Trace Macias

Macias is a developing combo prospect whose punting upside is particularly intriguing. As a placekicker, he has proven he can convert from distance in live competition with a 44-yard field goal already on his résumé. The next step is improving the initial height and trajectory of his field-goal ball. Creating better elevation at the line of scrimmage will allow Macias to take greater advantage of his leg strength while producing a more college-ready ball on film. His punting development may ultimately be where his biggest jump occurs. Macias possesses the frame to develop at the position and is beginning to show the ability to produce quality punts. The biggest technical emphasis moving forward should be his drop height and release point. When those pieces are synchronized with his footwork and swing, he gives himself a much better opportunity to strike through the proper part of the football and create clean turnover. That's what makes his projection interesting. Some of the balls currently showing up as mis-hits aren't far away from becoming productive punts. A more consistent drop should narrow that gap considerably and allow the quality of his best punts to appear much more frequently. KT Recruiting Evaluation Trace Macias is closer than his occasional mis-hits might suggest. At 6'1", 192 pounds, he already has a solid physical foundation for a combo specialist, and his ability to make a 44-yard field goal in a game provides tangible evidence of his kicking ability. But we're particularly interested in where his punting can go. The technical adjustments are identifiable: improve the drop height, find a more consistent release point, and allow his swing to work through the same football more often. If Macias can make those corrections, we expect many of his current mis-hits to turn into clean, turning-over punts. His senior year gives him an opportunity to put those improvements on film immediately. Macias has the ability to turn some heads as a punting prospect if his technical development catches up with his frame and natural ability.

KT Recruiting Staff