Duffy was from Perth, Australia, and did not start playing football until age 15. He worked with ProKick Australia to get to the United States and turned down several offers, including one from Alabama, to kick at Kentucky.
He stayed in Kentucky after his career ended and coached at Murray State after tryouts with several professional teams did not work out.
“I am back working in Australia training guys to come over to the States and live out their dreams like I did,” Duffy said last week.
One of those guys — Tom O’Hara — will be on coach Will Stein’s first team at Kentucky after announcing he was transferring from Murray State to UK. Ohara is from Melbourne, Australia, and averaged 44.9 yards per punt in 2024 and 43.8 yards per kick during the 2025 season and had a career-best 71-yard punt.
“The company I work for got him to the United States and he’s basically had the same journey I did other than he started at Murray,” Duffy said. “The company I work for helped get him in touch with Kentucky but his output on the field is what really allowed him to be recruited by Kentucky.”
What does Duffy like best about O’Hara?
“Consistency and a very humble, good guy which is a great mindset for SEC football,” Duffy answered.
Aiden Laros was UK’s punter the last two seasons after transferring from Middle Tennessee. He averaged 45.4 yards per punt in 2024 and 44.5 yard per kick last season.
Duffy actually recommended Laros to former UK coach Mark Stoops.
“I really liked Aidan Laros but the recent (special teams) coordinator (Jay Boulware) was terrible and didn’t allow for an Australian to prosper and highlight his skill sets,” Duffy said. “We should be back to good now and really excited for what Tom will do at Kentucky.”
