Aug. 29, 2006

Toledo, OH - While a lot of attention is being paid by Rocket fans to the loss of superstar quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, another critical position is being filled by a true freshman this fall.

Alex Steigerwald, who hit 19-of-21 field goals the past two seasons at Cleveland Benedictine High School, will have fill the kicking boots of Jason Robbins, who made all 13 of his field goal attempts in 2005 en route to being named MAC Special Teams Player of the Year. The UT coaches are high on Steigerwald but are quick to remind Rocket fans that it can take time for young kickers to adjust to the college game.

Steigerwald beat out junior Mike Krispinsky. Krispinsky shared kickoff duties with Robbins over the past two seasons, and though he has not attempted a field goal as a collegian, he still could be a factor in the Rocket kicking game in 2006.

Toledo's special teams overall look pretty solid, otherwise. Junior Brett Kern is back for his third year as the punter, while sophomore Jeremy Mack returns as the long snapper.

On the return side, the Rockets finished second in the MAC in kickoff returns (21.8) and fourth in kickoff coverage (17.6 avg.) in 2005. Steve Odom should be the main man for kickoff and punt returns. He averaged 24.8 yards per kickoff return and 6.3 yards per punt return in 2005.