Although William & Mary's specialists will feature new starters this season, this year's talented group is expected to impact the Tribe's success in multiple ways. Graduate transfer Keegan Shackford (Iowa State) and redshirt freshman Sam Braidwood will compete for the kicking duties, while senior Andrew Piercy and redshirt freshman Carter Boyd will vie for the punting role. Regardless of who earns the primary duties, special teams coordinator Darryl Blackstock and assistants Terry Smith and Nick Schrage are confident W&M's group will be among the league's best.  
 
Keegan Shackford • Graduate Student • 5-10, 215
• Graduate transfer from Iowa State who appeared in 25 games for the Cyclones
• Averaged 63.4 yards per kickoff in 2024
• Handled kickoff duties for all 13 games in 2023 and posted 27 touchbacks
• Will compete for starting place kicking duties
• Experienced kicker with a strong, accurate leg
• Academic All-Big 12 in 2024 and Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll selection
 
Sam Braidwood • Redshirt Freshman • 6-1, 210
• Redshirted last season and saw action in the win against Hampton
• Posted touchbacks with both his kickoffs last season
• Will compete for starting place kicking duties
• Possesses the skillset to be an elite placekicker
• Connected on a 48-yard field goal and made a school-record 67 consecutive extra point attempts at Frank W. Cox High School (Virginia Beach)
• CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll
 
Andrew Piercy • Senior • 6-1, 200
• Returns for his fourth season as W&M's starting holder
• Will compete for a role as the starting punter
• Excellent distance and precision
• Good leader
• CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll
 
Carter Boyd • Redshirt Freshman • 6-2, 200
• Redshirted last season
• Joined W&M in 2024 after a standout career at Western Albemarle High School (Charlottesville, Va.) where he was an all-district and all-region honoree
• Averaged 41.7 yards per punt as a senior at AHS, pinning opponents inside their own 20-yard line 10 times
• Outstanding athlete who was a pole vaulter in high school
 
Michael Kabban • Redshirt Freshman • 5-9, 215
• W&M's lone returning snapper with game experience
• Redshirted last season after appearing in four games
• Outstanding skillset for the position
• Tremendously reliable and accurate
• CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll
 
Joseph Williams • Freshman • 6-0, 200
• True freshman who joins W&M after a standout career at Lafayette High School (Williamsburg, Va.)
• Consistent and accurate snapper
• Displayed potential to succeed at the collegiate level


W&M enters the 2025 campaign having posted four consecutive winning seasons, marking the first time the program has accomplished the feat in the last 25 years.
 
The Tribe opens its season at Furman on Aug. 30, while it will host Maine for its home opener on Sept. 6.

Season tickets, mini plans and single-game tickets are available at TribeAthletics.com.

Learn more about the enhanced fan experience at Zable Stadium for the 2025 season, including security improvements, pre-game areas, shuttle service, the new Kids Zone, fan experience upgrades, and more at TribeAthletics.com. 

Be sure to follow the Tribe through the team's social media accounts @WMTribeFootball on X, Instagram and Facebook.