Huber Ready for 2008 Season

TRAINING CAMP 2008 INDEX: Features, news, notes, video, photos, schedule and more

Bearcats Punter Kevin Huber already has accomplished more as a punter than he ever could have imagined. After posting one of the most impressive seasons in the history of UC football, Huber was not only named to the All-Big-East First team, but he was also recognized as an All American. This season he has been named a pre season All American team and is considered by most to be the top punter in the nation, a distinction he feels honored to receive.

"It's something you always dream about," said Huber. "Obviously you go into each season with the goal to be the best, and to have a season like that is just awesome."

Even having accomplished all of that, Huber still has goals he would like to achieve. One of those goals is for the Bearcats to win the Big East championship and compete in a BCS bowl game. He knows in order for them to do that it's going to take the team's best effort; himself included. He has been working hard in the offseason to ensure that this season is just as productive for him as last.

"Last year is last year, and I have to go into this season with a clean slate," said Huber. "I can't try and let last year get me through this year. I've been working on a few things to improve from last year. (All of the other kickers and me) go out on our own time when the field is clear and we get our kicking in, our punting in, and our long snapping in. Plus we are by ourselves so we can go to any area of the field we want and really get it down. We can do all of the situations, and all of the scenarios. We just get out and do a lot of stuff together."

As much as his success has been due to his own hard work, Kevin admits that without some of his teammates, he would not be where he is now.

"I've been working with my long snapper Mike Windt. He has been great. He's been putting a lot of time in to help him get better, which in turn makes me better. The more consistent he is, the more consistent I am. If the snap goes over my head and I have to get it off quick, or if I have to scoop the ball off the ground or go two yards to the left or right, it makes all the difference. I have been getting every snap right back to me every time, so I don't have to worry about it."

Huber also attributes having camp at Higher Ground with helping his game.

"I think it's really important because back at school coaches don't really have as much control over players as they do here," said Huber. "They have their cars, and they have their friends and girlfriends that want to come hang out on Friday and Saturday nights. Out here it's strictly football and I think that helps a lot."

Kevin Huber has given the Bearcats a punter they can rely on, and most expect him to do just the same this season. While it may not get you in the limelight as much as some of the skill positions, punting is one of the most important aspects of the game. His punting has helped the Bearcats in their quest to turn the football program from a lowly Conference USA team, to a team that can compete year in and year out in the Big East. Having grown up a UC fan, Huber feels honored to be a part of that transformation.

"I can still remember coming to the games then they had the Astroturf, so that was a long time ago. I used to run around the field after games. It's been a lot of fun growing up around Cincinnati."

Playing at home has also been a big honor for him, and having family around and watching every one of his games has really helped him.

"It's awesome. I get my family coming out all the time. It gives my relatives who are all big UC fans a chance to come out and see the team play. They all have their season tickets for this year already. They all keep telling me how they want to come out and watch me play. I already have 10 or 15 relatives making plans for the Hawai'i trip, so it's great."

Huber is happy with the team's chances of winning a Big East championship. He thinks this year's team has no limits and they have set the bar high.

"The sky is the limit for us. We've got great returners coming back. We have a great defense, and a lot of senior leaders. We did lose some great players last year, but we have a lot of guys who can come in and fill those gaps. I think we can be one of the best."

TRAINING CAMP 2008 INDEX: Features, news, notes, video, photos, schedule and more