Michigan Lands Another Big Kicker

The University of Michigan received the verbal commitment from Will Hagerup of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Hagerup is a 3-star rated Scout.com prospect and the No. 4 rated punter in the country with many other high-profile offers from Ohio State, Alabama, Florida, Wisconsin, Iowa and Northwestern.

Hagerup is 6-4 and 210 lbs as a high school senior. This is in alignment with the size and stature of Michigan's more recent punters like Zoltan Mesko (6-5, 238 lbs), Adam Finley (6-4, 209 lbs).

The last Michigan punter who hailed from Wisconsin also played outside linebacker for the Wolverines, John Anderson (1974-1977). Anderson was an All-American for Michigan and an All-Academic Big Ten honoree. Anderson hailed from Waukesha, Wisconsin and went on to star as a Linebacker for Bart Starr's Green Bay Packers in the early 1980s. While playing for Bo Schembechler at Michigan, John Anderson had a 39.5 yard per punt average.

Anderson's most famous play in a Michigan uniform was not a punt at all. It was a bear hug tackle of Ohio State's quarterback Rod Gerald on the Buckeyes' last threatening drive which caused a fumble, which Derek Howard recovered for Michigan, sealing the 14-6 win over Ohio State, the Big Ten championship, a trip to Pasadena, and prompting Ohio's head coach Woody Hayes to throw down his clipboard and punch things - anything - within his direct vicinity. Even an unfortunate ABC sideline cameraman.

Anderson is appropriately numbered "86":


Back to Mr. Hagerup. Yes, he punts like a maniac, and even plays TE for his high school team, the Dukes. You can follow his and the Dukes 2009 gridiron exploits here.

Punter Recruit Visiting UM For Indiana Game

Will Hagerup, one of the highest ranked punters in the country from Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, may be visiting Ann Arbor this weekend to take in the wares of University of Michigan and its football program.

Hagerup is a prime recruiting target for Michigan to replace its senior punter and Ray Guy finalist, Zoltan Mesko next season. Hagerup may have another good reason to come to the football game in Ann Arbor this coming Saturday. Will’s older brother, sophomore Chris Hagerup, is the starting punter for the Indiana Hoosiers. Chris Hagerup currently has a 42.0 yard average per punt compared to Mesko’s slightly better 42.2 yard punting average.

The Blue Dukes of Whitefish Bay are 3-1 so far this year. From the available team statistics so far, Hagerup has averaged about 33.4 yards per punt.