Standout two-sport athlete at Merritt Island High, was selected in first round of the 2018 MLB Draft by Washington Nationals
Denaburg’s Gridiron Comeback
A Punter’s New Chapter at UCF
Forget baseball gloves and batting cages—Denaburg is reclaiming the football field as the University of Central Florida’s newest punter, and he’s got a knack for making those kicks fly!
Why the Switch?
- High‑school glory. In 2016, he snagged First Team All-State honors for his punting prowess.
- Baseball first, football later. While his baseball career took center stage, the football dream never truly left his playbook.
- Your typical second‑chance athlete. He’s turning past asphalt into present glory.
What Happens When a Punter Returns?
Picture this: the crowd buzzes, the ball lands with a soft thud on the sideline, and Denaburg steps up—ready to reset the game with a kick that could be mistaken for a gentle wizardly spell. This is the kind of moment that rewrites high‑school memories and makes you feel, “Wow, that dosen’t even sound like a football game anymore!”
Final Takeaway
Denaburg’s re‑entry into football isn’t just about hopping back onto the field—it’s about honoring a forgotten skill, reclaiming a cherished dream, and proving that even after a baseball season, the love for the griddy can always resurface. Get ready, UCF, because that punter’s throwing us a curveball… in the opposite direction!
From the Mound to the Gridiron: Mason Denaburg Finds New Life with UCF Football
Mason Denaburg: From Pitching Dreams to Punting Pennies
It’s a story that’s all about twists, turns, and a whole lot of confidence. When Mason Denaburg was still in high school on Merritt Island, he was already living the legend—the boy who could both toss a baseball and flip a football on the same weekend.
First‑Round Hopeful, Then Injury‑Rebel
In 2018, the Washington Nationals took a chance on the right‑handed powerhouse, selecting him in the very first round of the MLB Draft. The expectation? A top‑tier pitcher heading straight to the big leagues.
- Two sports man in one class
- First‑round pick with a bright future
- Series of injuries & five surgeries (Tommy John, hip labrum repair, etc.)
- Career halted long before the mound
“It’s been a long road with baseball,” Denaburg confides. “I’ve been hurt a lot. My brother joked, ‘Hey, you should just mess around and punt.’” Those words finally made sense.
Re‑Introducing the UCF Punters’ Kitchen
Now at 25, Denaburg is bringing his scrappy, versatile skills to the University of Central Florida’s football program—this time stepping up on the punting tee.
- First full grid‑iron season in 2016, earning First Team All‑State honors
- Returned to the game after a baseball hiatus
- Ready to add a new chapter to his athletic autobiography
Denaburg’s transition is a testament to the power of adaptability: when one door closes, another opens, and it often comes in the form of a ball that’s a foot further away from home, but played with a touch of humor and a lot of heart.
Mason Denaburg: From Baseball Pitcher to College Punter
Turnover moments are part of every athlete’s story, but for Mason Denaburg the big pivot came from an unexpected source: his younger brother, Brady.
The Plan Born in December
- After Mason’s hip surgery, Brady, who had just transferred from Syracuse to Minnesota, nudged the idea that Mason could jump into college football.
- “It was the perfect time,” Brady laughed. “Mason needed a fresh challenge and a new gig—football felt right.”
- With no major league contract on the table and a clock ticking on college eligibility, Mason made the bold leap.
Getting the Legs Back in Shape
It had been nearly seven years since Mason last punted a ball, so he had to reboot the leg muscles and relearn the technique.
- He partnered with ex‑UCF kicker Dylan Barnas, a private coach in Central Florida.
- Dylan saw the spark in Mason and sent clippings to UCF’s special‑teams coordinator, Pete Alamar.
- Mason’s first film was rough—his form could use a tweak—but months of relentless practice paid off.
Landing the Spot at UCF
By April, Mason floated onto UCF’s spring practice scene. He met Alamar, threw in fresh game footage, and within hours the coaching staff reached out.
- Text from UCF: “We’re interested.”
- Quick visit to meet the roster of staff—including head coach Scott Frost.
- Official offer: Mason’s place on the team was sealed.
The Final Piece of the Puzzle
Mason posted in a heartfelt note: “This feels like the perfect hit.” He pointed out that his girlfriend lives in Windermere, his family is only 40 minutes away, and, most importantly, he’s finally enjoying the ride again after a long, uncertain stretch.
With a brother’s encouragement, a new training partner, and a whole season ahead, Mason Denaburg is turning his lifetime of resilience into the most exciting punt in his life yet.
From Baseball Pitching to Punting Perfection: Denaburg’s Unexpected Return
Shortened Field, Long‑Term Vision
High school star Denaburg had his football grind cut off mid‑season when he committed to USA Baseball. Most recruiters assumed he’d head straight to the University of Florida for baseball, leaving football interests lukewarm. Now he’s back on the field, but with a fresh purpose.
Training With Barnas
- Regular work sessions focusing on punting form
- Prefers a traditional kick over rugby‑style slides
- Preparing for a summer showdown against former punter Michael Carter and Ohio State transfer Anthony Venneri
“It’s a competition, just like everything else,” Denaburg says. “Somebody’s going to take the job.”
Mental Reboot & Growing Passion
After wrestling with the highs and lows of baseball, he’s relishing the simple joy of the gym and the field again.
“I’m enjoying going to the field. I’m enjoying going to the gym. I’m enjoying getting better.” – Denaburg
For the first time in a long time.
Alamar’s Big Bet
Coach Alamar gave a long‑shot punter a chance, something few would do after a 7‑year break.
“There aren’t many coaches who would take a kid who hasn’t punted in seven years and say, ‘Let’s give him a shot,’ “Denaburg says. “But he did – and I’m going to do everything I can to prove him right.”
Spotlight: Lexy Denaburg
By the way, Lexy Denaburg—mason and Brady’s sister—was a triple threat in volleyball, leading the Merritt Island Mustangs to indoor and beach state titles and earning All‑American honors in both. She’s the most dominant prep athlete in Brevard County’s history, an inductee of the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame.
