Impact Spotlight Q&A: Ben Kiernan Moves The Chains
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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Ben Kiernan was tied with Omarion Hampton for North Carolina’s longest run of the day against Syracuse.
Kiernan recovered his own blocked punt in the first quarter of UNC’s 40-7 win on Saturday and took it 17 yards down the sideline. He took a big hit from Syracuse’s special teams unit, but managed to pick up the first down. Later that drive, a Drake Maye rushing touchdown gave UNC a 10-0 lead.
Kiernan is known far more for his abilities as a punter, making the All-ACC Third Team in 2022. Growing up in Dublin, Ireland, he is a long-time rugby athlete who moved to the United States when he was 15. Kiernan attended Wakefield High School in Raleigh and was 247Sports’ No. 11 ranked kicker at the prep level.
He holds a career 43.6 yards per punt average in his five seasons with the Tar Heels.
Our weekly Impact Spotlight feature, in partnership with Heels4Life, goes beyond the box scores to provide a look at key contributors for Carolina. We spoke with Kiernan one-on-one on Sunday to discuss his 17-yard gain, mindset as a punter, punt coverage and more.
