Austin American-Statesman

So, what’s a punter to do at pro day?

- By Danny Davis danieldavi­s@statesman.com

So, what exactly does a punter do at his pro timing day?

That’s a question that Michael Dickson found an answer to this week. Texas’ Ray Guy Award winner worked out in front of representa­tives from all 32 NFL teams at UT’s pro timing day on Wednesday. His predraft test differed from the event’s 15 other participan­ts, though.

Dickson arrived on campus around 7:30 a.m., about 90 minutes before workouts started. He paced, stretched, did “leg swings for about three hours” and punted countless times against a wall of the indoor practice facility. Dickson, who was UT’s holder this past season, also worked on handling snaps. He eventually went outside and showcased his punting in a steady rainstorm.

He did not lift, run or do any agility drills.

“I was so tempted to get on the bench,” Dickson said. “I saw no benefit in doing it. I didn’t want to hurt myself.”

According to ESPN, only two punters who left school early have ever been drafted (Chris Gardocki in 1991 and Bradley Pinion in 2015). Dickson is attempting to become the third.

Dickson set a school record with his average of 47.4 yards per punt. The unanimous first-team All-American capped his career by being named the MVP of the Texas Bowl.

“He’s the best punter I’ve ever seen, let alone had on my team,” Texas coach Tom Herman said. “I’ve said it ad nauseam.”

An NFL family reunion?: Armanti Foreman worked out in front of representa­tives from all 32 NFL teams. The 6-foot wide receiver has heard from the Seattle Seahawks. He met with some teams at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl earlier this year.

The Houston Texans are another franchise that Foreman would love to hear from. Houston used a third-round draft pick last year on running back D’Onta Foreman, Armanti’s twin brother. The Foremans played together at Texas from 2014-16.

“If I got an opportunit­y to play with the Texans, that would just be wonderful,” Foreman said.

D’Onta was among those in attendance on Wednesday. Armanti said he bested the numbers his brother put up in the 40-yard dash and the vertical and broad jumps at last year’s pro day. He conceded that D’Onta “got me in the bench (press).”

Foreman said that “whether it’s playing receiver or playing special teams, I feel like I can be a playmaker and I can make a difference.” He led the team in receptions (34) and receiving yards (420), caught 31 footballs and a team-high four touchdowns.

Foreman’s senior season, though, also included a much-publicized three-game benching.

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