University of Delaware Athletics
For Jourdan Townsend, Returning Punts is All About Having Fun
3/25/2022 12:33:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware junior Jourdan Townsend has appeared in all 31 games for the Blue & Gold since he arrived onto campus as a freshman prior to the 2019 season. While he is listed as a wide receiver on the UD roster and has caught five touchdown passes in his three seasons, Townsend has made his biggest impact on special teams as a punt returner.
In his time in a Blue Hens uniform, Townsend has returned 32 punts, averaging 7.0 yards per return. While he has yet to find the end zone on a punt return, he has had several returns in his career that have helped shift the momentum into Delaware’s favor, flipping field position to help out the offense. He had a career-long 47-yard return in his collegiate debut against Delaware State back in 2019, and had two returns of 30-plus yards this past fall that helped set up UD scores. He earned All-CAA Second Team honors in 2021 after averaging 8.5 yards per return.
47-Yard Punt Return by @Jourdantownsend. pic.twitter.com/rVe8PlLwkH
— Delaware Football (@DelawareFB) October 2, 2021
Townsend has also averaged 20.1 yards on 19 career kickoff returns, while also proving to be a threat as a wide receiver. He has made 26 career catches for 271 yards and five touchdowns, including three receptions for scores as a freshman.
BlueHens.com talked with Townsend about what makes him such a great punt returner and how he looks to increase his role in UD’s new offense.
You have been a key contributor since Day One as a freshman. What are some of the things that you do to give yourself the best chance to succeed?
I feel like earning the coaches' trust allowed me to be able to get on the field as a freshman. I always told myself that I would become a starter freshman year, and I held myself accountable to accomplish that goal. I also like to compete, so whenever I see someone do something good, I think about how I can implement that into my game.
What kind of pride do you take in returning punts and what is it that you do that makes you one of the best in the conference?
I think many people don't really like returning, especially punts, and I have always had fun doing it. So I thought ‘Why not be one of the best.’ I try to put my team in the best position possible to score after every punt. Just having fun has allowed me to become one of the better returners in the conference. There's no pressure when I go back deep because I think of the little kid who used to throw the ball up to himself and catch and run around when I was younger.
For you, what is more exciting – a long punt return or a long catch as a receiver?
I think a long punt return is more exciting because people don't realize how important special teams are in the game of football. I also notice the crowd more during a punt return than I do on offense. Seeing the momentum swing is one of the best feelings in football.
You are one of the veteran returners in a deep group of receivers. How are you looking to establish yourself as a leader this spring, going into this fall?
I have never been a vocal person on or off the field, so I try to lead by example and hope my teammates follow my lead. I try to practice good habits and hope it rubs off on the younger guys. I come to practice every day with a purpose and train like I am still trying to earn a starting position.
What has impressed you the most so far about the new offense that Coach Carty has brought in?
I like how dynamic the offense is. The ability to get the ball in people's hands and allow them to make plays excites me. Being versatile, and finding multiple ways to allow our playmakers to make explosive plays, is something I am looking forward to.
For the latest on the Delaware football program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @DelawareFB and Instagram @DelawareFootball, and like "Delaware Football" on Facebook. Follow Ryan Carty on Twitter @RyanCarty10.
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