Notre Dame punter Jay Bramblett pens letter to Fighting Irish fans
After much speculation, Notre Dame fans finally know the future plans of long-time punter Jay Bramblett.
Bramblett, a junior, entered the transfer portal shortly after Notre Dame’s Fiesta Bowl loss to Oklahoma State. On Sunday, the Fighting Irishman posted a farewell note to fans.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank the coaches and staff for the opportunity to come to Notre Dame to play football and earn a degree from this prestigious university,” he wrote.
“As I continue on my journey, I will be entering my name in the transfer portal,” Bramblett continued. “I look forward to pursuing both football and a Masters degree at my next stop. While I am excited for my future, Notre Dame has helped me become the man I am today, and I will always carry Notre Dame with me.”
Jay Bramblett leaving Notre Dame after perfect game
In his final game, Bramblett punted seven times for 291 yards (41.6 average). Oklahoma State did not return any of them.
Bramblett ranked 31st nationally in punting average this year heading into the bowl game. He averaged 43.8 yards per punt this year and 41.9 for his career. His average improved in each of his three years at Notre Dame, and he kicked a career-long 72-yarder this year.
This season, Bramblett placed 21 of his 58 punts inside the 20-yard line. Just 14 of them were returned and for an average of 5.86 yards. In 2020, returners averaged just 3.67 yards when running back Bramblett’s punts. In 2019, that figure was 3.89. Through three years, only one return of a Bramblett punt went for longer than 20 yards.
Bramblett came to Notre Dame as a three-star recruit in the 2019 class. He was a punter and quarterback at Tuscaloosa (Ala.) Hillcrest High School.
With his exit, Notre Dame will be breaking in a new kicker and punter next year. McFerson becomes the favorite for Notre Dame’s 2022 punter job and would be just the fourth player to hold that role since 2013.
On3’s Patrick Engel contributed to this report.