punts has gone viral on social media.
Sav Rocca of the Philadelphia Eagles. Getty
McLarty posted a video of him launching a ball out of a stadium and into the trees (watch the video at the top of the page) - attracting 6400 likes from one Twitter account's repost alone.
He claimed the booming kick was at least 90 yards (82m) and while that distance is unverified it undoubtedly went a long way.
"He's got a strong leg," Day told reporters.
"He's made it a good transition into the country, but also just playing football, and not Australian rules football, which is very, very different. The snap-to-kick has really improved. That was one thing.
"He's a taller guy, so the ball has to get off his foot faster.
"I think he's done that. His hang time has been good, and he's been more consistent. You'll see.
"He'll kick a few that'll just go right out of the stadium. He just got a strong, strong leg, so we're looking for that consistency. He's shown that here most recently. So he's got the upper hand right now."
Ohio State, known as the 'Buckeyes,' kick off their season against Akron on September 1 (AEST).
Ohio State are one of the strongest teams in college football - ranked second heading into the season - and are the alma mater of another Aussie punter, Cameron Johnston, who in March signed a $13m, three year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
