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Kicking relief for Alvarado?
Posted Sep 16, 2009 by Brett McMurphy
Updated Sep 16, 2009 at 09:15 PM
University of South Florida K Delbert Alvarado, who has handled the place-kicking, punting and kickoff duties in USF’s first two games, may be relieved of his kickoff responsibilities.
Alvarado, who missed both field goal attempts at WKU Saturday, will remain USF’s kicker and punter, but Eric Schwartz is getting a good look at kicking off this week.
“It’s a wide open competition,” USF coach Jim Leavitt said. “It’s hard to do all of it (place-kicking, punting and kicking off), it’s not easy.”
Leavitt has said Alvarado has performed well in practice, but that hasn’t carried over to the games.
“It’s like if you get in a battling slump – I’m very familiar with it, I’ve been there – you’ve got to work through it,” he said. “Just go out there and hit a lot of baseball. I know the psychology is to go back to focus and fundamentals, get back to things you’re successful at mentally. That’s very important.
“Delbert’s been through all of it, we have more kicking coaches than you can shake a stick at.”
Alvarado, who was replaced after two games as USF’s field goal kicker, has missed five of seven field goals in the past two seasons. He is averaging 43.2 yards a punt.
Hester doubtful: Senior WR Jessie Hester likely will miss his second consecutive game with a hamstring injury.
Hester re-injured his hamstring during Wednesday’s practice, Leavitt said.
“He really looked good today,” Leavitt said. “I don’t know how long that will be. He’ll probably be out this week. It’s the hamstring, it’s been frustrating. It’s really sad for him, because he’s such a good player.”
Hester entered this season with a reception in a school-record 22 consecutive games, but did not have a catch in the opener against Wofford.
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Reader Comments
Por (Don G) on September 17, 2009 (Suggest removal)
Decision to relieve Alvarado of KO duties makes sense. Additionally, it gets Schwartz the much-needed game experience. If USF plays as it should against this mediocre 1AA team, I wouldn’t think that there will be very many FGs, but should produce a lot of KO opportunities for Schwartz. Guess we’ll see if there’s any improvement in Bulls’ kicking game this Saturday?
Suggest removalPor (Terry_Lucas) on September 17, 2009 (Suggest removal)
With Hester’s recent injury issues, wonder if it would be beneficial to redshirt to allow him another season (not sure if he has a redshirt left). If he potentially could end up in the draft in 2011, it might be worth it to him. However, after seeing DeAndrew Rubin get drafted and not getting too much playing time at the next level (arguably our best receiver), I wonder if there is a place for Jesse in the NFL. Good luck Hester… What a tough break your season season. Keep your head up.
Suggest removalPor (Terry_Lucas) on September 17, 2009 (Suggest removal)
I don’t even want to comment on the kicking game… makes me sick to my stomach thinking about one of our upcoming games that could potentially be decided ala FSU-UM over the past three decades… we have no room for error with our strength of schedule this season.
Suggest removalPor (Brett McMurphy) on September 17, 2009 (Suggest removal)
Don, I believe that’s why Leavitt is considering Schwartz more this week - it’s a game USF should win big. And he should get able opportunities at game action, getting seven or eight kickoffs. You certainly don’t want to debut Schwartz at FSU. Terry, Hester played as a true freshman in 2005, but redshirted in 2006 so he would not have any remaining eligibility after this season. And you’re right about Rubin, he was a beast in college - but the NFL game is a whole other level.
Suggest removalPor (Don G) on September 17, 2009 (Suggest removal)
Terry, re: Bulls’ tough schedule and kicking game, I totally agree. With the downsides previously discussed (after last season & during college recruiting) about this year’s team (OL the main area of concern), kicking game will be the difference in this team being 8-4 or 7-5 (my prediction) or going 6-6. Is it just my skewed view, or does CJL seem to lack any real concern or urgency about signing top level high school kickers? So much talk about recruits for both sides of the ball, but I don’t recall much excitement about recruiting kicking prospects?
Suggest removal