Clemson turning to soccer player yet again?

By Bob Wilson  |   Sunday, April 22, 2007  |  Comments( 3 )

Clemson Tigers
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Mark Buchholz may be moonlighting as the Clemson Tigers' place-kicker next fall. The Georgia native is in school on a soccer scholarship, but he could be called on by head coach Tommy Bowden to take over the kicking duties. If it happens it wouldn't be the first time Clemson has turned to a soccer player to aid the football team.

In 1977, then-coach Charlie Pell stole Obed Ariri away from the soccer team and began laying the groundwork for the glory years of the 1980s. Donald Igwebuike was also a standout on the soccer field before kicking his way into Clemson football lore.

Not all conversions have been as well known or successful as those of Ariri and Igwebuike, both of whom had NFL careers; however, Buchholz is making the best of his opportunity. In the Orange and Purple Spring game, he connected on all three of his attempts from 21, 32 and 35 yards and made his only extra point attempt. While none of the tries were from 40 or more yards, most Tiger fans would probably settle for a kicker who can consistently deliver from short distances -- especially after last season.

It remains to be seen how the three-year starter on the soccer team would perform under the pressure of a real game, but the coaches have to be impressed so far. Buchholz's soccer teams have consistently been ranked in the top 20 in the nation, so he has experienced some pressure -- just not that of 80,000 orange-clad fans screaming for him to make a game-winning kick.

Buchholz also has a nice pedigree. He was an all-state kicker at Chattahoochee High School in Georgia, the same school that former Tiger QB Charlie Whitehurst went to. Perhaps nothing can prepare Buchholz for the experience of kicking in front of the cheering crowds at Death Valley, but at least he is an accomplished high school player.

Many experts expected Richard Jackson to challenge for the punting job and maybe the kickoff duties last year. Footage of his 60-plus-yard field goal was all over the Tigers' Web site last summer. However, injuries took him out of the running.

This summer should be interesting as Jackson and Buchholz duel for the starting kicking position. A few months ago, it looked like Jackson's job to lose. Now, with the soccer player making strides, it appears to be turning into an open competition. While Jackson may have a leg up, don't count Buchholz out yet.

Get original Clemson Tigers coverage as well as regular college football insight at RealFootball365.com
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