As the USF Bulls (3-4, 1-2 AAC) trudge through the season, senior punter Andrew Stokes has emerged as a steady and consistent presence. 

Stokes has quietly been a standout performer for the Bulls this season, earning national recognition for three consecutive weeks.

He was on the weekly honor-roll for the Ray-Guy award from weeks five to nine, excluding bye weeks. The award is given to the best punter in college football at the end of the season.

Despite the individual accolades, Stokes credits his success to the team around him, from the long snappers to the blockers.

“As much as it’s nice to get recognition, it’s not just about me,” Stokes said. “There are 10 other guys on the punt unit doing their jobs to make it happen. It’s a collective effort.”

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The Australian native’s journey from the fields of the land down-under to the collegiate gridiron has been shaped by his work ethic and commitment to consistency.

“I wanted to challenge myself and see what I could do,” Stokes said about his choice to switch to American football.

He grew up in the western port city of Perth, and played under Aussie rules of football for seven years before transitioning to American football.

“I think it was a pretty tough transition at first,” he said in an interview. “But I worked extremely hard and got it down.”

Before joining USF in 2020, Stokes was ranked as the No. 7 punter recruit by 247Sports. 

As one of the older players on a young roster, Stokes, 31, has also embraced a leadership role, helping younger teammates both on and off the field.

“They naturally look to you for advice because of your life experience,” Stokes said. “It’s something I take pride in.”

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Special teams and recruiting coordinator Chad Creamer spoke highly of Stokes’ leadership on the team as a whole.

“He’s a leader on the team, not even just for the specialists or special teams,” he said. “Everybody has respect for him.”

Creamer joined the Bulls in 2023 as part of head coach Alex Golesh’s first USF crew. The pair also worked together at Tennessee in 2022.

He praised Stokes’ confidence and mental growth through the season, saying “he’s much more consistent, tougher and stable”

Creamer said Stokes’ mental toughness has been critical in high-pressure moments, especially when field position is on the line.

“His ability to shake off a bad punt and come back stronger is what sets him apart,” Creamer said.

Stokes credits this to his preparation, saying consistent practice helps him stay focused and perform well under pressure. 

“You always fall to the level of your training,” he said, a mindset he applies to his daily practice and game performance.

His ability to flip the field has helped USF’s defense by creating longer fields for opponents.

He is averaging 45 yards per game on punts, with nine of them being at least 50 yards. Eighteen out of his 37 total punts this season have landed inside the 20-yard line.

Stokes continues to embrace the challenges that come with his position and journey to American football.

“Every day is a new opportunity to improve and get better,” he said.