Notre Dame swiftly secured its punter for the 2024 season with the commitment of Australian James Rendell, who had previously pledged to Hawaii. Making a change in allegiance, Rendell will bring his talents to Notre Dame as a scholarship player, bolstering the team’s special teams lineup.
Transitioning from Australian rules football to punting, Rendell honed his skills with ProKick Australia. Despite his earlier commitment to Hawaii, Notre Dame’s special teams coordinator, Marty Biagi, sealed the deal during his visit to Australia, securing Rendell’s commitment to the Fighting Irish.
Known by the moniker “Thor,” Rendell boasts an impressive maximum hang time of 5.1 seconds, reflecting his exceptional punting abilities. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 225 pounds, the Australian native brings both size and skill to the punting position.
With aspirations to become Notre Dame’s punter in 2024, Rendell, currently 23 years old, could potentially have up to three years of eligibility remaining, offering the Fighting Irish stability in the crucial special teams role.
Notre Dame’s quest for a new punter arises following Bryce McFerson’s departure from the team in late spring. Despite McFerson’s respectable average of 45.1 yards per punt last season, his challenges with consistency and punt placement have necessitated finding a successor through the acquisition of Rendell.
Notre Dame endeavors to fortify its punt coverage unit, rectifying deficiencies in hang time and placement to improve overall performance in the forthcoming season.
