ELON – Leading up to the start of the 2025 Elon football season, we will take a look at each position ahead of Elon's first game against Duke on Aug. 28. Our final look will be the special teams unit coached by
Milo Austin and
Mike Nall. This preseason report is presented by Courtyard Marriot.
"Special Teams U".
The Elon Phoenix football program over the last five seasons has become known for its ability to produce great specialists. In just the last four years, the Phoenix has produced a pair of first team all-Americans, an FCS Special Teams Player of the Year and a freshman all-American.
This season is no different with the talent that has returned to the Elon kicking game. The Phoenix returns both starters from the end of the 2024 season at both punter and kicker. Returning first team all-American punter,
Jeff Yurk, is back for his fourth season with the Maroon & Gold after finishing third in all of Division I in punting average in 2024.
Yurk was first in all of FCS in punting average (47.9) and third across Division I last season. His 47.9 yards per punt set an Elon football record. Prior to this season, at Elon, Yurk has been awarded CAA Special Teams Player of the Week three times across two seasons. Yurk increased his punting average from 37.8 yards per punt as a freshman in 2021 to 47.9 in 2024.
"It's all about being process oriented," Yurk said. "Don't try to focus on the results. Just keep going at it with your form and your process and the results will come."
The Southern Pines, N.C. native was selected as a team captain for the 2025 season along with William Lankford and Jake Louro. Yurk discussed the importance of being voted a captain in his final collegiate season.
"It's the biggest honor that I have ever received," Yurk said. "Being a part of the guys now and being a captain of this football team is such a great honor, and I look forward to being better."
Returning to the kicker role is sophomore Luke Barnes. Barnes took over the placekicker role for the final five games of the season and did not miss an extra point (21-21). In just his second season with the Phoenix and in tandem with
Jeff Yurk, coach
Mike Nall discussed the talent surrounding the special teams unit for 2025.
"I wouldn't trade those two guys for anybody in the country. They are the best out there," Nall said. "Jeff's going to have a fantastic year this year, he's done all the work outside of football, and he's prepared well. Luke's done the same thing and Jeff has been a great leader in the specialist's group. So, we've got all the pieces for what could be, another record-setting year for Elon football."
Under Nall, the kickers and punters have flourished. In the seven years under Nall; Yurk, Davis, and Hunter Stephenson all received First Team All-CAA selections. In just the last three seasons, Davis and Yurk were both named First Team all-Americans.
"(At Elon) I've been blessed to be around some of the greatest talent I've ever coached," Nall said. "I've been fortunate enough to coach a Hall of Famer and hopefully two more in Skyler Davis and
Jeff Yurk. It's been fantastic because they are not only great kickers and punters, but they are also great people."
Specialists Personnel:
Luke Barnes | So. | 6'6 | 220 | Greensboro, N.C.
Carter Stimson | Fr. | 6'1 | 195 | Alexandria, Va.
Jeff Yurk | R-Sr. | 6'2 | 224 | Southern Pines, N.C.
