The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University.
Since 1888
Read our coverage of BDS Kirkland sit-in and ongoing protests.
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University.
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University.
Read our coverage of BDS Kirkland sit-in and ongoing protests.
TRENDING
1
Student protestors remain at steps of Kirkland Hall after sit-in broken up inside building (Hustler Multimedia/Josh Rehders).

BREAKING: Students forced to exit Kirkland Hall, three arrested and 16 suspended

2
Black-and-white photograph of the front of Kirkland Hall, as photographed on March 27, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/George Albu)

Three students expelled following Student Accountability hearings, faculty criticize university response

3
Student protestors occupying Kirkland Hall, as photographed on Mar 26, 2024 (Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Divest Coalition)

Inside Kirkland Hall: Vanderbilt Divest Coalition protestors report ‘inhumane’ treatment amid student suspensions and arrest of reporter

4
Eli Motycka, a Nashville Scene reporter gets arrested by VUPD on Vanderbilt Campus, as photographed on March 26, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Josh Rehders)

Nashville Scene reporter arrested on campus, press denied entry to Kirkland Hall

5
Students protest outside Kirkland Hall for a VSG BDS amendment vote, as photographed on March 26, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Savannah Walske)

BREAKING: Divest Coalition protesters sit in at Kirkland Hall, at least seven suspended

6
The entrance to Kirkland Circle, as photographed on Feb. 3, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Josh Rehders)

Vanderbilt guarantees full-tuition scholarships to all students with family incomes below $150,000

7
Photograph of a group of students behind a wall promoting pro-Palestinian causes, as photographed on March 22, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/George Albu)

Administration cancels VSG BDS amendment vote, students protest

8
A broken window at Kirkland Hall, as photographed on March 26, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Josh Rehders)

Chancellor Daniel Diermeier responds to Kirkland Hall sit-in, 27 students suspended

9
Students protest for the BDS referendum to go to a vote, as photographed on March 26, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Kath Oung)

Provost C. Cybele Raver notifies Vanderbilt community about sit-in, includes video of students entering Kirkland Hall

10
Allie Schwartz poses with her acceptance letter from Vanderbilt. (Photo courtesy of Allie Schwartz)

A steady decline: Class of 2028 regular decision admission rate drops to 3.7%, overall admission rate to 5.1%

Matthew Hayball reaches NFL, signs with the Saints

Commodore punter Hayball has joined the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted rookie free agent after a stellar final year at Vanderbilt.
Matthew+Hayball+has+punted+for+Vanderbilt+for+two+years%3B+he+just+signed+with+the+New+Orleans+Saints.+%28Hustler+Multimedia%2FLexie+Perez%29
Lexie Perez
Matthew Hayball has punted for Vanderbilt for two years; he just signed with the New Orleans Saints. (Hustler Multimedia/Lexie Perez)
Byline photo of Sam Curtis
By Sam Curtis, Deputy Sports Editor
April 28, 2024

After the conclusion of the NFL draft, undrafted players are allowed to sign with any team that tenders them a contract. Former Vanderbilt punter Matthew Hayball likely had plenty of interest from around the league, but the Australia native chose to sign with the New Orleans Saints, per Tom Pelissero.

This decision by Hayball makes all too much sense. The Saints finished dead last in punting last season, as their specialist, Lou Hedley, could only manage 43.0 yards per punt. This number puts Hedley at 33rd of 33 eligible punters in the NFL, a league that only hosts 32 teams.

Hayball started his career at FAU, taking a redshirt year before beginning a three-season stint as the Owls’ punter. He transferred to Vanderbilt with two years of eligibility remaining due to the COVID-19 NCAA exemption. During his final campaign, Hayball averaged 47.6 yards per punt and was a finalist for the Ray Guy Award, given annually to the best punter in college football.

After six years in school, Hayball declared for the NFL draft as a prime candidate for an NFL roster spot. The lefty went undrafted but will have a great chance to make the Saints 53-man roster come August.
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About the Contributors
Sam Curtis
Sam Curtis, Former Deputy Sports Editor
Sam Curtis (’24) is from Wallingford, Conn., majoring in human and organizational development and French and minoring in data science in Peabody College. He was previously Assistant Sports Editor and Sports Copy Editor. When not writing for The Hustler, he cheers on the Philadelphia Eagles, the 76ers and Leeds United. Outside of sports, he enjoys traveling and learning about history and philosophy. He can be reached at [email protected].    
Lexie Perez
Lexie Perez, Graphics Editor
Lexie Perez (‘26) is from Northern Virginia and is majoring in climate studies and human and organizational development and minoring in business in the College of Arts and Science. She enjoys listening to 70s and 80s pop music, doing the daily Wordle and rooting for the Nashville Predators and Cincinnati Bengals. She can be reached at [email protected].
More to Discover
More about Matthew Hayball
Matthew Hayball has punted for Vanderbilt for two years; he just signed with the New Orleans Saints. (Hustler Multimedia/Lexie Perez)
2024 NFL Draft Profile: Matthew Hayball
Vanderbilt Football has provided a home away from home for Matthew Hayball, Yilanan Ouattara and Darren Agu. (Hustler Multimedia/Lexie Perez)
All roads lead to West End: An international journey to Vanderbilt Football
More about NFL Draft
Maxwell Worship hoists aloft the American Flag as the team prepares to enter the stadium, as photographed on Nov. 5, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Arianna Santiago)
Safety Maxwell Worship invited to Tennessee Titans rookie minicamp
Maxwell Worship declares for the 2023 NFL Draft. (Hustler Multimedia/Lexie Perez)
2023 NFL Draft Profile: Maxwell Worship
Credit: Lexie Perez/Hustler Multimedia
2023 NFL Draft Profile: Anfernee Orji

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