Versatility has been the theme of Logan Tyler’s football career as long as he can remember.
The former Nixa was a do-everything stud for the Eagle football team: quarterback, defensive back, kicker, punter.
It’s the special teams that propelled him to the next level.
“All three are open right now,” he said. “Field goals, punting, kickoffs. None of those are taken by anybody down there.”
“Down there” is Tallahassee, Fla., where Tyler has joined the Florida State Seminoles and has his eyes on making an immediate impact.
“Talking to Coach (Jimbo) Fisher, he said all three (jobs) are open, best guy is going to do it at all three,” he said. “If that’s me at all three, then that’s me.”
He’ll have big shoes to fill. Roberto Aguayo left Florida State as the most accurate kicker in NCAA history, good enough to be drafted 59th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, if there’s anybody who can pick up that slack, it just might be the All-COC Large star.
“I’m just excited to go down there and compete,” he said. “See if I can win some jobs.”
As a senior, Tyler managed a touchback on just over 70 percent of his kickoffs, and nailed a 48-yard field goal. But now, those are just memories, as he bids farewell to his longtime home—the place he calls “the 417.”
“It’s bittersweet, but it’s more sweet than bitter,” he said. “I’m excited for my journey that’s ahead, my challenges, my adventure. I’m thankful for everything that has happened here.”
So now, it’s not the COC-Large that will have to deal with Logan Tyler, it’s the ACC. Fortunately, Tyler got some advice from a guy who has been in his shoes. At a recent Kohl’s Kicking Camp in Springfield, Tyler met up with former Auburn punter Steven Clark.
Clark, a Kansas City native, was a Ray Guy Award semifinalist and All-SEC honorable mention as a senior, and spent time in the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders organizations. He gave Tyler some advice on how to deal with big-time college football.
“The biggest thing is just enjoy it,” Clark said. “It’s over with before you know it, and the NFL is a whole different animal.”
The NFL may still be a long way off—at least three years—but it’s time for a big change in Tyler’s life. Though, that doesn’t mean his goals have become any smaller.
“(I have) come a long way since sixth grade, so yeah, it’s definitely bittersweet,” he said. “I’m going to miss the people, but I’m excited for the Florida weather, and hopefully win a national championship.”
