As the college football season approaches, two members of the Florida Gators’ special teams unit have earned preseason All-American honors from renowned analyst Phil Steele.
Senior punter Jeremy Crawshaw secured a spot on the fourth team, while redshirt junior long snapper Rocco Underwood was named to the third team, showcasing the Gators’ strength in the often-overlooked special teams phase.
Crawshaw’s recognition follows an outstanding junior season where he set the Gators’ single-season record for net punting average with an impressive 48.9 yards on 42 punts. He delivered seven punts of 60 yards or more, 21 punts exceeding 50 yards, and 15 punts downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, with a long punt of 68 yards.
His consistent excellence earned Crawshaw a place on the Associated Press All-SEC Second Team, building on his prior accolades as a 2021 SEC All-Freshman Team selection. That season, the Australian native ranked third in the SEC with an average of 44.02 yards per punt, including 18 punts of 50-plus yards, three of over 61 yards, and 19 punts downed inside the 20.
Underwood has been a reliable presence as the Gators’ primary long snapper, playing in every game last season and recording one tackle. His efforts earned him Florida’s “Unsung Hero Award” at the end-of-season banquet.
Both specialists will benefit from working under new special teams coordinator Joe Houston this year. Houston, who joins Gainesville after a four-year stint with the New England Patriots, brings an NFL pedigree to the Gators’ special teams.
“Joe Houston has done a good job from a situational football standpoint. He’s brought a lot to the table,” said head coach Billy Napier during spring practice.
With Crawshaw’s powerful leg and Underwood’s reliable snapping, combined with Houston’s professional experience, the Gators’ special teams unit could be a crucial factor in the team’s success this fall.
