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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2009 > April > 26 > Entry
Bengals add UC punter; OK, Kyle, bye-bye
HUBER HANGS ‘EM HIGH;
HE’LL WIN PUNTING JOB
The selection of University of Cincinnati punter Kevin Huber in the fifth round of the NFL Draft (No. 142 overall) sends a clear message the Bengals are serious about upgrading their special teams.
It’s also a signal that the Bengals are ready for a change at punter. At 6-1, 220, Huber is bigger, taller and stronger than incumbent Kyle Larson, and Huber’s punts will do better in the cold autumn and winter winds that sweep through Paul Brown Stadium.
Huber has a powerful leg and shows fine distance and direction. He knows how to hang ‘em high and is poised under pressure.
Look for Huber to win the job over Larson and veteran newcomer Ryan Plackemeier. Larson is steady but not outstanding, and the club has had enough of his inconsistency. Larson will be searching for a new destination sooner rather than later.
The competition at training camp will be interesting and intense, but I definitely look for Huber, the consensus top punter in the draft, to win the job.
You don’t spend a fifth-round pick on a throw-away punter. You spend it on a guy you expect to stick. And Huber, a Bearcat, will stick.
Permalink | Comments (18) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By BonnieD
April 26, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this
Yes! This was a huge need! Field position is everything.By BonnieD
April 26, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this
Yes! This was a huge need! Field position is everything.By BonnieD
April 26, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this
Yes! This was a huge need! Field position is everything.By Jason
April 26, 2009 3:31 PM | Link to this
We will take him, this is an area that needed upgraded. This draft has been outstanding for the Bengals. It lookes like we are ready to play power football, yet we have a passing game too. I smell the makings of 2005 all oner again. WhoDey is back!! Where can I get some tickets?By Jason
April 26, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this
We will take him, this is an area that needed upgraded. This draft has been outstanding for the Bengals. It lookes like we are ready to play power football, yet we have a passing game too. I smell the makings of 2005 all over again. WhoDey is back!! Where can I get some tickets?By ken
April 26, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this
Chick, how can Larson be both “steady” AND “inconsistent?”By Mike
April 26, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this
Ken maybe he’s steadily inconsistent lol, I agree with youBy Josh
April 26, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this
This draft has been good for the Bengals. Problem is that we still need a running game…By Josh
April 26, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this
This draft has been good for the Bengals. Problem is that we still need a running game…By Jason
April 26, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this
We have a running game. “Benson” FB Johnson is back too.By BonnieD
April 26, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this
Why do people not realize how bad Larson was? How many times did the other team start on their own 40? Too many.By Mike
April 26, 2009 4:11 PM | Link to this
I think we made the necccasary moves to make this a more competetive line than last year where Benson did it without tested fullback, so I think the running game will improve by leaps and bound. Is Ringer still avaliable?By Brian
April 26, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this
How about steadily average with infuriating bouts of mediocrity in crucial situations?By psychostats
April 27, 2009 12:05 AM | Link to this
Chick, after the dust settles on the draft, I’d like to hear your take on Mike Brown’s “GM bonuses”. And the way he maneuvered around the team’s non-family stock holders.By richardb
April 27, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this
About that draft, it shows promise of a third straight productive draft which is welcome following the useless 2004, 2005 drafts. They should have at least 3 starters opening day with Smith, Malaluga and Huber. I’m wondering if Mike Brown is letting Marvin have a bigger voice? These last 3 drafts are much better than normal for Mike’s ownership.By richardb
April 27, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this
About that draft, it shows promise of a third straight productive draft which is welcome following the useless 2004, 2005 drafts. They should have at least 3 starters opening day with Smith, Malaluga and Huber. I’m wondering if Mike Brown is letting Marvin have a bigger voice? These last 3 drafts are much better than normal for Mike’s ownership.By Ron E
April 27, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this
I always liked Larson, and I think some of his struggles were due to the injury issues the Bengals have had over the past 2 years.By huh?
April 28, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
Ron, How in the world can you correlate Larson’s struggles with the Bengal injuries? His job is (was) to get the ball off in a short amount of time, down field further than 30 yds., with a decent hangtime. He continually kicked ducks and line drives that didn’t allow for his coverage to get downfield to make a play. His direction was terrible, and when he needed to pin the opposition inside the 10 ro 20, he routinely put it in the endzone. He should have been addressed a LONG time ago.