UTSA Kicker Jaffer Murphy Makes Headlines With Blazing 40 Time at Pro Day

UTSA Kicker Jaffer Murphy Makes Headlines With Blazing 40 Time at Pro Day image

UTSA announced that their kickoff specialist Jaffer Murphy spoke with every NFL team representative at the Roadrunners’ pro day after a performance that’s creating buzz around the league.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Murphy ran a 4.50-second 40-yard dash and posted a 45-inch vertical jump while making 12 of 13 field goal attempts, including one from 70 yards in crosswind conditions.

Murphy’s 40 time is the fastest recorded by a kicker or punter since 2010.

Most kicking specialists get overlooked unless they make highlight-reel plays. Teams typically wait until late rounds or sign specialists as undrafted free agents. But Murphy’s athletic testing numbers would’ve ranked among skill position players at the 2026 NFL Combine.

His 45-inch vertical would’ve ranked second at the combine. His 40 time beat prospects like tight end Eli Stowers and wide receiver Carnell Tate, both considered top picks in their positions.

From Soccer to Special Teams

Murphy’s path to football started at Drake, where he played soccer for two seasons. He made four starts in six games as a freshman, then scored a game-winning goal against Omaha in 2021 after appearing in 13 matches.

After transferring to Florida Gulf Coast for soccer in 2023, Murphy switched sports entirely. He moved to Lake Erie College to play football as their kicker.

Murphy made 13 field goals and all 17 extra point attempts at Lake Erie. He went through spring practice at North Carolina but didn’t see game action before transferring to UTSA for the 2025 season.

At UTSA, Murphy handled kickoffs exclusively. He attempted just one extra point all season but made it.

Pro Day Performance Draws Interest

Reports from Murphy’s pro day showed him connecting on kicks from distances he never attempted in college games. The 70-yard field goal hit the back net despite crosswinds at UTSA’s practice facility.

Murphy’s athleticism sets him apart from typical specialists who focus purely on leg strength. His soccer background shows in his overall coordination and body control.

UTSA hasn’t been a major source of NFL talent recently. The Roadrunners had back-to-back successful seasons in 2021 and 2022 with 12-2 and 11-3 records, but they’ve struggled in recent years.

Murphy could become the first UTSA player drafted in 2026 based on the team interest he generated.

Historical Speed Among Specialists

Murphy’s 4.50 forty beats every kicker and punter who’s worked out since 2010. Marshall Koehn holds the combine record for kickers at 4.61 seconds in 2016.

Many specialists skip the combine now, working out at pro days instead. Jake Camarda ran the fastest punter time at 4.56 seconds in 2022.

Here are the fastest 40 times among specialists since 2010:

Rank Player 40-yard dash time
1. Jaffer Murphy 4.50
2. Jake Camarda 4.56
3. Marshall Koehn 4.61
4. Mitch Wishnowsky 4.63
5. Jordan Stout 4.65
6. Alex Pechin 4.69
7. Justin Vogel 4.70
8. Jake Bailey 4.72
9. Jack Fox 4.73
10. John Lunsford 4.74

Teams historically avoid spending early draft picks on specialists. But Murphy’s combination of leg strength and athleticism could make him an exception as a late Day 3 selection.

His unique skill set fits the NFL’s evolving special teams rules, where athletic specialists can contribute in coverage situations beyond just kicking duties.

Tom Wilson avatar
Tom Wilson