Fourth-and-blog

49 days to Camp Rantoul

Posted by: Bob Asmussen

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 2:02 PM

No. 19: Anthony Santella, punter.

Why he's important: Though you wouldn't know it from the conversations you heard during the spring, his punting numberse were better in 2008 than in 2007. He averaged 2 more yards per kick and had more 50-plus yarders. The problem for Santella is that everything is measured against his best day as an Illini. Which also happened to be in the Rose Bowl. He averaged 44.7 yards against Southern Cal, a number the Illinois coaches hoped he would approach as the starter in 2008. It didn't happen, which is why there is competition going into Camp Rantoul. All of the punters struggled during the spring game, but you can blame the elements for some of that. What Ron Zook wants to see is Santella booting the ball 40 yards on a consistent basis with good hang time. He's set with his long snapper. If we don't mention Santella much beyond the first game, it means he is having a good season.

Getting personal: Wauconda native originally went to Utah. But he was stuck behind All-American Louie Sakoda, so he transferred. Joined the Illini during the spring in 2007. A standout in both football and soccer at Wauconda, where he had 22 goals and 33 assists in two seasons. Walk-on is the latest in a line of friendly Illini punters, a list that includes Steve Weatherford and Steve Fitts in recent seasons. Could see competition from the incoming freshman, including receiver/punter Steve Hull.

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