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Back-to-back special teamers? The best part is Toledo punter Vince Penza becomes the fourth leg to earn a spot in the Top 68. To do his kicking ability justice, read his résumé with the enthusiasm of Rich Eisen.
Penza came to Toledo from one of Ohio's best high school programs, Cardinal Mooney in Youngstown. Penza redshirted his first year on campus, but earned the starting job as a freshman in 2010. He asserted his punting dominance in his first season on the field punting in all 13 games. Penza's booted a 65-yard punt in Toledo's matchup with Northern Illinois, which still stands as his career-best after two additional seasons.
All of Penza's numbers dropped off in his sophomore season. His punt total decreased from 58 to 49 and his average dropped by two yards. His only statistical improvement was going from having three punts blocked in 2010 to zero in 2011.
After his "sophomore slump," Penza exploded in 2012 for his best statistical season. His 58 punts and 40.5 average per punt are both career highs. Penza also placed 21 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line, giving him 52 pins inside the 20 during his tenure at Toledo.
Penza enters his senior season at Toledo in 2013. The Rockets will hope Penza's punt attempts will decrease with an increase in production from their offense. In 2012, the Rockets converted on 42 percent of the third downs they faced. With offensive weapons Terrance Owens, David Flullen and Bernard Reedy all returning, Toledo will look to score points rather than punt the ball away in the upcoming season.
Also, with Toledo's defense giving up an average of 473.2 yards per game last year, having them start deeper in their own territory can't hurt.
Penza's accomplishments as a punter has garnered some recognition from NFL Scouts if he looks to further his career. NFL Draft Scout has Penza ranked as their 18th best punter, so if his numbers continue to climb, Penza could find himself working out for a roster spot in the NFL next summer.
Penza and the Rockets kick off their season in Gainesville on Saturday, Aug. 31.