Laros was an FCS All-American at the punter position last season.
LEXINGTON – Under the guidance of special teams coordinator Jay Boulware, Kentucky’s special teams showed significant improvement last season. However, the punting aspect remained a challenge.
Wilson Berry, who averaged 37.6 yards per punt, finished 10th in the SEC.
To enhance competition for the punter spot, Kentucky brought in Aidan Laros, a redshirt junior from UT Martin, following the spring practice.
“It’s been a significant adjustment for me moving from the FCS level,” Laros shared with the Cats’ Pause during UK Football’s Media Day. “I went to UT Martin to prove myself, and I did. Now, transitioning to a professional environment here is really exciting for me.
“I have access to all the resources I need to be a professional athlete, and I’m eager for this new step at a higher level.”
Last season with the Skyhawks, Laros averaged 47.5 yards per punt, with 18 punts traveling over 50 yards, including a season-long 71-yard kick. He also attempted 11 field goals, making 10, with a long of 43 yards.
Laros’ performance in 2023 was not just impressive; it was All-American caliber.
The Cape Town, South Africa native earned recognition as an AP FCS All-American, secured the Big South-OVC Football Association Special Teams Player of the Year award, and was named a semifinalist for the FCS Punter of the Year.
“Before the 2023 season, I spent two years at Charlotte, where I worked my way up as a walk-on. After a coaching change there, I realized I needed to find a place where I could get more playing time,” Laros explained about his journey to becoming an FCS All-American. “I knew my potential and was given a great opportunity at UT Martin. I’m grateful to the coaches there for allowing me to excel in punting.”
Laros added, “I knew I wanted to move beyond the FCS level, and I used my experiences to reach this point. I’m really looking forward to the future.”
His drive to compete at a higher level was fueled by past experiences. At Charlotte, he kicked off for the 49ers at South Carolina in 2022 and, last season, punted eight times in the first week at Georgia for the Skyhawks, averaging 50.3 yards per punt, with a long of 66 yards.
“I got the chance to handle kickoffs during my second year at Charlotte, including a kickoff against South Carolina. That moment was when I first thought, ‘this is where I want to be.’ I knew it wouldn’t happen immediately,” Laros reflected. “After last year’s opener against Georgia, where I had my best game of the season, I felt like I was in the right environment—one where I truly thrive. I perform best under intense conditions, so I’m really looking forward to that.”
Despite Laros’ successful 2023 season compared to Berry, the starting punter position remains up for grabs in fall camp.
“We’ve got strong competition here, and we push each other to improve every day,” Laros said. “The competition will continue throughout camp.”
“We’re in a league where every player on our team is capable of playing at a high level. I think the competition through camp is going to be intense, and I’m really looking forward to it,” Laros said.
Laros is one of two scholarship additions to UK’s special teams this offseason, alongside freshman Jacob Kauwe from Montana, a three-star kicker/punter.
Both are anticipated to make significant contributions to UK’s special teams, with potential impact as early as 2024.
UK head coach Mark Stoops emphasized the importance of these additions, stating, “Improving our special teams was crucial. We’ll keep working to get better, and Jacob Kauwe might step in to replace Alex [Raynor] after this year, though he might get some chances this season as well. We want to continue improving, especially after some inconsistent performances in 2022, where kicking issues were often a problem. Consistency in special teams is something we need to focus on.”