Army punting battle heating up with four in mix

What might be Army football’s most “hotly-contested” position battle in the preseason?

It’s not the secondary or linebacking position, which were hit by graduation, per coach Jeff Monken.

To some surprise, it’s Army’s punters.

“There are literally four guys that are duking it out for that (top) spot,” Monken said.

Senior Matt Rhodes is currently No. 1 on the depth chart as Army breaks preseason camp before classes start Monday. Rhodes is ahead of junior Cooper Allan, the Black Knights’ punter last season, sophomore James Wagenseller and junior Matt Gibbons.

While none of the four crushed a 50-to-60-yard punt Saturday, Rhodes was impressive near the end of the scrimmage when Monken created a scenario that backed up his punter to the end zone’s edge under heavy pressure. Rhodes avoided the rush and punted the ball near midfield. The former Army baseball recruit is also the holder for Army’s No. 1 kicker Trey Gronotte. Rhodes may be one of Army’s most improved players. Rhodes’ only college punt came during his sophomore season against Colgate. It went for seven yards.

Allan punted all 44 times for Army last season but averaged only 36.8 per kick, ranking last (122nd) among qualifying FBS punters.

Monken said Wagenseller, who would be making his college debut, “probably has the biggest leg but just (needs) consistency.”

Gibbons, who has yet to appear in a game, was offered an opportunity to play for Oklahoma State out of high school in the San Antonio area.

As for Army’s kicking, Monken said senior Trey Gronotte is No. 1 on the depth chart at placekicker (field goals/extra points) and junior Anderson Britton is the No. 1 kickoff specialist.

“They are both in competition for both of those jobs,” Monken said.