If UF kickers Joey Ijjas and Jonathan Phillips learned anything from former Gator Chris Hetland last season, it was how to mentally to cope with failure.
"You can watch and see how hard it was on him at times last year," said Ijjas, a redshirt senior vying to replace Hetland. "The big thing being a kicker is you got to be mentally tough, and he definitely was that last year. You learn some things from how he held himself together."
After an All-Southeastern Conference second team junior campaign, Hetland came into his senior year with similar expectations. However, a 6-for-15 season quickly dashed any hopes of that.
Now the Gators look to the future, where they expect the kicking game to improve.
Ijjas will be the starting place kicker this season - edging out Phillips - and has earned a scholarship, Meyer said Wednesday.
Ijjas knows fans will be sure to complain if there's another Hetland-type struggle.
"I can understand why [the fans] see it as a concern," Ijjas said. "Last year was a little bit of a rough year, and we got two new guys who have never kicked before coming in. I understand that perspective, but at the same point, this is Florida - you're going to get players who can play.
"It was hard to watch (Hetland's missed kicks last season). You want to be out there sometimes as an athlete. You always think you can do better, but [Hetland] was the right guy at that time, just missing a little bit here, missing a little bit there. You feel for the guy."
While Hetland struggled, punter Eric Wilbur had a solid senior year last season. He'll be replaced by redshirt sophomore Bobby Kane and freshman Chas Henry - the No. 1-rated punter in the class of 2007 by Scout.com.
While Kane has more experience on the practice squad, Henry is likely UF's punter of the future.
Meyer said he has not yet decided who will start the season opener.
"I think in the long term Chas Henry is the best option because he's so talented, but you need time and experience and Bobby has been with us for a little while," Meyer said.
Sophomore Brandon James is expected to keep his job as kickoff and punt return specialist, though there are rumors that James will be suspended for the season opener following his April arrest during a marijuana sting operation.
Freshman Chris Rainey, sophomore Jarred Fayson and redshirt freshman Chevon Walker will compete for time at the other kickoff return slot.
