Kicking Game Seeks Consistency
The Irish kicking game features the return of sophomore punter Hunter
Smith (36.4 average in '95) and placekickers Scott Cengia (5 of 5 in field
goals, 12 of 12 on PATs) and Kevin Kopka (6 of 11 on field goals, 27 of
29 on PATs).
Kopka boasts the stronger leg, but Cengia proved more consistent after
taking over placekicking responsibilities late in '95.
Kopka remains the best bet to kick off.
Also returning as a punting candidate is senior Scott Palumbo (he punted
one time in '95).
Notre Dame's return game should include speedster Allen Rossum (he
developed into the top kickoff returner late in '95, averaging 31.3 yards
on his three returns) and Emmett Mosley (he ranked fifth nationally in
kickoff returns in '95 with a 27.9-yard average and had a 14.5 mark on
punt returns).
