Kicker headed to Knoxville

Michael Palardy is one of the nation's most sought after kicker prospects. Palardy, 6-0 and 170 pounds, is from St. Thomas Aquinas in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. He has a big-time leg and is very versatile. In fact most schools like him as both a punter and kicker.

"Spring went real good," Palardy said. "I want to say 70 scouts were on our sideline for spring game. We didn't kick during the game but we had a kicking exhibition. I punted and kicked. It was before the game and I performed real well."

Palardy's long was a 60-yarder. From the opposing 40-yard line he had one punt eight yards deep in end zone.

"Most schools are recruiting me to do both. Then there are a few strictly that like me as a punter or kicker. I think I am equally good at both. I work hard at both."

Last season Palardy was four of five on field goal attempts and 98% of kickoffs were touch backs. He was 76/78 on his PATs. He was second team punter.

According to Palardy he has scholarship offers at this time from Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, LSU, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Minnesota, Northwestern, Miami, Syracuse, and N.C. State. So far he has been to Alabama and he will travel to Tennessee later this week.

"I went to Alabama for their spring game. It was like nothing I have ever seen before living in south Florida. Tuscaloosa is a small town but it was the big time. The whole atmosphere was pretty amazing. There was 86,000 there for the spring game. Those people live for football. It was a real good experience. Alabama is in it.

"I am leaving for Tennessee on Thursday and will hang out there for the weekend. I will meet up with coach (Lane) Kiffin and coach (Eddie) Gran.

"I know I will use all five official visits during the fall. Right now I am open and kind of narrowing it down. I want to say a top five but I have not put much thought it in yet. Maybe after I get back from Tennessee."