Andy Teasdall had big shoes to fill when he stepped into the starting punter role for Clemson last season.

A redshirt junior at this time a year ago, Teasdall was preparing to replace Bradley Pinion, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers following an outstanding Clemson career. Pinion broke the single-season school record for punts inside the 20-yard line with 28 in 2015, and finished his career seventh in school history in punting average (41.1 yards).

Taking over for Pinion was a tall task for Teasdall, but he proved to be up for the challenge.

The original walk-on from Winston-Salem, N.C., who earned a scholarship prior to last season, had a strong 39.5-yard average on 67 punts across 15 games. Teasdall placed 23 punts inside the 20, and didn’t have a punt go for a touchback until the national championship game. He also posted six punts over 50 yards, with a long of 57.

Heading into this season, Teasdall has a ‘leg up’, so to speak, on last year — he told the media after Clemson’s practice on Thursday that his leg strength has improved since last season.

To make that happen, Teasdall worked with Clemson’s strength and conditioning staff over the summer, as well as kicking and punting instructor Dan Orner, a former kicker at North Carolina who went on to play with the Minnesota Vikings.

“I’ve definitely gotten stronger,” Teasdall said. “Coach (Joey) Batson, coach Smo (Adam Smotherman) and the other strength coaches have done a good job of pushing us and doing a bunch of research on how to properly strengthen a kicker.

“I’ve bought into that. I’ve also worked with Dan Orner up in Charlotte, just adjusting some things, and it’s really helped out. Having a year under my belt is certainly helpful, too.”

Teasdall seemed to perform his best in big games last season.

Teasdall helped flip field position with three punts inside the 20 during a tight game at Louisville, recorded four punts inside the 20 with a 43-yard average against Notre Dame despite difficult weather conditions, and added three more inside the 20 against Florida State.

But Teasdall shined the most in the College Football Playoff semifinals against Oklahoma, of course, when he connected with Christian Wilkins on a pivotal fake-punt pass that helped send the Tigers to the title game.

It was a redeeming play for Teasdall, who drew the ire of Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney for a decision to run the football instead of punting it in the ACC Championship Game against North Carolina.

“Thankfully, we can joke about my running ability,” Teasdall said with a smile. “I’m grateful for the goods and the bads. I take it as it comes.”

As a punter, Teasdall knows he could be one of the deciding factors in any game.

Teasdall is preparing that way for Auburn and doing his part to try to help Clemson win on Sept. 3.

“I’ve never played at Auburn or never been there,” Teasdall said. “It could take you out of your element a little bit and it’s new territory — it’s nice in Death Valley because you’re at home and comfortable — but you stick to what you know.

“We take care of Clemson, and we’ll be alright.”