Colorado University Athletics
Buffs' Kicker Competition Heats Up
April 02, 2003 | Football
BOULDER - Through five practices this spring, the University of Colorado football team has witnessed some heavy competition both on offense and defense that should carry into next season's fall camp.
But while the quarterbacks and defensive backs have garnered much of the attention early on, head coach Gary Barnett and his staff believe some of the best position battles have emerged on special teams. With a herd of young kickers looking for a leg up come fall, Barnett has been especially pleased with the performance of his kicking crew thus far.
"We'll have a great shootout in the fall," Barnett stated Wednesday, after the Buffs' first practice since returning from spring break. "We are going to be alright there (next season)."
One of the key reasons why Barnett believes the kicking game will be much improved from a year ago can be attributed to a player who technically should still be in high school. Freshman Kevin Eberhart (Broomfield), who graduated early this past December, has joined CU this spring and added some pop to a mix that is looking to replace the departed Patrick Brougham.
After nailing 10-of-15 field goals his senior season, including a 57-yarder, Eberhart finished his high school career as Colorado's all-time leader in points (255), field goals made (36), and extra points made (147). When he decided to graduate early, a choice he says he made as a junior, the 5-foot-10, 180-pounder was somewhat weary about the shift to college life.
But now, half way through the CU semester and spring practice, both Eberhart and Barnett believe the premature graduation has done nothing but bolster the Buffs' kicking assault.
"The transition has gone really well," Eberhart said Wednesday. "The transition was not as difficult as I anticipated. All the players and coaches, instead of putting pressure on me, have been very supportive and encouraging."
"He's got a lot of talent," Barnett added. "He's got a real live leg, and he gets it up fast and high. Coaching him this spring will really help him out."
Battling with Eberhart for the starting job is sophomore J.T. Eberly, who currently stands at No. 1 on the depth chart, and sophomore Justin Zaitz. Serving as the pooch kick-off specialist last season on several attempts, Eberly has made a strong case this spring and according to Barnett, "is doing really well, too."
But even more encouraging for the Buffs, come fall they expect their placekicking depth to get even richer, as incoming freshman Mason Crosby (Georgetown, Texas) will arrive in camp and add immediately to the competition.
"It is good competition for the team and for each of us as players," Eberly stated. "We push each other each day and come out to do the best we can. It's a fight that can only make this team better."
Practice Notes: Offensive linemen Karl Allis (foot) and Gary Moore (quadriceps) returned to action during the day, however, Barnett said the two focused mainly on individual work.
Sophomore defensive backs J.J. Billingsley and Gerett Burl have been suspended for the remainder of the spring season according to Barnett, due to academic reasons.
