:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67164336/Hugh_Robertson.0.jpg)
Illinois special teams coach Bob Ligashesky hit the jackpot when he helped bring punter Blake Hayes from Australia to Champaign. Now the Fighting Illini are trying to strike it rich again with another Aussie.
Punter Hugh Robertson has committed to Illinois and posted his announcement on Twitter Wednesday night.
I am honoured to announce that I have accepted a full blue shirt scholarship to study and play college football at THE University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Thank you @IlliniFootball @Coach_Lig @LovieSmith @ProkickAus @JohnnyPKA #fightingillini #jointhefight pic.twitter.com/7X2mhC2gUR
— Hugh Robertson (@HughRober1son) August 6, 2020
Robertson, a 6-foot-2, 225-pounder from Melbourne, will have a year to develop and learn under Hayes, the reigning Big Ten Punter of the Year. Hayes set program single-season records for punt yardage (3,437), 50+ yard punts (22), punts downed inside the 20 (32) and fewest touchbacks (2). Robertson will compete with redshirt sophomore Caleb Griffin for the backup punter spot.
Special teams has long been a forte of the Illini. Let’s see if Robertson can continue the trend. He is Lovie Smith’s thirteenth — and likely final — 2020 commit.