One of the Birmingham Stallions most recognizable draft picks is no longer with the team. Former University of Georgia and St. Louis Battlehawks Kicker, Rodrigo “Hot Rod” Blankenship, will not be competing in the UFL this season. Instead, he is opting to continue pursuing the NFL, likely in the form of a futures contract.
This departure is much less surprising after head coach AJ McCarron’s recent comments about Blankenship’s lack of commitment: “He’s got until tomorrow.” That day has come and gone, and with it Blankenship is off the roster.
Of note is that McCarron mentioned that Blankenship is seeking a futures contract with the Los Angeles Rams. Their current kicker, Harrison Mevis, was a standout player for the Birmingham Stallion last season. He had an incredible season in the spring, going 21-23 on field goals. This translated very well to the NFL, where he went 18-19 including a notable game-winning field goal over the Chicago Bears that sent the Rams to the NFC Championship. It seems odd, then, that Blankenship would pursue a deal with a team that seemingly has a stable kicker on its roster already.
Now where does this leave the Stallions in terms of kickers? Well, it seems coach McCarron was prepared for this possibility, as the Stallions also drafted former Texas Tech kicker Jonathan Garibay. He now moves into the role as starting kicker. He was named to the All-Big 12 First Team, is the leader in Big 12 field goal percentage all time, and was a semi-finalist for the Lou Groza Award.
Garibay also has experience in the UFL, so worries about jumping into a new league can be assuaged. He played in seven games for the Arlington Renegades last season, posting an overall statline of 13-14 FGs with the one miss being blocked. He also averaged 68.5 yards per kickoff with only one touchback, showing another talent of his the Stallions can use.
“I’m super blessed for the opportunity. Can’t wait to get on the field and get to work!” Garibay told Birmingham Sports Media when contacted. Moments and chances like this are what spring football is all about, and Garibay is embracing it fully.
The Birmingham Stallions have a tradition of incredible kickers. Before Brandon Aubrey was the multi-time Pro Bowler for the Dallas Cowboys, he was earning All-USFL honors and winning two championships with the Birmingham Stallions. As previously mentioned, Harrison Mevis was electric for the Stallions last season and has earned a starting job on the Rams presumably into next season. Now, it’s time for Jonathan Garibay to try and join that elite company.
This greatness isn’t phasing Garibay though, as when asked about how he feels from 60 yards out, Garibay shouted out his Stallions predecessor: “60 is the new 45 thanks to Brandon Aubrey.” Safe to say Garibay is ready to handle the expectations of the modern kicker. And in a league where kickers have received so much notoriety and success, it’s the perfect place for him to prove himself.
Jonathan Garibay will get the chance to make his debut with the Birmingham Stallions on March 27th as they travel to face off against the Louisville Kings in the UFL Season Opener. Fans will have the chance to see the team in-person on April 18th when the Orlando Storm come to Birmingham to face the Stallions in Protective Stadium.
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