UNC Football: Austin Proehl making a name for himself with Chargers

Could impressive special teams play help the former UNC football standout find a permanent home in the NFL?

Since being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft, former UNC football standout Austin Proehl has had a difficult time finding a permanent home in the NFL.

Just a few months after being drafted, Proehl was released by the Bills, which led him to take pit stops with the Los Angeles Rams, the Seattle Dragons of the XFL, then back to the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers released the former Tar Heel on May 17, and just a day later, Los Angeles’ other team, the Chargers, claimed him off waivers. Could this landing spot end up being the right one for Proehl?

Given what we’ve seen and heard early in training camp, an untapped skill of his may be the key to landing him on a 53-man roster for good.

Fans of the UNC football program most likely remember that Proehl was essentially a non-factor on special teams. In fact, during his time in Chapel Hill, the former Tar Heel wide receiver only amassed six punt returns in total. It was not something that the Tar Heels needed their crafty wide receiver to do much of during his tenure.

Now, as he fights for a roster spot, special teams may end up being a major factor in keeping him around.

Last season, the Chargers had their fair share of struggles on punt returns. As a unit, the team only averaged 6.9 yards per return, a number that the organization would most certainly like to see improve moving forward.

At the beginning of Chargers training camp, Proehl was among a group of players fielding punts during special teams drills, and Gavino Borquez of USA Today noted that the former Tar Heel was the one who looked the most comfortable in the role.

Here’s what Borquez had to say in regards to Proehl and his opportunity to shine on special teams:

"“Despite the little experience, Proehl has good play speed and elusiveness to make it difficult for defenders to bring him down, making him dangerous when the ball is in his hands.If Proehl continues to show his worth as a returner, he may earn the sixth and final spot over other top contenders vying for the job like Joe Reed and K.J. Hill.”"

Versatility is key. If Proehl can show that he can not only catch passes, but haul in punts and make plays on special teams, he may have a leg up on the competition in regards to earning a roster spot. Who knows: maybe this could be the opportunity that jumpstarts Austin Proehl’s professional career.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest on Austin Proehl and the UNC football program.