Arkansas received a commitment from nationally ranked kicker Blake Mazza today. The preferred walk-on will report as a member of the 105-man roster for fall practice.
Mazza, 5-10, 160 pounds, of Plano, Texas, was 4 of 7 on field goals, with a long of 49 yards as a senior. He made 31 of 35 extra points and had 11 touchbacks out of 48 kickoffs.
Chris Sailer Kicking ranks Mazza a 5-star prospect and the No. 12 placekicker in the nation for the 2017 class.
Quality control special teams Coach Tanner Burns recruited Mazza. The Sailer website gives the following review on Mazza:
“Blake is an outstanding kicking prospect. Field goals are excellent off the ground. He kicks with nice technique and consistency. Gets great height on his ball and kicks great confidence. Shows 55+ yard range. Kickoffs are strong, D1 ready. Also shows that he can be a dependable punter. I love the way he competes. He has the tools to be a big time college level player. A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic. Blake is going to make a great addition to any college football program. Excellent prospect.”
Arkansas has three kickers — Cole Hedlund, Conner Limpert and Jon Fagg — going through spring practice this month. Hedlund made 5 of 7 field goals with a long of 38 yards last season. Limpert saw action on kickoffs.
Arkansas lost its primary kicker Adam McFain, who graduated after making 8 of 10 field goals with a long of 54 yards.