Kicker Michael Braunstein doesn't have the most typical transfer story.
There are those transfers who, after performing well at a small school, make the jump to a bigger school in hopes of grabbing more national exposure. And there are others who transfer from a big school to a smaller school in hopes of simply receiving some playing time.
Braunstein had neither of those problems. He went to the University of Washington, a Pac-10 school, and was the team's everyday kicker last season.
He didn't do too badly either.
Of his 12 field goal attempts on the year, Braunstein missed only two, both coming in a game the Huskies still won. He hit a career-long 47-yard field goal against Arizona State and didn't miss an extra point all season.
But apparently, it wasn't enough for Tyrone Willingham, Braunstein's coach.
According to a Nov. 10 article in The Seattle Times, Willingham told Braunstein and four other players before their last home game of the 2006 season that they would not be invited back for the 2007 season, despite all having a year of eligibility left.
Willingham was quoted in the article as saying that a fifth year is not something that is guaranteed
adding that it is both an honor and a privilege.
Even though he was honored as a graduating senior in that final home game, Braunstein wasn't ready to call it quits. Left with a year of eligibility and a strong desire to continue kicking, Braunstein contacted Ohio coach Frank Solich with an e-mail explaining his situation.
An NCAA rule, which has since been suspended, allowed Braunstein, who had already completed his undergraduate degree and still had a year of eligibility, to play at another school while taking post-graduate courses.
While sometimes overlooked when discussing college athletics, those post-graduate courses Braunstein will take played a key role in his choosing Ohio.
The opportunity arose and I talked to coach Solich and everything fell into place
said Braunstein, who recently enrolled in the university's sports administration master's program. It's a great program here. It's worked out to be perfect.
Braunstein knows that he won't win the approval of fans and coaches with his academic accolades, however. His focus remains on building off the success he had last year, 2,527 miles away from Athens.
I still have a lot to prove
Braunstein said. I just want to put another year like that together. You never know
I might have a shot at the NFL
and I want to work toward the Lou Groza award.
My ultimate goal
he added, is to be one of the most accurate kickers at the collegiate level.
If his performance in last Friday's scrimmage is any implication of what to expect from Braunstein in 2007, Bobcat faithful should be excited about the new foot in town.
Braunstein nailed three of his four attempts, all coming from at least 40 yards out. His lone miss, a 55-yard attempt, had enough distance but sailed just wide right.
It's a plus for us knowing that every time we're down (in an opponent's territory)
that if we don't get seven points on the board
we still have an option to kick with a good chance of him getting something done down there
Solich said.
Aside from his accuracy at long distances, Braunstein's big-game experience should also work to his advantage in Mid-American Conference games, where he will kick in front of far fewer fans than he did in the Pac-10. Don't ask Braunstein to admit it, though.
The game's still the same
