Information in this article, originally published November 16, 2023, has been corrected. Caden Noonkester’s name was stated as Brayden Noonkester in the title of the print version of this article. Technician regrets the error.
When the punt team runs onto the field, fans at home typically flip the channel or look at their phones, completely disregarding the play that is about to happen. People in the stadium usually boo when they see the punter take the field because that means the offense failed to do its job.
Ever since the punt was invented, it is rare to hear cheering when the punter lines up 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage, but I’m here to tell you that you should appreciate your punters, especially if you’re a fan of NC State football.
It’s no secret that the Wolfpack offense has struggled all year — it is ranked 11th in the ACC in points per game. This means the team has been punting more than other rosters, but that’s not a bad thing when redshirt sophomore punter Caden Noonkester is the man running onto the field with his mullet majestically flowing out of his helmet.
Noonkester, better known as “Boomkester,” leads the ACC with 57 punts and has accumulated the most yards on his punts with 2,447 yards. Some may say it’s easy to lead the conference in punt yardage when you have the most punts, but he also leads the conference in the most important stat: punts inside the 20-yard line.
This is especially critical for NC State because when the Pack can pin its opponent inside its own 20, it allows its relentless defense to go to work. If you give defensive coordinator Tony Gibson great field position, it’s almost a guarantee that his unit will create a turnover or make a crucial stop that will force the opponent to punt, giving the NC State offense favorable field position.
That scenario was most recently seen against Clemson when Noonkester booted a 27-yard punt that was caught at the Clemson 15-yard line. On the very next play, graduate linebacker Payton Wilson intercepted Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik and took it to the house.
Noonkester had an even better play later in the game against Clemson. With just over four minutes left in the game and NC State only leading by a touchdown, the Pack turned to one of its best players to help close the game — the one and only “Boomkester,” who launched a 52-yard punt that landed at the Clemson eight-yard line.
Gibson’s defense made the game-winning stop on the ensuing Tigers’ drive, in large part due to the perfectly placed kick by the man with the mullet.
The legend of “Boomkester” was well known before the Clemson game. It was against Virginia when he really had to put the team on his back, or his leg in this case. Against the Cavaliers, he punted for a career-high 400 yards on eight punts. He also averaged an astronomical 50 yards per punt including a booming 67-yarder. There is no denying that Noonkester was one of the best players on the field that night, if not the best.
“Boomkester” rocketed a ball 67 yards, and that same punt landed at the Virginia six-yard line, and the Cavaliers punted three plays later, giving the Pack offense great field position.
It is normal for fans to be disappointed seeing the punt team on the field because they would rather watch a high-flying offense put up an endless amount of points. I love watching explosive offenses as well, but I’m just here to tell you it’s about time we start appreciating punters, especially within Wolfpack nation.
Always remember: Punters are people too.
