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The NFL preseason got underway (for real) on Thursday, and there were a lot of big plays by former Buckeyes in the first night’s slate of game. One of those highlights belongs to former Ohio State punter Cameron Johnston.
After being signed by the Philadelphia Eagles following the 2017 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent, Johnston didn’t end up making the active roster and missed what would have been his rookie season. The team re-signed him right after their Super Bowl win in early-2018 and he’s been the sole punter on their roster throughout the offseason.
He made a pretty good case for keeping the job on Thursday against the Steelers, when he nailed an 81-yard punt heading into the fourth quarter. Yes, an 81-yard punt!
LOOK AT THIS BEAUTY:
A penalty took this 81-YARD PUNT from Cameron Johnston off the box score, but this highlight still exists.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/sbzSwxPMQH
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 10, 2018
Ultimately, a flag called back the kick, so it didn’t end up getting added to his stat sheet, but preseason games are less about the numbers and more about potential.
The Eagles’ head coach, Doug Pederson, had a lot of confidence in the Buckeye heading into the preseason, and his first performance has to give the staff a good feeling as they continue to develop his skills.
AN 81-YARD PUNT! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!