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CHERUBINI CHIMES IN
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One-on-One with the
Pirates
Tuesday,
August 30, 2011
By Ron Cherubini |
Q&A
with Ben Ryan
By
Ron Cherubini
©2011 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.
 When
former East Carolina punter Matt Dodge graduated to the NFL two years ago,
the Pirates were left without a real punter on the roster. So, the team
turned to the guy who lost the battle for the placekicker position. Ben Ryan
had been a starting placekicker before, filling in for an injured Ben
Hartman a couple of years ago, so he had the mental edge to contribute to
the team’s overall success. Ryan, who had never been formally trained in
punting, picked up the football and started booting it.
While his average of just shy of 40 yards per kick was not earth-shattering,
it was noteworthy that Ryan did not have a punt blocked and had success
killing the ball inside the 20. He also was an effective kickoff specialist.
So, this year, Ryan has a body of work, now, to build on. He expects to be
the frontline punter and kickoff specialist.
Ben was kind enough to sit down for a chat with Bonesville to share his
insights on the upcoming season.
Ben Ryan (12) in action (ECU SID
photo)
One-on-One with Ben Ryan
Q: Last season, you completed the
journey from placekicker to punter and did a pretty
good job of it. You also handled kickoff duties. How
are you feeling heading into 2011?
A: I feel a lot more comfortable
this season. I hadn’t punted (before last year), so
I was learning. I think I am very comfortable in
game situations and because (of the experience) the
pressure is less.
Q: Heading into spring and
summer, where were you most focused on improving
your skills?
A: Looking back, I could have
done a lot better. I know that expectations are
higher this season, so I went to a few camps this
summer… which I had never done before. I got a lot
of instruction and have worked on correcting my
technique. Also, I focused on how to practice right.
Q: Describe the relief you have
for having your deep snapper back. Talk about that
relationship?
A: You know, we are co-dependent
and have to trust one another for our success.
(William Smith) is a third-year starter and he is
good. We came in one semester apart and are in the
same graduating class. He is a big reason (for no
blocked kicks) last year.
Q: How is the kickoff work going?
A: Honestly, I have been more
focused on the punting. I have always done kickoffs
and was always more comfortable doing it. I haven’t
made many changes in terms of the kicking off
(techniques). I am excited about seeing what more
strength will mean in (the kickoff aspects of the
game).
Q: You mention the increased
strength. Can you talk about Coach Jeff Connors’
impact on you personally?
A: Coach Connors absolutely has
it down. He knows exactly how to train and work with
kickers. He focuses on each player’s needs and is
very, very good at getting results.
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Ron Cherubini Archives
08/30/2011 04:28 AM |
