For those who say that punters aren't athletes, senior Ben Woods wants to prove them all wrong. The punter for the football team may only play one sport now, but he has played four other sports competitively in his lifetime.
At Hickory High School in Hermitage, PA, Woods lettered in all but one of those sports.
"I played football, basketball, baseball, track and field." Woods said. "I was a four-year starter in football, four-year varsity letterman in football and basketball, three years for baseball and one year for track and field."
Woods was named All-Conference as a punter and kicker and was All-State as a punter. However, he was honored in more than just football during high school.
"I made it to States, throwing discus, believe it or not, with my size," Woods said.
Woods would be referring to his 6'2", 201-pound frame that proved to be very versatile in many different sports. As far as football, Woods didn't start playing until seventh grade, and his family and friends ultimately influenced his decision to play on a team.
"I played soccer until sixth grade. A bunch of my buddies played football and I just started getting into Pop-Warner," Woods said. "I played seventh and eighth grade and up through high school. My dad wanted me to play. My mom wanted me to just be a kicker, but I played all positions in high school."
Woods didn't really choose his position as punter. He won the job by impressing the coaching staff in high school.
"I didn't punt or kick in 7th or 8th grade," Woods said. "My freshman year we needed a punter. After practice one day, we had a competition and I won the job."
Woods then decided to play football in college because of the scholarship opportunities. He chose Buffalo because of the coaching staff, playing time and the chance win a Mid-American Conference championship. Woods is happy so far with the decision.
"The players are awesome. I have great teammates," Woods said. "The coaching staff is great, too. They are very personable with the players. They really develop a good relationship with the players. It makes it a family atmosphere."
Woods enjoys playing for head coach Turner Gill, who just started his second season in charge of the team.
"It's awesome. Just like at Nebraska when he was playing quarterback, he leads the team in so many ways on and off the field," Woods said. "He's a good leader on the field, off the field and everywhere."
Gill also knows how to lighten the mood with his sense of humor.
"He's a funny guy," Woods said "he sits with us at our pre-game meals and cracks jokes and stuff. He's just a great guy all-around."
Woods has started every game in his career at Buffalo. He was fifth in the MAC and 52nd in the nation with 41.2 yards per punt during his freshmen campaign. He had the longest punt in the conference that year, with a 68-yard boot at Akron on Oct. 9. The Sporting News named him a third-team Freshman All-American for his efforts.
Woods had 80 punts as a sophomore, the second-highest total in school history. He punted for 2,967 yards that season, which was the third-highest total in a season for a Bull.
Woods had another solid year as a junior last season after spending time on kick-offs. He has high hopes for the team and himself this season.
"My goal is for us to win a MAC Championship," Woods said. "Individually, I'd like to be an All-American."
During his free time, Woods is working hard by hitting the weight room and concentrating on academics.
"I lift weights, watch game film and do homework," Woods said. "I play a lot of ping pong with my roommates."
For non-believers who say punters aren't athletes, Woods simply said he would ask them how many different sports they have played. The end result would be another competition simply won by Ben Woods.
Photo: Courtesy of SUNY
