Former Georgia punter Cameron Nizialek, who came to Athens as a graduate transfer from Columbia University of the Ivy League last year, just wrapped an extremely successful season at UGA. Nizialek punted 61 times throughout the 2017-18 season, averaging 45 yards per punt, Georgia’s best since Drew Butler (48) in 2009.

We caught up with Nizialek last week to discuss his time in Athens, playing in the SEC and his overall favorite moments as a Dawg.

Nizialek opened with a quick letter to the fans:

To everyone involved, THANK YOU! I came in as an unknown walk-on grad transfer from the Ivy League, just looking for an opportunity. I canʼt thank Coach Smart and the rest of the coaching staff for giving me the chance to come in and compete for the job, and for having confidence in me to go out and perform on Saturday. To all my teammates, I love each and every one of you. This year was truly special and I couldnʼt have picked a better team to join for my last year. The guys welcomed me as a brother and couldnʼt be more thankful for the friends that I have made in my year at Georgia. To all the loyal Dawg fans, you are the reason this year was so special! I appreciate that yʼall welcomed me with open arms and showed this team unmatched support. The way DawgNation traveled inspired the team to perform at the level we were able to this year. Iʼm sorry we couldnʼt bring it all home in the end, but keep the passion and support strong, because this team will be back at the top next year and for many years to come. Thank you for allowing me to live out my dreams! Forever a Dawg, Cam

Nizialek on his favorite memory from UGA…

My favorite memory playing at UGA may have been my first time running out between the hedges in front of a packed Sanford Stadium against App State. In my seasons at Columbia, I would run out to an empty stadium with mayyyybe 4-5,000 fans. So my first time getting to experience the energy and passion from our incredible fan base is a moment that I will never forget.

Nizialek on his favorite games…

My favorite home game would have to be the first one against App State. It was somewhat of a coming out party for me at the FBS level, and it was a great game for me to show Georgia fans, my teammates, coaches and the world what I could do.

My favorite road game would definitely have to be at Notre Dame. Heading into historic South Bend and winning a very close game really propelled this team forward and helped us realize what a special season this could be. Coming into the locker room after that game, hearing my man Hot Rod received a scholarship, really brought our team together.

My favorite neutral site game and overall favorite was the epic Rose Bowl. The history that goes along with the game, and spending the entire week with my teammates was absolutely unforgettable. I was involved with a couple huge plays in that game between a couple big punts and holding for Rodʼs field goals, which made the result even more special.

Nizialek on his favorite punts from last season…

Two immediately come to mind. The first was against Notre Dame with less than 2 minutes in the game where I put a 48-yard fair catch on the sideline inside the 20. It was maybe my most clutch punt of the season. We all know what happened next when Davin came up with the huge sack fumble! The next would have to be my longest punt of the season against Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl. Tyler Simmons did a great job of getting downfield to down that ball at the 1-yard line for a 61-yard net punt. That play also came at a huge point in the game and helped the famous comeback.

Nizialek on his favorite stadium he played in…

With the history of the stadium and the result of the game, the Rose Bowl was definitely the coolest stadium to play in. My grandfather was able to make it to the game, and he was able to cross that game off his bucket list. That meant a lot to me and made the game even more special. A close second would be playing at Notre Dame. The way DAWG fans traveled into South Bend was truly special and helped me realized everything Georgia Football was all about. Seeing almost 50% red in a historic stadium created a neutral site game for us. The fan support this season was more influential to our success than people realize.

Nizialek on red or white jerseys…

I think the red jerseys look better! That usually meant we were playing at home too where I always played well.

Nizialek on what he loves about Athens…

EVERYTHING. Athens has to be the best college town in the United States. The people, the students, the faculty, the teammates, the coaches the atmosphere are all incredible. I owe Athens everything because it gave me the best year of my life, and memories that I will never forget.

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