May 19th, 2009
http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/jeffmetcalfe/53507
BOBBY WENZIG -TKS PUNTER OF THE YEAR
Chris MacDonald was a freshman All-America after averaging 43.1 yards in 2004 but took heat for his part in six blocked punts in 2004-05. Kicker Jesse Ainsworth replaced MacDonald during the ‘05 season then MacDonald transferred to Texas State.
Junior college transfer Jonathon Johnson punted in 2006, but his average dropped to 37.7 in ‘07 when he was eventually replaced by kicker Thomas Weber. Weber doubled up again last season, but he had two punts blocked and his kicking dropped off some from his Groza Award-winning form of 2007.
ASU has ranked No. 83 or lower nationally in net punting in four of the last five seasons, a big drop-off from No. 27 (2002) and No. 16 (2003) when Parker was the punter and No. 26 (2001) and No. 31 (2000) with Murphy.
Trevor Hankins had a chance last season and during recent spring practice to displace Weber but hasn’t been fast enough in his get off or consistent enough to do so.
So the next contender will be Bobby Wenzig, an invited walk-on from San Diego Westview High School. The 6-foot-1 Wenzig made Division II All-State second team, averaging 41.4 yards per punt and making 12-of-12 field goals including a 50-yarder.
“He could have been MVP of the team,” said John Matich, who directs The Kicking System and works with Wenzig. “He turned one game around with his punting. He’s the best in San Diego County in quite some time and very good under pressure.”
Matich has worked with California kicker David Seawright and Stanford kicker Travis Golia and believes Wenzig is “not far off” that duo in ability. He was considering some Ivy League and small school options, Matich said, but couldn’t say no to a Pac-10 opportunity.
Weber also started as a walk-on at ASU before getting a scholarship when he replaced Ainsworth. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
“Punting as a true freshman is harder than place kicking,” Matich said. “It’s a big, big step, but I think he has a good opportunity to step in right away.”
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