Wolverines Sign Former Missouri Punter Luke Bauer

Former Missouri punter, Luke Bauer, has signed with Michigan after starting for the Tigers for two seasons. Before Bauer’s commitment, the Wolverines had just one punter on the roster in Hudson Hollenback, a red shirt junior with some experience, but as the only one listed at the position, it was clear he needed at least a backup.

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Bauer will be a graduate student this fall, with only one year of eligibility remaining, so it will be imperative that he and Hollenback work together to create some momentum on special teams. 

Special teams coordinator JB Brown said of Hollenback, “We want to try to get around six guys in the room, two at each spot. So looking for someone else to bring in to create that competition. But he’s done a great job this spring so far. We truly trust him.” (via On3)

Luke Bauer should provide that competition Brown is looking for

Bauer was the starter for all 13 games during his fifth-year season, and seven games of his senior season at Missouri. During his senior season, he punted 49 times for over 2,000 yards, with an average of 41.78 yards per punt, and a season long of 61 yards. He also had 13 punts downed inside the 20-yard line on the season.

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His junior season also saw quite a bit of action, when Bauer punted for a career long of 73 yards against LSU, which was the longest punt of any SEC punter that season. With the loss of punter Tommy Doman to the transfer portal, it seems that Bauer could be the perfect transfer replacement to take over.

With the transfer portal open for just one more week, head coach Sherrone Moore still has some boxes to check, but getting a second punter on his roster—one as skilled as Bauer no less—is one less thing he’ll have to worry about.

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