Adam Korsak may be coming off a stellar season in the CFL, but the former All-Big Ten punter is fully invested with Rutgers football. Following an eye-opening first season as a professional, Korsak was back in Piscataway this fall where he took on a mentorship role with his former team.
As a senior in 2022, Korsak became the first Rutgers football player to win a national honor with the Ray Guy Award, given to the nation’s top punter. It was a surprise that Korsak wasn’t signed by an NFL team, but he certainly proved himself in the CFL.
He left the program as one of the most accomplished contributors in Rutgers football history, regardless of position.
Korsak completed a strong first season in the CFL this summer and fall with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, averaging 47.6 yards per punt. Once the season ended in mid-October, Korsak was almost immediately back at Rutgers and making his presence felt within the team.
The role with Rutgers, not official by any stretch, saw Korsak volunteer his time at practice and on game day to help Flynn Appleby’s first year as the team’s punter. Appleby, an Australian like Korsak, was a redshirt in 2022 before taking over for Korsak this fall.
“I tried and help the Australian punter, Flynn Appleby and just enjoy being around the program and in the community as much as possible,” Korsak told Rutgers Wire.
“I first got to Rutgers in 2017 and it feels like home to me and glad I was welcome back.
“We both are Australian punters with similar styles and in similar schemes at Rutgers which to be fair is unique in regard to traditional notions of punting. I was able to share my experience of five-plus years punting in it and tried to guide him throughout the year especially into next season as he gears up for his second year.”
The unofficial coaching role was an exhausting schedule and went far beyond merely being a presence around the team. Korsak would roll into the Hale Center early in the morning.
From there, it was a grind.
[lawrence-related id=34102,34039]
Arriving even before many of the coaches, Korsak would get a workout in and have breakfast with the current Rutgers football team. From there, he’d watch film with the specialists and then would attend practice where he would mentor and work with Appleby.
Then it was more film, this time with the coaching staff and then finally with Appleby. When Appleby then went off to class, Korsak was then free.
He was at nearly every practice and game following the end of his CFL season. During this time, he was very much glued to the hip of Appleby. At the end of the day, it was a solid first season for Appleby, who settled in nicely and was very consistent with his placement and directional punting.
Despite just coming off his first professional season, Korsak simply didn’t helicopter into practice when he felt like it. He was committed to being a part of this process for a program he very much loves.
[lawrence-related id=33919]
The role was all-encompassing and thorough.
“Just being around the program in all aspects, so in meetings and practice during the week and then on the sideline for game day, being able to work through schemes and problems that may arise and providing support,” Korsak said,
“I definitely enjoy being around sports and especially Rutgers football. I think I have an ability to equip and inspire others but I will play for as long as I can.”
Korsak had plenty of opportunities to showcase his leg. Saskatchewan lost their last seven games and struggled last year in the CFL. He punted 117 times in 18 games played.
[lawrence-related id=34173,34127]
It was a successful first season, and one that should garner him some NFL looks. He answered a lot of questions about his ability to punt pro style after making the transition from the rugby style he employed in college at Rutgers.
He was named a West Division All-Star as a rookie.
“I really enjoyed the season up in Canada, the boys were great to be around and (I) was able to punt pro style in games and perform,” Korsak said.
“Had the ability to execute mainly pro-style punts and gain the all-star award by leading the league in punting average. Being able to showcase directional pro-style punts in professional games was very important to my development.”