Get to Know Your Orange Man: #91, K Andre Szmyt

Name: Andre Szmyt

Position: Kicker

Year: (Redshirt) Junior

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 192 lbs

Hometown: Vernon Hills, Ill.

High School: Vernon Hills

2020 stats: The former All-American had his “worst” season in Orange due to limited chances to make an impact on the field. His 81% FG% was his worst at ‘Cuse, but his 11 chances were half as many tries as he had the season prior. Szymt did make every kick between 30-50 yards (7-7), missing his only 50+ yard attempt and one under 29 yards. Overall, his 50 point mark was the lowest as an Orange, and a staggering 100 points fewer than his All-American freshman season.

2021 projections: Put the points to the side and realize that Szymt’s production is almost entirely tied to the offense, which should be improved from last year. He’ll get more chances, and should at least be in the ballpark of his 2019 season (20 FG attempts, 40 XP attempts) to rebound his numbers. He’s still got All-American potential, and should be able to convert if the Orange offense gets remotely close to the endzone.

How’d he get here?: Szymt walked on to ‘Cuse thanks to former Orange staffer Dave Boller. The latter was recruiting Szymt to Louisville, but resigned from his Cardinals post and took a job with Dino Babers’ staff.

What’d recruiting sites say?: Zero stars, so take that, star ratings!

Money quote: Szymt knows he can join the growing list of Orange special teamers in the NFL, and considered leaving this offseason, before deciding to return to CNY.

“I was thinking about if it was time to forgo my last season and declare for the draft,” Szmyt said. “But coming off such a weird season, I’ll come back, especially after attempting just 11 field goals. I can see who else comes out next year,” he said. “Not sure if I’ll use that extra year or not. My goal is to play at the highest level, to play in the NFL. The NFL will come whenever that’s the right time. This season I focused on making every kick.”

Twitter feed: @AndreSzmyt

Tweets of wonder: Love a good flex.

What movie would Dino recommend for him?: Szymt is a great Disney-esque sports movie, where he walked on to ‘Cuse and became an All-American right away. But now that he’s older, more experienced, and the most consistent weapon for the Orange, I’m going to go with “The Equalizer,” since Szymt can get the Orange on the scoreboard from pretty much anywhere.

Interesting nugget o’interest: Szymt is already a top 5 statistical kicker at ‘Cuse, but a solid season could see him top the following records (# needed to tie record): Career Points (50), Career Kicking Points (50), Career XP (64), Field Goals Made (3), Most 50 Yard Field Goals Made (3).

Let’s get a look at ya: Want to hear the story behind Szymt’s success? Well here you go!