Steelers rookie punter is a standout in his first NFL action

It’s not every season the Steelers takes a punter in the draft. Rarer yet, does the rookie punter take center stage in the first pre-season game.

Sure, a few fans wanted to see how the new punter Pressley Harvin III would perform. Why not, considering the Steelers had drama in the position the previous season. They went through two punters in 2020, first signing Dustin Colquitt to replace punter Jordan Berry. Then after five games cutting Colquitt and bring back Berry for the remainder of the season.

It would seem reasonable no one had any major expectations, perhaps except to see how far he booted the ball. Most fans probably had higher expectations for the other rookie sensation Najee Harris. Nonetheless, Harvin surprisingly made an immediate impact with his first punt. The type of thing that will impress any special teams coach.

With his first appearance, he nails a 48-yard punt, burying the football on the one-yard line. When the ball landed, it didn’t bounce around wildly; he just stuck it on the one. Ok, sticking the ball on the opponent’s one-yard line is a nice accomplishment, but really what more could you expect or ask from the rookie punter? Well, Harvin answered that question as well. Late in the 4th quarter, he bangs a line drive punt skipping off the ground hits the punt returner Reggie Davis muffing the punt return allowing the Steelers to recover the ensuing fumble.

Harvin finished the game having four punts averaging 45.8 yards, placing three inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, and his longest went for 51 yards and causing one fumble. Not a bad day of work for your first pro game. Especially in a position that rarely gets a ton of praise throughout a football season.

While it is way too early for any comparisons, if you didn’t notice, Harvin has a unique punting style resembling that of another notable punter. If you dig deep through youtube archives, you can find some footage of former Dolphins punter Reggie Roby. Compare that footage to how Harvin punts. They are relatively similar in their technique. Now, this is not to say Harvin is the next great punter. However, he did have a great initial game. Not many fans would have expected him to take center stage.

After his performance on Thursday night, Harvin has given fans something to look forward to, which is a rarity amongst punters. It will be interesting to see how he progresses this season, as it appears he may give fans a lot to anticipate.