Troy punter Evan Crenshaw anchors special teams unit

Coastal Carolina transfer earned Sun Belt Conference Special Teams Player of the Week against Buffalo, ranks second in nation in yards per punt with 48.86

Evan Crenshaw is one of the most consistent NCAA punters in the nation. The Coastal Carolina transfer shined against out of conference foe Buffalo, where he earned Sun Belt Special Teams Player of the Week after punting five times for 261 yards. 

“I feel like I really helped our team win that game against Buffalo,” Crenshaw said. “It’s an award that I get, but it's really a reflection of the whole punt unit.” 

Crenshaw said he holds himself to a higher standard, constantly trying to better himself. The Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, native points to internal improvement as the way to go.  

“Punting is a very comparative position,” Crenshaw said. “We can look at who’s averaging what around the country and base that off of our performance to see how well we’re doing.  

“Comparing yourself to other players is probably the biggest struggle.” 

After playing two seasons as a Chanticleer, Crenshaw transferred to Troy to continue his career. He said head coach Gerad Parker was a big reason why he’s a Trojan today.  

“[Coach Parker] has been everything I’ve asked for and more,” Crenshaw said. “When I tell people why I chose Troy, he was the biggest reason of them all.”  

Crenshaw also reflected on his time as a player and gave some words of advice for incoming student athletes.  

“The biggest mistake I made was going from high school to Coastal Carolina and starting as a true freshman,” Crenshaw said. “We have freshman guys on the team now that are not in the greatest mindset using their redshirt, but I tell them all the time, it’s way more beneficial to use your redshirt your freshman year. 

“You need that year to develop, get stronger and learn college a little bit.” 

After being nominated for the Ray Guy Punter of the Year award, Crenshaw was grateful to have the nomination.  

“As a whole we didn’t have the best special teams unit last year, and I really wanted to take a step with that this year and be a change in Troy and do everything I can to win games,” Crenshaw said. “Obviously getting nominated for that is insane to me, and I’ve been working my tail off for that.  

“It’s really good to see everything come to fruition.” 

Crenshaw looks to be a weapon for the special teams unit in the Trojans next Sun Belt Conference matchup against the ULM Warhawks on Oct. 18. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. in Monroe, Louisiana.