The man standing outside the locker room wearing a practice jersey has scored a total of zero touchdowns so far this year. He has sacked the opposing quarterback on zero occasions and has yet to make any incredible interceptions.
Yet, every passing player gives him a friendly shout and hand slap.
Freshman punter Ben Woods might be overlooked simply based on statistics. But rest assuredm, the young punter is very important to the Bulls' success.
The outcome of a football game is often decided based on very small plays, with field position and special teams being the first aspects of the game that are called into question. At the head of the special teams unit for UB, who is also the team's kickoff specialist.
A true freshman, Woods joined the team this year and has taken over most of the punting and kickoff responsibilities. Woods was a four-year varsity player in Hermitage, Pa. As a soccer player in seventh grade, a coach noticed his strong leg and brought him into the football program.
"I used to play soccer and had a strong leg," said Woods. "I played a few other positions in high school, but I was best at kicking."
Now an exercise science major at UB, Woods is looking toward a career in dentistry. He has found his niche on the football team and continues to work on getting into academics.
"There is definitely a lot of work involved with the academics, it takes a lot of time," said Woods.
With the performance Woods put on last week, an NFL career should not be put out of the question.
Woods was awarded special teams player of the week honors in the Mid-American Conference's East Division after averaging 46.7 yards per punt in UB's victory over Central Florida.
Woods also took nine kickoffs, and kept the ball deep enough to allow an average of just over 18 return yards per kick from the opposition. He was also credited with one touchback.
The UB record for punting yards is 41.4 yards per punt, which was set in 2001 by Mike Masucci. So far this season for the Bulls, Woods has been able to average over a yard more per punt, giving his defensive teammates a little bit more room to hold the opposition back.
On and off the field, Woods is a team player. On the field, he does a tough job for the Bulls, a job that usually garners very little glory. Off the field, Woods looks up to his father, who has helped him become what the player he is today.
"My dad is my hero," said Woods. "He's always been there for me and I know I can always count on him."
Woods and his Bulls teammates will be stomping back into UB Stadium October 16 to face Miami of Ohio at 1:30 p.m. But first they will travel to Akron to face a hard-nosed Zips squad this Saturday.
Woods will be using the same strategy that has been working for him so far this season.
"I try to prepare very well mentally, and try to waste as little energy as possible," said Woods. "So I can give it everything I have in the seven or eight plays that I'm in the game."
