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A Conversation With UF Punter Chas Henry

By MICK ELLIOTT melliott@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 8, 2009

MIAMI - On the way to averaging more than 45 points a game this season, the Florida Gators turned punter Chas Henry into the Maytag Repairman.

A sophomore from Dallas, Ga., where he was a high school quarterback, Henry had an outstanding season. He averaged 42.8 yards a kick, was second-team All-SEC and one of 10 finalists for the Ray Guy Award.

At least someone noticed.

When you have only 41 kicks for an entire season - that's barely three a game - it can be a lonely job.

Henry, however, did make the most of his opportunities. Thirteen of his 41 punts traveled 50 yards or more, including a 67-yarder against FSU. Also, 20 of his attempts stopped inside the 20.

He chatted about his season with The Tampa Tribune:

Everybody wants to see game-day action, but it's better for the team if you don't. Are there conflicting emotions?

I talk to Tim Tebow's dad, Bob Tebow, before every game, and he goes, "Chaz, I hope we don't see you out there today." It's one of those good things when I don't have to play.

Do you ever wish you could get dirty?

No, I kind of like having the great people we do up front, where I never get touched. There hasn't even been a close situation. I kind of like that.

Can you really be happy not playing?

Yeah, especially when you are up big, one of those relaxing games. You are almost like a fan. Just watch.

What's your mind-set going into a game?

It's one of those things you just don't know. The most I punted this year was against Miami. We won by 20-something points, but I punted seven times. You always have to be ready.

Have you ever the left locker room and didn't need to shower?

No, no. We always have warm-ups and again at halftime. That's when I do the most part of my game.

What was your biggest play of the season?

I'd have to say the biggest one of the year was against Tennessee. It was a real tight game at the time. It was my only punt on the day and it went 57 yards and we also got a clip in the back. We were on our own 10-yard line, so it worked out to be like a net of 62 yards. Then we stopped them and went in to score. I think that play was a big turning point for our punt team this season.

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