Thomas Morstead

One of college football's hidden gems, Morstead might not have gotten the media attention of other kicking specialists, but professional teams are certainly aware of his ability. Few specialists have the ability to be equally effective in multiple roles, but the SMU Mustang has proven that no task is too daunting. Morstead did not begin kicking for the Mustangs until the 2006 season, but he ranks fifth in school history with 217 points scored, just behind some of the program's elite players in football annals - Doak Walker, Eric Dickerson, Eddie Garcia and Reggie Dupard. His 78 consecutive extra points made set a school record and his 2007 extra point percentage of 100.0 is a Conference USA mark. He ranks second on the league single-game record chart with a 55.6-yard average punting vs. North Texas in 2007 and his 43.4-yard career average is good for third in C-USA annals. At Pearland High School, Morstead received second-team All-District honors and was named Brazoria County Special Teams MVP as a senior, handling all kicking chores. He also lettered in soccer and was a member of the National Honor Society, adding Academic All-State honors. Morstead decided to enroll at Southern Methodist in 2004, turning down scholarship offers from Texas Christian, Rice, Texas and Missouri, but spent the season as a redshirt. He was a member of the Conference USA's Academic Honor Roll in 2005, but never appeared in a game. Morstead took over place-kicking and punting chores in 2006, earning All-Conference USA third-team honors. He led the league and ranked 15th in the nation in punting, averaging 43.82 yards on 50 attempts, the best average by an SMU punter since Craig James averaged 44.9 yards in 1982. He made 13 of 18 field goals and 34 of 35 extra points for a total of 73 points, as he also recorded one solo tackle. As a sophomore Morstead was a consensus All-Conference USA first-team pick and also gained league academic honors. He again led C-USA and finished eighth nationally with a 44.65-yard average, as the Mustangs also ranked fourth in the NCAA with a 39.33-yard net average. He scored 82 points and set the league single-season record by making all 43 PAT attempts, as he also connected on 13 of 20 field goals. Morstead concentrated more on directional punting in 2008. The All-Conference USA honorable mention averaged a career-low 41.78 yards on 59 punts, but only 19 were returned, as the Mustangs placed third in the league with a 37.22-yard net average. He made 11 of 15 field goals, 29 of 30 extra points and amassed 62 points.