Jim Arnold
Punter
1982
First Team All-American
Arnold became the first Vanderbilt kicking specialist to receive All-America honors, paving the way for several kicking standouts to follow in his footsteps.
A native of Dalton, Ga., Arnold quickly impacted the squad, breaking the freshman mark with a 41.9-yard average. By the time he graduated, his coach, George McIntyre, was quoted as saying, “Jim’s the best kicker in the country, pro or college.”
As a senior in 1982, he was named to six All-America teams after averaging a then-record 45.8-yard average. He ended his career with a 43.9-yard average, and still holds the SEC mark with 277 punts.
Arnold’s senior average remains third all-time by a ‘Dore and fifth all-time by a SEC punter.
Two of Arnold’s punts remain among the 10 longest in Commodore history, including a 79-yarder at Ole Miss.
After Vanderbilt, Arnold took his game to the NFL, enjoying an 11-year pro career.