Punter Alex Bacchetta, set to enroll at Penn State, arrives with rave reviews

The next step of the plan is taking shape for punter Alex Bacchetta. The nation’s No. 1-ranked punter and No. 8 kicker according to Kohl’s Kicking, Bacchetta is set to begin his career at Penn State this weekend.

Eyeing an opportunity to compete for a starting job vacated by Jordan Stout, a fourth-round NFL Draft pick with the Baltimore Ravens, Bacchetta says he is ready for what’s next.

“Coach Franklin made sure with me that I’d go in and compete on the field and academically very hard to start,” Bacchetta told BWI this spring. “I’m glad I’m going in May to get a head start and allow for an easier transition into the season. 

“There is competition for the job. But, my main goal football-wise is to stick to my process, perform my best, and trust the process.”

Alex Bacchetta’s accolades

If Bacchetta can do so in the same vein as his career thus far, he could immediately find himself in the mix for playing time this season.

Boasting every accolade a punter can earn in high school, including a role as team captain at The Westminster School, three-time 3A all-state honors in Georgia, and MaxPreps All-American status, Bacchetta also has a ringing endorsement welcoming his Penn State arrival. 

Following in the footsteps of fellow Westminster alum and Penn State standout, punter Blake Gillikin of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, Bacchetta has impressed.

“Alex is probably the most talented high school punter I’ve ever been around,” Gillikin told BWI. “He’s physically mature beyond his age and has an ideal frame already. I think the coaching staff will do a great job getting him mentally prepared to play. And I’ll be there for him to help with that too.

“I’m really excited for him and his opportunity to compete for the job as a true freshman.”

Early opportunity

Considering Franklin’s sentiment shared following the Blue-White Game, Bacchetta can very much expect to have that opportunity.

During a spring session in which graduate transfer Barney Amor and redshirt freshman Gabe Nwosu battled throughout, Penn State found itself in an encouraging situation.

Amor was given the program’s spring special teams award for his “exemplary conduct, loyalty, interest, attitude, and improvement” this spring. Nwosu, meanwhile, got the most out of his Blue-White Game performance. 

Still, Franklin acknowledged Bacchetta’s earned reputation coming with him to Penn State. As such, he put the open punting job atop his list of questions to be answered.

“The things that jump out in my mind is who’s going to be the punter,” Franklin said. “After losing maybe the best specialist in the country, that’s a big question. Is it Barney, is it Gabe, or is it Mitch (Groh)? Or is it a really talented guy coming in, in Bacchetta? 

“Talking to Blake Gillikin, who I think we all had a ton of respect for. Blake says and he’s worked out with them. Blake says he’s the best freshman he’s ever seen. So, we’ll see how that plays out. But that was a big question, coming into the season, obviously after losing somebody (like Stout).”

Next steps

Welcoming the On3 Consensus three-star punter to the program, special teams coordinator Stacy Collins described Bacchetta as a “combo guy” this spring, able to fulfill punt, kickoff, and field goal responsibilities. 

But, cautioning that true freshmen require a unique lens from which to be viewed, Collins laid out his expectations for Bacchetta’s development.

“I’ve had a chance to know him pretty well. He’s got a big-time leg, so we’re excited to see how he develops when he gets here,” Collins said. “It’s always different. Just like any position, you got to get him on your field, in your drills when you have a chance to do that. See how they respond to different pressure situations. 

“But, great kid, great family. Certainly, he’s a very, very good talent and we’re excited to bring him in here and create more competition in those rooms.”