Name: Devin Versteegen
Position: Punter
School: Winston-Salem State University
HT/WT:6’1” 187lbs
X: @devinversteegen
Instagram: @devin_tsegaye
Achievements:
School Record holder x2
Shaw University Longest Punt in School History (Set in 2022 74 yards)
WSSU Highest Single game avg. in School history (Set x2 in 2024 50.2 yd & 58.0 yd) x2 CIAA All conference
Black College Hall of Fame POTY Watchlist 2023
How’d you end up at your current school? What was the recruiting process like?
Grad transfer into WSSU from Shaw University. The process was smooth they had the degree I was looking for along with the same outlook on football.
What gives you an advantage over other athletes at your position?
I am left footed primarily but have experience punting with both in game which has allowed me to adjust to adverse moments to avoid blocked punts. I was originally slated to play D1 soccer, but went the football route, these roots in soccer make me very comfortable doing different things with the football (punting wise).
What does being a student of a game mean to you?
As a punter I like to watch and break down different PR schemes, through film, talking with coaches, or watching it in person. I also love just punting at a field finding new ways to swing my leg to get different types of punts to potentially use in game. In practice or individual training sessions I sometimes simulate situations in which I tryout different types of balls to then see what works better for what.
How does being a (insert your position) reflect itself in your personal life?
Every punter I’ve met has been a very cool yet quirky guy with a weird obsession with kicking a football. This reflects me, I produce with a mind that isn’t of your typical skill position player. Us punters also have very unique hobbies and mine is sim racing.n
How would you describe your work ethic?
I punt almost every day in different intensities, because I tend to learn something almost everyday. As far as physical work ethic, I might be one of the few punter who likes running gasers and stadiums lol.
What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff?
Trusting in the people around you.
What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?
Coming back from an injury in which the doctor said “You won’t be able to kick
again”
How did you hear about the National Scouting Combine?
Coach Prevost
Why did you choose the National Scouting Combine?
The historical amount of scouts, cost, and location on the east coast. Prevost was a big help in choosing it too over other events like the Podyum Bowl
What do you hope to show people at the combine?
I’m an athletic punter with some cool leg talent that could potentially switch the views on punting.
What was your Major? (Delete if you do not have a collegiate background)
I hold a B.A. in Mass Communication & Production from Shaw Univ. and will obtain a
B.S. in Motorsport Management from WSSU
If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?
I feel the impact I will make in the future will be very similar to what Ken Block did.
What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?
I love racing, and it will likely be my career post football along with YouTube (this is where I post my automotive stuff).
If you had the opportunity to play another sport professionally, what sport would you choose?
Motorsport
Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or “pay it forward” in your community?
Not formally, but I do go around locally and connect/ teach HS level kids how to kick
and punt along with giving them advice whenever asked.