Here we are, just like the punter situation, we will painfully look at the kicker position for the Bulls and figure out who will be kicking for us in 2010, relax, Alvarado is not a candidate. After loosing his job multiple times (for a good reason, couldn't hit the broad side of a barn) the job was inherited by Maikon Bonani, the sophomore became a legend after nailing a game winning 46 yarder against Kansas in 2008. But during the summer he suffered a spinal injury at Busch Gardens while at work and was forced to medical red shirt last season. He is recovering well and has been at conditioning as he prepares to return to the field. The question is will he be ready for the season? The answer, no. His injury could have killed him, luckily he is doing well but will most likely not be the starter entering game one. He is beloved by the fans and many want him back, his strong leg and accuracy were a nice change from missing 20 yard field goals or six in one game...Alvarado.
His replacement, Eric Schwartz, did well last year. The walk on proved accurate but does not have the strongest leg, making only a handful of field goals over 40 yards. He might be the starter entering week on depending on the health and ability of Bonani. It should be interesting to see who will get the full time job, you might see Schwartz on kickoffs and Bonani on the field goals until he is at full strength, its a wait and see for now.
Believe it or not but there are 3 other kickers now on the roster, I know, where were they all two years ago? There is sophomore Austin Atkins, a walk on that was nearly our kicker but we stuck with Schwartz. He is still on the roster and will compete for the job, chances are he won't win the job and may even leave the team, its up to him to prove his worth. Renato Proja, another sophomore walk on is also a goalie for our soccer team. He has a strong leg but not sure how dedicated he is to the team and probably won't win the job. His leg is not strong enough and he does not have any experience. Let's be honest, did anyone know about these two? Unless your a true fan these names are breaking news to you :)
The last kicker is Chris Vernon, the freshmen in this years recruiting class, ranked the 67th best kicker in the nation by Rivals. He is a former soccer player with a strong leg. He might red shirt this year and wait his turn behind Schwartz and Bonani and the vie for a chance next year.
So there you have it, our kicking situation. Painful as it usually is, its going to get better. We have talent and depth and the shadow that loomed over us the last four years has graduated. So look for the Bulls to be solid on special teams this year, at least at the kicking game.
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