NASHVILLE – Ryley Guay knows he belongs on the field at Vanderbilt Stadium.
“I’ve got to be honest, I tell myself every day that I’m ready and prepared,” Guay said. “I work hard every day just like everyone here. It’s an opportunity that comes with a lot of work.”
The chip on Guay’s shoulder is big enough to burst through his Vanderbilt jersey. That’s because Guay is a three-year walk-on for Vanderbilt football. This fall, Guay is more than a walk-on; he’s a potential starting kicker for the Commodores following the departure of three-year starter Tommy Openshaw.
But to Guay, what lies ahead is less important than the process.
“I’m really confident in where I’m at, with regards to my technique,” Guay said. “I’m eager to see how things go this season, but I’m taking it day by day. Every kick is its own entity. I don’t want to take anything for granted.”
Guay’s journey to Vanderbilt began as a six-year-old. Back then, the Naperville, Ill. native took up soccer, but friends eventually encouraged him to try kicking a football for a change. Guay went on to kick for four years at Benet Academy near Chicago, earning two letters as a starter and the team’s special teams MVP honors as a senior. That year, Guay drilled five field goals, including a 51-yarder for his season-long.
Soon Guay began to consider kicking for a college football program. During the summer between his junior and senior seasons, Guay attended a special teams camp at Vanderbilt. His performance piqued the interest of the Dores’ staff, which led to a walk-on opportunity when Guay later chose to attend Vanderbilt on his own.
“I wanted to go to Vanderbilt for the education,” Guay said. “I then decided football was something I could add on to the experience.”
Guay spent the past two seasons biding his time behind Openshaw, who ended his career second in Vanderbilt’s record books in scoring by a kicker (224 points). Today Guay said that experience helped prepare him for the rigors of SEC football.
“With Tommy being as good as he was and being an older guy with experience, I kind of went into practices thinking I had nothing to lose my freshman and sophomore year,” Guay said. “It was just always about getting better. But watching Tommy helped me grow in my technique, as well as mentally. Tommy was one of the best mentors I’ve had during my college experience.”
Guay saw action in four games in 2017, even converting an extra point against Alabama A&M. Now Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason said the junior has looked the part of a veteran during fall camp.
“A year ago, everybody knew Tommy Openshaw was the guy, but I thought Ryley came in and did exactly what he was supposed to do,” Mason said. “The dude’s like Cool Hand Luke. I’m talking to these guys about finding your sweet spot. Be consistent and stay there. He’s had a while to try to perfect his swing. Now what he’s trying to do is be consistent.”
Guay is one piece to a new-look special teams unit overseen by new assistant coach Shawn Mennenga, hired by Mason in January after seven years with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns. Along with Openshaw, Vanderbilt is looking to replace its starting punter following the departure of Sam Loy. Columbia transfer Parker Thome is expected to assume punting duties while Guay competes with true freshman Javan Rice at placekicker.
That clean slate is nothing more than an opportunity for each member of Vanderbilt’s special teams unit. Of course, the walk-on Guay has seen things that way for three years with the Commodores.
“This year there’s a lot more pressure,” Guay said. “We’re having kicks evaluated all throughout practice, not just the team reps here at the end. It really pushes me and gives me something to strive for with every single kick. I’m really optimistic. I’m really excited to see how the season goes for us.”
Zac Ellis is the Writer and Digital Media Editor for Vanderbilt Athletics.
