Size helps Kentucky punter

If you're a burly defensive lineman or linebacker, there are few things more satisfying than taking a free shot at some scrawny, unsuspecting punter.

If you're playing against Kentucky, you might think twice about trying to take out Glenn Pakulak. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 233 pounds, Pakulak doesn't fit the mold of a pushover punter.

"I think it's a little bit of an advantage," Pakulak said. "A guy on the other side may not want to come after me when he sees that I'm a little bit bigger of a guy."

Pakulak has also gained plenty of respect for his ability to pin teams deep in their territory. Twenty-seven of his kicks were downed inside opponents' 20-yard line this season, a big reason he's one of three finalists for the third-annual Ray Guy Award - given to the top punter in Division I-A.

Pakulak is the top punter in school history, and he broke the single-season record at Kentucky this year with a 45.6-yard average. That figure leads the Southeastern Conference and is third nationally.

The Ray Guy Award, presented by the Greater Augusta Sports Council, is named for the Thomson native who went on to become an All-Pro punter for the Oakland Raiders.

The two other finalists are Dustin Colquitt of Tennessee and Colorado's Mark Mariscal. The winner will be named tonight at the ESPN College Football Awards Show in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

For Pakulak, the recognition won't end there. He is also a finalist for the Mosi Tatupu Award, given to the nation's best senior special teams performer. The winner of that award will be named Friday.

As a linebacker, receiver and punter, Pakulak earned All-League honors at East High School in Lapeer, Mich. He amassed 89 tackles and hauled in 41 receptions for 653 yards as a senior.

He can also bench press 400 pounds, which makes opposing head-hunters pause before trying to flatten him.

"He's thinking, 'Hey, I'll just leave him alone,' compared to if I was a smaller guy and he thinks he can just lay me out,' " Pakulak said.

GLENN PAKULAK

SCHOOL: Kentucky

CLASS: Senior

PUNTS: 66

GROSS AVERAGE: 45.6

NET AVERAGE: 41.6

PUNTS DOWNED INSIDE THE 20: 27

PERSONAL: One of Pakulak's relatives is Al Iafrate, a former All-Star in the National Hockey League.

Reach Larry Williams at (706) 823-3645 or larry.williams@augustachronicle.com.