Replacing a two-time All American proves to be tough for Bearcats

An old Sportscenter catch phrase was, “You have to be sound in the kicking game.” And, for the past two seasons, the University of Cincinnati has been sound in the kicking game—at least the punting portion of the kicking game.

In 2007, led by new Bengal Kevin Huber, UC led the nation in punting average. The Bearcats, powered by the strong left leg of the McNicholas graduate averaged a hair over 46 yards, and averaged nearly 40 yards in net average.

In the historic 2008 season, a season that saw UC reach new heights of national prominence, Huber and the Bearcats once again led the nation in punting average. They beat out West Virginia—and Ray Guy award semifinalist Pat McAfee—by nearly one whole yard in net average.

But, with Huber gone to the NFL, Kelly and his staff, including special teams coordinator Mike Elston, must replace him. “Kevin Huber is not going to be duplicated in what he did,” Kelly said earlier this month. “He comes around once in a lifetime, a coaching lifetime.”

As of right now, Kelly has two punters on his roster and has had starting kicker Jake Rogers working out at the position since the spring. Highly touted freshman Patrick O’Donnell, who hails from Wellington, Florida is expected to be the long term replacement for Huber. Redshirt sophomore Mike Cooke, an Elder High School graduate, also looks to compete for the job.

But, expectations aren’t as high this season as they have been in the past. “We won’t expect [what Huber did],” Kelly added. In high school Cooke averaged 40 yards per punt in two seasons playing for Doug Ramsey. O’Donnell’s stats were unavailable.

Whoever makes it out of fall camp with the job will have huge shoes to fill. Kelly seemed pleased with the punting game after yesterday’s practice, but only time will tell before we find out who the punter will be. A lot will be riding on his leg come gameday.