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Day 46. Just barely over a month and a half until we reach the promised land: Kickoff. Speaking of kickoffs...
#46, Joel Velazquez, Redshirt Junior, K/P
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Stats
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 227
High School: Trabuco Hills High School, Mission Viejo, California
How’d he get to The BlueTM?
Mr. Velazquez came our way via a 3-star ranking from Scout.com, following a high school career that had him selected to the All-CIF Southern Section Southwest Division Team as a punter in 2015, named to All-Sea View League First Team, and the Orange County Register’s All-County Third Team (as a punter). He was also a perfect 35-for-35 on PAT attempts and went 6-for-9 on field-goal attempts, sent 41 of his 54 kickoffs for touchbacks, averaged 39.4 yards over 56 punts with a long of 72. Further, he competed in shotput and discus for the Trabuco Hills track and field team, earning three varsity letters. He holds top-10 school marks in 10-lb. and 12-lb. shotput events, and in 1.6-kg discus.
Nickname
”Balenciaga”
Because he’s known for his kicks.
Look-alike
No one said the lookalikes had to be actual, living humans. So, my pick is Wreck-It Ralph. Still.
Career highlights
As a kickoff specialist, there’s not exactly a plethora of highlight clips of Joel. However, some of you might remember that insane thriller against Colorado State a couple years ago. Well, that win likely wouldn’t have been possible without this perfect onside kick by Joel.
Picture-perfect onside kick from Joel Velazquez, even better recovery from Cedrick Wilson. Couldn't draw it up any better! #BleedBlue pic.twitter.com/aDJAfkte6s
— Boise State Football (@BroncoSportsFB) November 12, 2017
2019 Prospectus
With the departures of Hoggarth and Skillin, the specialists room will look a lot different in 2019. While Velazquez isn’t particularly known for using his leg to propel a ball through the uprights, he did attempt two XPs last year and made one. He also lightly assisted with punts, having two attempts. Joel’s primary role, however, is to be the kickoff specialist. He averaged 63.3 yards per kickoff and had 38 touchbacks on 62 kicks. Look for him to most likely continue in that role in the upcoming season.
Is he on Twitter?
Yes. Yes, he is.
C n’ H #specialists_BSU https://t.co/G3gmAFhXxn
— Joel Velazquez (@JoelV_12) December 3, 2017
Completely made up fact
Despite many attempts at doing so, Joel has never, in fact, broken the internet. He has, however, caused a digital cat to explode from excessive pancake consumption. But we’ve all been there, amirite?