Gators to switch punters; Will Muschamp cites inconsistency

By foxsports
Published

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- A week after changing place-kickers, No. 22 Florida is switching punters.

And it means benching a 2012 finalist for the Ray Guy Award.

Coach Will Muschamp announced Monday he's replacing punter Kyle Christy, a preseason All-American, with freshman Johnny Townsend.

Christy has punted 21 times for a 39.6-yard average, which ranks 13th in the Southeastern Conference. Christy set a school record last season by averaging 45.8 yards a punt.

Muschamp says, "We need to make a change there. We've been very inconsistent punting the ball."

Last week, Muschamp turned field-goal duties over to junior walk-on Francisco Velez, who jumped highly touted freshman Austin Hardin and senior Brad Phillips. Velez made both attempts in Saturday's 17-6 loss at LSU.

Florida plays at No. 14 Missouri on Saturday.