Leone

After tying a UH single-season record and leading Conference USA in punting average, Richie Leone might have more responsibilities this season.

Leone, a Ray Guy National Punter of the Year Award semifinalist in 2011 and 2012, is competing to be the Cougars’ starting field goal kicker during his senior season.

Though he handled field goal duties in high school, one of his best friends, former kicker Matt Hogan manned the position at UH since 2009, while Leone handled the team’s punting and placekicking. Hogan left UH as C-USA’s all-time leading scorer with 405 points.

Leone is now competing with freshman kicker Ty Cummings to become the Cougars’ field goal kicker. Head coach Tony Levine will make a decision on a kicker around the end of the second week of summer practice, he said.

Leone said he is ready if he gets the chance to kick field goals and punt this season.

“It’s going to be more fun, I won’t have to sit on the sidelines as much. I will be more involved in the game.”

Senior punter Richie Leone punts is competing to become the Cougars’ field goal kicker this season | File Photo/The Daily Cougar

Even if Leone isn’t selected as the team’s field goal kicker, he will still have a big impact on the opposing team’s field position. Senior cornerback Zachary McMillian said Leone’s strong leg makes him a valuable weapon.

“I was blessed with him because he came in with me. I don’t know what bad field position is dealing with him… It’s almost like he’s another offensive threat,” McMillian said.

In terms of average yardage per punt, he is the second leading returning punter (45.5) in the nation behind Kyle Christy from Florida (45.8). Leone kicked 20 punts for more than 50 yards and placed 60 punts inside the opponents 20-yard line last season.

Leone’s professionalism and talent makes special teams coach Jamie Christian’s job a lot easier.

“Knowing that he knows his craft, I can focus on scheme more and the other guys in front of him protecting him,” Christian said.

Levine, who personally recruited Leone while he was special teams coach, said he has enjoyed watching the senior punter grow up during the last four years.

“(While recruiting him) I flew into Atlanta and drove up to Roswell, Georgia six times in December and January,” Levine said. “That seems like it was just yesterday and now it’s his senior year. I may be biased, but he is the best punter in the United States… He came in as a true freshman and did a great job right from the start and we will certainly be sad to see him leave.”

Practice Notes:

Jackson adds defense to list of duties

Freshman Chauntez Jackson will contribute on offense and defense this season,Tony Levine announced on Monday.

Jackson will add defensive end to his duties as a tight end. His 6-foot-4 frame makes him a good candidate to play both positions, Levine said.

“He is one of the most athletic young men in our program,” Levine said.

Jackson had two sacks during his first scrimmage with the defensive line.

Mathews shines in practice

Junior linebacker Derrick Mathews made the move to middle linebacker from the outside so the team could become stronger up the middle. During Monday’s practice, Mathews shedded a would-be blocker with a quick move and tackled the running back for a four-yard loss, impressing his head coach.

“He made a play tonight that, in my six years here I haven’t seen many guys make,” Levine said.

Mathews has emerged as a defensive leader this offseason.

sports@thedailycougar.com