SPARTANBURG, S.C. — After averaging nearly 48 yards per punt on Saturday versus North Carolina A&T, Appalachian State University punter Bentlee Critcher has been named the Southern Conference Special Teams Player of the Week, the league office announced on Monday.

Critcher, a walk-on true freshman, averaged 47.9 yards over seven punts in Saturday’s contest. Two of his seven punts traveled 50-plus yards (including a 61-yarder) and two were downed inside the 20 yard line. N.C. A&T managed to return just three of his seven punts for a total of 16 yards, which, including a touchback, still gave Critcher a gaudy net average of 40.9 yards per boot.

Critcher is the second Appalachian State freshman in as many weeks to earn one of the SoCon’s weekly individual awards. Inside linebacker John Law was named the league’s Freshman of the Week following his 12-tackle performance in the Aug. 31 season opener at Montana.

Critcher and the Mountaineers have a bye this week before opening its final Southern Conference campaign at Elon on Sept. 21. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Elon’s Rhodes Stadium.

Pardon if this has been posted elsewhee

He sure has gotten plenty opportunities to punt, that's for sure.

MAD Doctor wrote:He sure has gotten plenty opportunities to punt, that's for sure.

It's great to see a walk-on make the most of his opportunity. We could be in a lot of field position battles this season, so it's good to go one with a good punter. Kudos to Critcher.