UK commit Max Duffy, this year's top punter recruit, goes on the record
Cats Illustrated has rarely reported this much on a specialist recruit, but Max Duffy's surprise commitment to Kentucky is worth a close look.
Yesterday we spoke with Prokick Australia's Nathan Chapman about Duffy's history and what the Wildcats are getting in him. On Thursday, we caught up with Duffy himself.
While Duffy was best-known, before football, for his stint in the Australian Football League, his athletic career actually includes stints playing several sports.
"I grew up playing basketball and soccer until I was 15, then swapped to AFL or 'footy' as well call it, and eventually got picked up (at) Pick 39 in the 2012 draft by the Fremantle Dockers based in Western Australia," Duffy told Cats Illustrated. "I was there for three years and played three games before being cut.
"I decided to take up punting shortly after as I had always dreamed of playing in the NFL or NBA when I was small, and college gets me my degree while I'm at it. That's a massive positive to come out of it with job opportunities, unlike the AFL, which is pro which leaves no time for study."
Once Duffy made the decision to explore a future as a punter, he reached out to "Chappy," Nathan Chapman, with Prokick Australia. He worked with that organization on a trial basis.
"Then through his and John A. Smith's help it has all transpired from there," Duffy said.
"We went on a (trip) through America, kicking at colleges and camps with the highlight of kicking at Alabama and getting to meet and chat with Coach (Nick) Saban in his office during our visit," Duffy said. "Unfortunately I didn't get to visit Kentucky. About a month or so later I found out there was some interest from Kentucky and it all happened from there."
The opportunity to go on scholarship at Kentucky in the SEC was almost too good to be true, Duffy said.
"I was over the moon when I was offered by such a prestigious school as Kentucky and I can't wait to get started. Great facilities, great coaching with Coach (Mark) Stoops and Coach (Dean) Hood, and a winning environment that is ever-improving. What more could you want?
"Hopefully me and Chance Poore can build something really great on special teams," he said.
Ray Guy's Prokicking.com rates Duffy as the No. 1 punter in the 2018 class and Poore, another Kentucky commitment, No. 2.
Duffy obviously has tremendous raw talent but he's still learning the ropes.
"In terms of kicking the skills we use in our game are quite transferrable but we do a lot of work on technique to make minor changes, which translates better to the American game, and Chappy teaches us this," Duffy said. "Overall I'm just ready to get started as a Wildcat and eager to learn, improve and do my job for the team.
"This is a life-changing opportunity and I'm so grateful to everyone who's been involved in the process."
