Meet Rhys Dakin, The Iowa Hawkeyes Freshman New Punter!

Freshman Punter, Rhys Dakin, has some incredibly big shoes to fill this upcoming Iowa Hawkeye football season. To be fair, he really only has 1 leg and 1 shoe to fill but either way, he's hoping to take this season 1 game at a time.

Iowa Hawkeye fans adopted a saying the past 2 years, after watching the worst offense in college football. "Punting is Winning." The previous Hawkeye punter, Tory Taylor, was one of the most beloved players on the team. He became an All-American, and set an NCAA record for most yards punted in a single season last year.

When Tory Taylor stepped onto Kinnick Field last year, fans would start chanting M-V-P! Which is a phrase that has never been uttered towards a punter in the history of football, at any level.

*I might've made that up but if it has happened more than once. I bet you could count the number of times on 1 hand.*

How Does Rhys Dakin follow in the footsteps of Tory Taylor, who is the highest drafted punter in the last 5 years by an NFL team? He's going to be himself. Him and Tory Taylor already have something in common. They're both from Australia.

Dakin Spoke to KCRG and he's going to focus on being himself

"I want to be myself, try not to live up to any expectations. I just want to be myself and take it in each game."

Dakin and Tory are both from the same Australian kicking program called ProKick Australia and while Dakin might still be learning the rules of American Football and getting used to living in Iowa, he's shown off his incredible leg in practice.

"I’ve never been to Iowa, anywhere in the Midwest. I’ve been told it gets cold late in the season. I’ve kicked in the cold at ProKick — it can get pretty cold in the mornings, very dewy. If I can put it down on the 1, that puts my team in the best position to get … I think it’s called a safety? Is that what it’s called? Force a safety, score some points for the team."

If the offense continues to struggle in the upcoming season, fans will take points any way they can. Hopefully, Dakin can help the Hawkeye's defense put up 2 points as many times as possible this season. Rhys is excited for his first opportunity to take the field in front of his new Hawkeye fans.

"I can’t wait to get out there. I’ve never been in front of more than a thousand people, so it will be a whole new experience for me. It brings a smile to my face. I haven’t experienced it yet, but I’d kind of like to get out there."