12/6/2010 football Edit

Kicker commits to Arizona State

Adam Gorney

Staff

Kicker Josh Hubner committed to Arizona State this weekend and now the Scottsdale (Ariz.) Scottsdale C.C. prospect wants to do anything he can to help the Sun Devils - and he means anything from contributing in other ways on special teams to possibly backing up players on defense.

"I'm going to try to get involved as much as I can," Hubner said. "I came out of high school being the backup quarterback. I was a starter both ways at tight end and defensive end/linebacker. One day my high school coach said he needed a punter and I kicked it and we went from there.

"I want to be a part of their special teams. I'm a holder as well. I did kickoffs but it didn't work out best for me because of the conflict with the motions. I'm not a small kid so I'd like to get involved on backing up defensive players. Whatever I can do to help out the team, I'll do. I'm just that kind of person."

Hubner is a 6-foot-4, 225-pound prospect who also had offers from Arizona, UNLV and Utah State. He averaged 40.2 yards per punt this season.

Early on in his recruitment, Hubner thought he might want to leave the state to play college football but realized throughout the process that staying closer to home would be a better option.

He first called Arizona State defensive line coach Grady Stretz to commit and has since talked with coach Dennis Erickson and tight ends/special teams coach Jamie Christian.

"I grew up in Scottsdale and I have a lot of connections here with friends and family," Hubner said. "My heart is definitely here. Originally, I thought getting out of here for a while and trying something else is what I wanted to do but when it all came down to it, it turns out my heart is here in Arizona.

"What's so appealing to me about Arizona State is the fact that Dennis Erickson is one of the best college coaches ever in my opinion. They have lots of starters returning next season which is huge for me. I feel like I can be a part of something big at ASU. They also have a history of putting punters in the NFL."