Aussie Andrew Stokes' Big Leg Draws Attention After His First Football Experience
By Joey Johnston
In the aftermath of USF's season-opening game at NC State, here's an oft-repeated comment from fans:
Who was that USF punter?
He's Andrew Stokes. And he has one heck of a story.
How did he become a Bull? It's sort of like ordering a football player from Amazon. If you need a punter, you call Prokick Australia, a training academy that places Australian punters and kickers into American college football or the NFL. In 14 years, the firm has placed 75 athletes into college football, producing five Ray Guy Award winners and earning them more than $19-million in scholarship money.
That's how Stokes wound up on USF's doorstep some seven months ago. So far, so good. He punted eight times against NC State for a 45.1-yard average with howitzers of 66 and 61 yards. But even though it seems like Stokes came off Prokick's assembly line, he's a bit different.
He's 27 years old.
He's 6-foot-5, 230 pounds.
"It's like we're sending an offensive tackle back there to punt the ball,'' Bulls special teams coordinator Daniel Da Prato said.
One more thing: When Stokes faced N.C. State, it was the first time for him to punt in an actual game. Or, for that matter, see a college football game.
Ever.
"The whole thing is pretty surreal,'' Stokes said. "The first time I grabbed hold of an American football and tried to punt it, it was December 2019. Now here I am. A few months back, I'm walking around downtown Tampa and thinking, 'Holy smokes, I'm in America.'
"It's not your typical story. But it's a great opportunity. I'm getting a great education and competing in college football. I'm not quite sure how I got from there to here, but I'm ready to go.''
Several times during spring and fall drills, Stokes has cracked punts that made jaws drop — tremendous hang time, 60-plus yards. Da Prato wants consistency, along with precise placement in field-position situations.
"Andrew has done a tremendous job since the day he has gotten here,'' Da Prato said. "He's a big young man and that helps with leverage and the great speed his leg can generate on the follow-through. He can really be something to watch. The potential is exciting.''
The formula has worked for USF before. Former Bull Trent Schneider (2017-20) was a Prokick alum and became the most accomplished punter in USF history. He was on last season's Ray Guy Award Watch List and set six USF punting records, including a career 43.9-yard average and a 72-yard punt in 2019.
Schneider, who worked construction for eight years in Australia, arrived at USF from Santa Barbara City College through a recommendation by Prokick. Schneider participated in spring drills with USF, the first time he met Stokes, but now lives in Orlando after opting to begin his business career.
That left USF's punting job open for Stokes and holdover Kenny Scribner.
"The basic thing about this is kids grow up in America throwing a football or a baseball, but in Australia, we're out there kicking a ball with our dad in the backyard,'' Stokes said. "From a young age, we've got that kicking action ingrained. The muscles are strengthened in that area. It's very natural for us.''
Stokes spent seven years playing Australian rules football with the Railways in the Great Northern Football League, then Freemantle of the West Australia Football League. Adjusting to American football initially seemed like learning a new language. Imagine the confusion of Stokes' USF teammates when they saw his WAFL statistics — 124 kicks, 54 marks, 179 hitouts, 5 goals, 38 handballs, 25 tackles and 162 disposals.
"I heard about Prokick and thought I'd give it a go,'' Stokes said. "They know every American college coach. If I could do it, I knew I'd have an opportunity. I did call Trent (Schneider) to ask him about USF. It sounded great. Beautiful city. Amazing school. I have been very pleased. I feel like I'm fitting in.''
Stokes has enjoyed exploring the Tampa Bay area and sampling the restaurant options, although Outback remains a curiosity.
"I guess that idea took off and earned people some money," said Stokes, who is from the Australian port city of Perth, located on the Indian Ocean. Â "But the whole thing gives me a bit of a laugh.
"People are fascinated with Australia. I get it. People hear me talk and they first think I'm British. Then they'll ask, 'Hey, can you say this word so we can hear it?' It's like poking the monkey at the zoo or something. Or they'll ask me what it's like to live with all the kangaroos. It can be a bit much.''
Overall, though, Stokes has loved his time at USF, learning a new culture, making new friends, experiencing new beaches and learning to play a new game.
"There are never any guarantees, but I'm loving it so far,'' Stokes said. "You can only try and they can only say no. If it doesn't work out, you can go home and you haven't lost anything.
"But I'm always down to try something new. If you don't try something, you'll probably regret it later in life. So here I am.''
One day, you pick up an American football for the first time. Not long after that, you're in America, playing college football. That's the life of Andrew Stokes. What a kick.
