Stonehouse Showing Promise in First Season at Syracuse

The Orange's punting position has been solidified by Missouri transfer Jack Stonehouse.

Syracuse, N.Y.-- There are certain football programs across the country that are known to develop players at a specific position group and turn them into NFL talent. Syracuse has had a niche and the ability to produce specialists (kickers and punters) into pros after their time is done with the Orange.

Punter Jack Stonehouse is starting to prove that he has the potential to add himself to that illustrious club at Cuse. Even though the redshirt sophomore is just six games into his career at SU, Stonehouse is starting to take his game to the next level.

“I think just having that standard going throughout the punters over the years is just something that will fuel me just in general. They've seen good punters and good kickers here at Syracuse, and I think being able to stand out would be really cool,” Stonehouse said.

Stonehouse isn’t just part of the Syracuse linage of punters, but shares DNA with three All-Americans in his family. His dad, John, punted for the New York Giants after a college career at USC. His uncle Paul went to Stanford and cousin Ryan set an NCAA record for net punt average at Colroado State before being named a All-Pro in his rookie season with the Tennessee Titans. Not to mention his mother played European “football” at UCLA, older sister Brooke went to Toledo, and younger sister Jessie is currently playing at Wyoming. Talk about an athletic family.

The Camarillo, California native had an interesting road to join the Syracuse program. Stonehouse was ranked as the #7 punter and a five-star recruit in the 2021 class, according to Kohl’s Kicking Rankings. He received offers from schools like Tulane, Arizona, and Washington State, but ultimately chose Missouri. After redshirting as a freshman, Stonehouse appeared in ten games last season with the Tigers.

Stonehouse made his college debut against Abilene Christian and had an immediate impact. In his first career start the following weekend against Auburn, Stonehouse had his number called eight times and solidified his position as a starter. Stonehouse finished the season averaging 42.4 yards on 46 punts, with 15 of those boots landing inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.

Feeling confident about his year with the Tigers, Stonehouse pled his case that he was worthy of being put on scholarship, but Missouri wouldn’t budge. After mulling the decision, he felt it was in his best interest to enter the transfer portal. Stonehouse received immediate interest from Syracuse special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky and former quality control coach Will Rodriguez. The Orange experienced shaky play at the punter position over the last few seasons, and knew a guy like Stonehouse could solve their problems.

During high school, Stonehouse was recruited heavily by Ligashesky when he was at Illinois and Rodriguez at UCLA. This previous exposure created so an immediate comfortability factor for Stonehouse.

“I think the second or third day I was in the portal and flew out here. Right when I got here, I knew that I was going to stay. Coach [Ligashesky] had experience at other schools and the NFL, so I made the decision to come here and I’m very happy about it,” Stonehouse said.

Stonehouse didn’t see much action in the first two games of the season, but had his first true test on the road against Purdue. He admitted that it wasn’t his best performance on the field and instead of harping on the negatives, Stonehouse used it as a motivation to get better.

“It was good to get how I did against Purdue out of the way I think. I figured a little bit out with the wind there and I kept that in mind this past weekend against UNC, which was a huge help for me,” Stonehouse said.

Stonehouse ranks fourth in the ACC averaging 46 yards per punt, showcasing that he’s one of the top punters in the conference even as an underclassmen. Over the last two weeks, Stonehouse has punted six times each game, increasing his average punt distance over his season goal of 45 yards per attempt. In comparison to nine punts all of last season traveling over 50 yards, Stonehouse had five over that distance against Clemson and UNC.

Stonehouse isn’t just seeing his power numbers improve on his punts, but also their precision. In 23 total attempts this season, Stonehouse has pinned opponent inside their own 20-yard line nine times, forced 11 fair catches, and only had two touchbacks.

“I think, when I go out there, it's just kind of, how can I get better position for the defense to get out there. I’m now comfortable with knowing which punt is best for each situation and more in tune with the different punts with the wind or against the wind,” Stonehouse said.

Stonehouse isn’t the only specialist for Syracuse that has the ability to make it to the next level.

Sophomore kicker Brady Denaburg was Stonehouse’s host during his official visit last winter and the two have been inseparable ever since. Coach Babers has been vocal to the media about his expectations with the specialists over the year, saying Denaburg will break the program record for longest kick and that Stonehouse will be able to hit the jumbotron on a punt inside the JMA Wirless Dome.

“Brady moved in with me about a month ago and we're best friends. We literally spend all day together no matter what. As specialists we already are together constantly, but with Justin not able to hold for him right now we are getting even more work together. I think that’s really good for both of us,” Stonehouse said.

Keep an eye out for Stonehouse and his booming punts this weekend on the road against No. 4 Florida State. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. in Tallahassee and will be available nationally on ABC.

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