Football: Rhys Byrns Named Sun Belt Special Teams Player of the Week

Sophomore becomes first Ragin’ Cajun to earn special teams honor since 2018

LAFAYETTE – Following a dominant performance on Wednesday, Oct. 9, against Appalachian State, sophomore punter Rhys Byrns has been named the Sun Belt Special Teams Player of the Week, the league office announced on Monday morning.
 
Byrns is the first specialist to earn Sun Belt Special Teams Player of the Week honors since Kyle Pfau did so a season ago on Oct. 29, 2018. Byrns is the third Ragin’ Cajun to earn a weekly Sun Belt honor this season, joining Elijah Mitchell (Sept. 23) and Jacques Boudreaux (Sept. 30).
 
The Melbourne, Australia, native was a difference maker for Louisiana against Appalachian State, booting six punts in the contest. Of his punt total, he sent four balls longer than 50 yards, a new career high.
 
His accuracy was also on full display, pinning a career-high four punts inside the 20-yard line against the Mountaineers, three of which settled inside the 5-yard line.
 
Byrns and the Ragin’ Cajuns return to action on Thursday, Oct. 17, when they travel to Jonesboro, Ark., for a midweek clash with Arkansas State. Kickoff from Centennial Bank Stadium is slated for 6:30 p.m. (CST) and will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU.