Nov. 12, 2002
Already Georgia Tech’s career leader in punt return yards, senior Kelley Rhino became the school’s all-time leader in punt returns against Florida State, breaking the record of 101 previously held by Willie Clay (1988-91).
The 5-7, 178-pounder had eight returns for 80 yards against the Seminoles and was named Atlantic Coast Conference Specialist of the Week.
Rhino now has 104 career returns for 1,098 yards. Those figures ranks second in ACC history, behind career leader Ledel George of NC State, who had 125 returns for 1,191 yards from 1990-93.
A first-team all-ACC selection last fall, Rhino broke the Tech record for career punt that was set by his father, former Tech all-America Randy Rhino (749 yards, 1972-74). Kelley broke the record with 110 yards–one yard off his career best–against Vanderbilt in the season opener.
Rhino broke his father’s Tech season record a year ago. The younger Rhino collected 515 yards in 2001, surpassing his father’s 1972 total of 441 yards as well the ACC record of 448 yards, previously held by Corey Sawyer of Florida State. Kelley’s 48 returns in 2001 tied the Tech season record, set by Willie Clay in 1991.
This season, Rhino has 37 returns for 410 yards, an average of 11.1 yards per return that ranks fourth in the ACC. He has just two fair catches all season.
Over the last two seasons, Rhino has an amazing 85 returns for 925 yards, an average of 10.9 yards per return.
