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The last time Canes fans saw Jose Borregales in action, they were rooting against him. Borregales made two 50 plus yard field goals in FIU’s massive upset over the Canes.
Now, Borregales is going to be a key player for the Canes and is trying to get the Canes to the next level.
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In a Wednesday night media availability, Borregales was asked what his goal is for this upcoming season at Miami. Jose responded to the question humbly.
“My goal here is just to win the ACC Championship. I’m not an individual guy. I came here ready to work.”
Borregales said that he was able to get some kicking work in during the quarantine.
“I had to focus more this offseason on continuing to kick...I never stopped.”
Borregales’s position coach, special teams coordinator Jonathan Patke has high praise for the former Grozza Award Finalist:
“He’s an older guy that has played in a lot of football games. We have confidence in him. He carries himself like a pro, like a veteran.”
Patke notes that Borregales hit from 52 yards in practice today.
Borregales is FIU’s all time points leader with 281 in 3 seasons with the Panthers. His career long is 53 yards versus Middle Tennessee in 2018.
Last season, Borregales finished 21 of 29 on field goals and converted all 40 extra point attempts. Borregales made three of four attempts from 50+ yards and went 10 for 11 on attempts from 40+ yards in 2019.
The fifth year senior’s younger brother Andres is currently committed to Miami. The five-star kicker recently shut down his recruitment and is expected to take over for his brother next year.
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The elder Borregales was one of the most productive kickers in the nation during his three seasons playing under Coach Butch Davis. Jose made 75.8% of his field goal attempts and 97.8% of his extra point attempts. In 2018, Borregales was named a Lou Groza Award finalist for the nations top kicker.
Last year, Miami’s kickers only made 60% of their field goals. Borregales is an experienced kicker who is an extremely welcome addition to a Canes roster that is looking to contend this upcoming season.
Fellow specialist punter Lou Hedley also spoke to the media on Wednesday night.
"Last season, there was a lot of pressure coming in. This year, I'm a lot more calmer. I feel way more relaxed, and I think it's going to show in my punting." https://t.co/lCi9VBNDRz
— Marsh (@hurricanesmarsh) August 13, 2020
Hedley shared that he stayed in Miami during the shelter in place period. He told the media he was able to put in work with long snapper Clay James.
The Aussie expressed his gratitude for being able to play in Miami. He said, “It’s surreal every single day. I’m so blessed to be here.”