Note: The following appears in the Miami (Fla.) football digital gameday guide, available HERE.
When the chance to return to Clemson football arose, it was not even a question for graduate placekicker Robert Gunn III. He jumped at the opportunity to continue competing in Death Valley as a kickoff specialist, placekicker and punter.
“When it comes to the kicking position, it’s awesome to have pressure moments because you are either the hero or you’re the zero. One of my favorite things to do is start off a game with kicking off. There’s so much adrenaline and I get to set the tone.”
After graduating last December with a degree in management, Gunn had not yet had enough of being a Tiger and decided to return to continue playing and pursue his master’s degree.
“Being a Clemson Tiger has meant so much more to me than you can imagine, especially on gamedays, when you get to be a part of something that is much bigger than a person.”
Gunn was rated No. 7 nationally among kickers coming out of high school in Florida. The early days of his time in Clemson saw some struggles that would become motivation for the rest of his career.
“Early on in my years here, I struggled and had some setbacks, but I didn’t let it define me.”
And it wouldn’t.
In his second season, he earned Freshman All-America status as a kickoff specialist. Gunn has become one of the best in the nation at his position, with an 81.8-percent touchback rate in 43 career games entering the 2026 season. He finished last season 16th in the nation in that category. He recalled the Troy game last season as one of his favorite games in Death Valley.
“Everything depends on the call the coaches give me. I had a special call and executed it, and they got the ball on the five-yard line. Kicking is mental and technical, and it can reward you when you put it all together.”
Gunn has continued his success this season with 16 touchbacks.
Off the field, the Clemson football “brotherhood” has been one of the most transformative parts of Gunn’s experience in Tigertown. In a climate of transferring schools and seeking change, Gunn has been a Tiger from the beginning for a reason.
One of the most important relationships he has formed is with Ryan Allen. Allen, who punted for the New England Patriots and won three Super Bowls, has helped Gunn manage the high stakes that come with the placekicker and punter positions. He has also become an important figure for Gunn, both on and off the field.
“He is just another guy in the building that is always willing to have fun…to go out on the boat, grab lunch and make this whole Clemson experience so much better.”
Whenever football ends for Gunn, he plans to return to Jacksonville, Fla. to start a real estate development company. He credits the P.A.W. Journey program with giving him opportunities to learn what he is interested in after football, through hands-on experience.
“This program has allowed me to see different parts of the world, give back, serve people, meet new people and work with companies while exploring my own interests for the future. It allowed me to do a real estate internship in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where I was able to learn how to design, develop and maintain golf courses. It has also allowed me to hang out with different teammates on service abroad trips that I don’t really talk to or hang out with in the facility. The trips allowed me to get to know them on a deeper level, which is awesome.”
Even with his big plans for the future, Gunn is focusing on the here and now. His hopes and goals for the season? Simple.
“Take Clemson back to the top.”