ROWLETT, Texas -- Social media, with the power of a camera and an embed, has the ability to separate myths from reality. Twenty years ago, the story of Under Armour All-American Drew Galitz’s 71-yard field goal would have been as big of a myth as Paul Bunyan or Pecos Bill.
But with the help of YouTube, Galitz’s story not only is legit but also one of the most impressive tales in college football recruiting. The Rowlett High School kicker and Baylor commit made national headlines with the kick -- supported by video -- during a practice, and on Wednesday, the nation’s No. 3 kicker was presented with his Under Armour All-America Game jersey in a ceremony sponsored by American Family Insurance.
“I’ve always wanted to play in this. It’s the best game in nation, and I get to play with the best players in the nation,” Galitz said. “It’s a blessing to get to play with the best. I’ve watched it on TV and knew I wanted to play in it one day.”
The Galitz family. Proud of #SicEm pledge & #UnderArmour kicking specialist @drew_galitz14. @LETTNATION pic.twitter.com/bshnlHYTxh
— Damon Sayles (@DamonSayles) October 29, 2014Galitz flipped his pledge to Baylor on Aug. 26 after first committing to Miami in June. Galitz said the proximity from Rowlett to Waco and the overall fit made him want to switch his commitment.
The three-star specialist is a dominant punter as well as a kicker. In a recent game, Galitz showed just how much of an asset he can be during a busted play.
“I had to punt left footed in a game,” the right-footed Galitz said. “The snap went over my head, and I was just trying to kick it away. When I got it, I kicked it, and it actually went 58 yards.”
Galitz is privately coached by Rocky Willingham and coached at school by Clark McMurtray. The idea of attempting the 71-yard field goal came after he did some research on what his school record was.
“I knew I wanted to break the school record,” said Galitz, referring to a 67-yarder by McMurtray's son Chris, a former Rowlett and SMU kicker. “A few from Kohl’s Kicking had hit 70-yarders, so I said I might as well try one from 71. I tried it, and I made it.
“After I sent it to Kohl’s Kicking, they posted it and tweeted it out.”
Galitz hopes to make similar memories at Baylor. He’ll also have a chance to shine as an Under-Armour All-American in January.
Rowlett K/P Drew Galitz putting on his #UnderArmour game jersey. https://t.co/26d2wRVdlo
— Damon Sayles (@DamonSayles) October 29, 2014Quick hits with Drew Galitz
Best kicker to play in the UA game: “Aaron Medley. He’s really consistent at what he does, and he makes a lot of kicks.”
Best UA game player ever: “Jadeveon Clowney. He’s a beast.”
Who are you looking forward to seeing? “Either Malik Jefferson or Kyler Murray. They’re probably the two best players in Texas at their positions.”
Favorite football memory: “I’d probably say it’s the 71-yard field goal.”
Why do you wear your number? “I wear 38 because of Brad Wing when he was at LSU. I like how he plays. He’s a really good punter, and I wanted to be like him. I picked the number last year and kept it going for my senior year.”
In any sport on any level, who would you challenge? “Dan Bailey from the Cowboys. I want to compete against the best.”
Drew Galitz “did you know”: “I like to read. I’m reading ‘The Hunger Games’ right now.”