Share This Post
With 59 days left until the Virginia Tech battles Georgia Tech, we turn our attention to one of the numberless Hokies on roster Mr. Ethan Keyserling. Keyserling provided depth at punter a year ago and worked as a kicker this past spring. His versatility will be put to the test this fall as he’s en route to become our newest kickoff specialist as well as a backup at punter. Also, if Keyserling can find some consistency at kicker, he could become the guy we turn to if we ever need a 50-plus yard field to win a football game.
The Scoop
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 205 lbs
Position: Punter
Year: R-Sophomore
High School: East Chapel Hill High School
How Did He Get Here?
With little to no chance at a scholarship out of high school, Keyserling impressed at a few camps in the area and was offered a preferred walk-on spot at Virginia Tech. Unlike UNC, who also wanted him to walk-on, Tech promised a scholarship offer by year two if he could win the starting punting job. After an official visit to Virginia Tech, Keyserling committed to the Hokies in February of 2010.
2011 Season Rewind
Ethan did not dress for any games last year after failing to win the starting job.
2012 Prediction
With Justin Myer gone, the Hokies need to find a new kickoff man this season. That role will likely go to Ethan Keyserling, who has the strongest leg of any of the kickers on roster. Since the spring game was rained out, It’s hard to tell how comfortable he is in his new role. Tech never installed kickoffs in either of the two open scrimmages. But, the scrimmages this fall before the start of this season should give us a good look at how far Keyserling can boom it off a tee.
Aside from his kickoff duties, the North Carolina native will continue to battle with Michael Branthover for the starting job at punter. I still think Branthover is the guy to beat but since neither player has shown much consistency in their careers, it will come down to who screws up the least. That’s not exactly what you want to hear when it comes to special teams but after last season, we can’t afford to have anymore ten yard punts.
Completely Made Up Fact
Keyserling once started a Creed air band in which he played the air guitar and sang air backup vocals.
Follow us on our Social Media Sites
Enjoy this post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed and never miss another! Or sign up to get exclusive VirginiaTechFan.com Sports Analysis delivered straight to your inbox!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Does anybody know if Josh Oglesby got a try-out for a NFL team? And is he any kin to Jae’lon Oglesby that comitted to Clemson earlier last month?
No and no. I like Josh but he’s just not NFL material. Really good high school RB, good college RB, but good doesn’t cut it in the NFL. Not sure what he’s up to right now but he has a degree to fall back on.
How long do you think it will be before VT schedules a game against ODU? They are going up a league in 2014 I think.