Former Syracuse football stars, Sterling Hofrichter and Lakiem Williams are pursuing their NFL dreams one game at a time. We have all the details.
Sterling Hofrichter was one of the best special teamers in the nation over his collegiate tenure with Syracuse football. But upon graduation, its time to start looking at his professional aspirations.
On January 18, the punter will lace them up one more time to represent Syracuse football in the NFLPA collegiate bowl. The bowl is in its ninth year and gives an opportunity to athletes looking to make the jump into the NFL.
First, let’s look back at Hofrichter’s career and how this bowl could only help his NFL draft stock.
After this season, the ‘Cuse punter was recognized as one of the best in the nation by becoming a finalist for the Ray Guy award. Hofrichter did not win the award, but the recognition puts him in some pretty elite company.
His abilities put him among the top punters in the nation.
Sterling’s punts averaged 43.9 yards per punt this season. But his net average was 43 yards per punt. That means returners averaged less than a yard per punt against Hofricther. This stat attests to his precision and hang time per punt. This season he also downed 29 punts inside the 20, which is No. 1 among ACC punters.
Sterling Hofrichter was selected for the 2020 NFLPA bowl and will represent the National Team. He is listed as the only punter on the team’s roster, which provides him with a unique opportunity. The former Syracuse punter will have no competition in this game for the position and will have time to showcase his abilities.
Now, this path will not lead directly to the draft. Being a specialist is a position that many teams like to draft late or find after the draft’s conclusion.
However, Hofrichter is looking to use this platform to solidify his name on NFL draft boards. He wants to follow in the footsteps of former ‘Cuse punter, Riley Dixon, who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2016 draft.
As Hofrichter continues to embark on the beginning stretch of his pro career, you can follow along. You can watch the NFLPA collegiate bowl on NFL Network or via the NFL Network app at 7 p.m. EST on Saturday, January 18.
Lakiem Williams is another ‘Cuse graduate with a shot to make the league. Williams was selected for the Hula Bowl back in December. The game will take place on January 26 at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii. The Hula Bowl is making a comeback after a 12-year hiatus. The official roster has not yet been released for the game.