Specialist getting long looks

If your college is in need of a kicking specialist then this is the year for you. In the early going it seems that there are several specialists in California who could warrant a scholie for the class of 2005.

One of them could very well be Kyle Peterson (6-4, 190, 4.7) from West Covina (Calif.) South Hills.

Peterson primarily handled the punting and kickoff chores for South Hills in 2004. His performance saw him be selected second-team all-state underclass and second-team all-CIF D-VII as a punter.

The strong legged Peterson had the longest punt in the Golden State as a junior with an 85-yard effort. The kick went 60 yards in the air and received a very kind roll for the other 25 yards.

On the season, Peterson had 14 punts that were downed inside the 20-yard line. When kicking off Peterson racked up 22 touchbacks. Now that is what we call a weapon.

"Kyle is the complete package as a kicker," South Hills coach James Escarcega said. "He has height, he has a strong leg, great hands and he's tough. Kyle saved our bacon more than once with touchdown saving tackles."

"I do the special teams for South Hills," Escarcega said. "Not only can Kyle punt for distance but he has a great short game. He can place the ball on a punt inside the 20 with great proficiency."

Peterson will also take over all the kicking chores for South Hills this fall. He will add kicking field goals and PAT's to his punting and kickoff obligations.

An outstanding all-around athlete, Peterson also participates in basketball and swimming.

The one school that seems to be showing Peterson a lot of attention is the Cal Golden Bears. The Bears have personally invited him to go to Junior Day and he has accepted. Washington has also expressed a very strong interest in him and will be recruiting Peterson. The other school that has shown a great deal of interest is Columbia University. With his 3.5 core GPA, it's easy to see why. Peterson will be taking the SAT in May.