Photo by: Matthew Mitchell Photography
Ryan Eckley Named Freshman All-American by Football Writers Association of America
1/16/2024 12:55:00 PM | Football
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State redshirt freshman punter Ryan Eckley has been named a first-team Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).
Eckley, a native of Lithia, Florida, ranked second in the Big Ten Conference and eighth in the FBS with his 46.8-yard punting average, which was the fifth-longest average in MSU single-season history.
Named to the Ray Guy Midseason Award Watch List, Eckley also ranked second in the Big Ten in 50-plus yard punts (24) and fourth in punts inside the 20 (23). He also had four punts of 60-plus yards and 15 inside the 10-yard line.
Eckley ended the season on a strong note by pinning at least one punt inside the 20 in each of the last six games, including 15 punts inside the 20 in the last five games. He saved one of his best performances for last, booming a season-high six punts for 50-plus yards in the regular-season finale vs. Penn State for a 54.0-yard average, including two of 60-plus yards, highlighted by his final punt of the night going for 63 yards.
Eckley was also named a Freshman All-American last month by The Athletic. In addition, he was named a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the league's coaches and media, and by The Associated Press.
Eckley is the 14th Spartan to earn Freshman All-America honors from the FWAA and the first since linebacker Cal Haladay in 2021.
Eckley, a native of Lithia, Florida, ranked second in the Big Ten Conference and eighth in the FBS with his 46.8-yard punting average, which was the fifth-longest average in MSU single-season history.
Named to the Ray Guy Midseason Award Watch List, Eckley also ranked second in the Big Ten in 50-plus yard punts (24) and fourth in punts inside the 20 (23). He also had four punts of 60-plus yards and 15 inside the 10-yard line.
Eckley ended the season on a strong note by pinning at least one punt inside the 20 in each of the last six games, including 15 punts inside the 20 in the last five games. He saved one of his best performances for last, booming a season-high six punts for 50-plus yards in the regular-season finale vs. Penn State for a 54.0-yard average, including two of 60-plus yards, highlighted by his final punt of the night going for 63 yards.
Eckley was also named a Freshman All-American last month by The Athletic. In addition, he was named a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the league's coaches and media, and by The Associated Press.
Eckley is the 14th Spartan to earn Freshman All-America honors from the FWAA and the first since linebacker Cal Haladay in 2021.
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