IOWA CITY —
Ottumwa football fans may claim that they recall punter Jonny Mullings — but it’s only true if they were paying close attention to all of the JV games.
Mullings, who attended Ottumwa as a foreign-exchange student from Australia in 2009, was an established rugby player who wanted to take a shot at American-style football while living in the United States. But, at the time, he was 21 years old — too old to get the standard visa that foreign-exchange students normally receive. That being the case, the same rules that apply to transfers are enacted — student athletes on the varsity level must sit out 90 days. Mullings wouldn’t be allowed to play varsity football.
But that didn’t mean he couldn’t play JV.
Though he saw very little action — he only played in two games — he raised a few eyebrows with his powerful leg. Mullings boomed an 83-yard punt in a JV game against Newton. Former Ottumwa coach Tom Kopatich claimed that Mullings once kicked a 100-yard punt in practice.
Now Mullings is in contention for the starting punter job at Iowa. The sophomore — now 24 years old — is one of three Hawkeyes competing for the spot. The others are former quarterback John Wienke — a senior who originally committed to Michigan before choosing Iowa — and Connor Kornbrath, a 6-foot-6 freshman from West Virginia.
Another athlete with area ties who stands to see playing time for the Hawkeyes this season is Oskaloosa native Steven Staggs. Staggs, a senior receiver, is listed in the two-deep as a wideout. At this point, Keenan Davis is the starting split end, with Don Shumpert backing him up. Kevonte Martin-Manley will start at receiver with Staggs behind him. Staggs may also be the third wide receiver should the Hawkeyes run out of a three-receiver formation.
Staggs saw action in 10 games as a junior last season, and recorded five receptions for 45 yards. His first career reception as a Hawkeye came in 45-17 win over Louisiana-Monroe.
Will Kincart, a freshman from Davis County, joined the Hawkeyes as a preferred walk-on this season. The 6-3, 235-pound defensive end is likely to redshirt. Kincart is the first member to attend Iowa from a family that has seen 13 members attend Iowa State, including Will’s older sister. His father Jeff Kincart played at Iowa State University and lettered for the Cyclones in 1980.
Sports
August 15, 2012
Former Bulldog competing for punter job at Iowa
Staggs, Kincart also practicing with Hawkeyes
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