CULLOWHEE — The sight of a football team’s punter trotting onto the field is more likely to elicit groans and grumbling than a celebratory cheer.
Seasoned fans, however, know that a perfectly placed blast off the toe of a talented punter can change the complexion of a game.
That’s what Ian Berryman has done for Western Carolina the past three years. And while school children rarely rattle off punters when naming their favorite football players, pro scouts and national publications recognize the value of a skilled drop-kicker – and Berryman is on their radar.
He was named to College Football America 2018 Yearbook’s Football Championship Subdivision Starting Lineup for the second consecutive year, his third preseason All-America honor after HERO Sports and Athlon Sports. As WCU neared its Saturday start of preseason camp, Berryman acknowledged his appreciation for the recognition but said his is not an individual accomplishment.