Big 12 suspends Tech punter LaCour
July 16, 2009 · Print This Article
BY DON WILLIAMS
AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
Texas Tech punter Jonathan LaCour has been suspended six games by the Big 12 Conference for violating a conference rule, Tech coach Mike Leach said Wednesday. Leach declined to discuss the reason.
LaCour will be a junior in 2009. He’s been the Red Raiders’ starting punter the last two years, but regressed from a 42-yard average two years ago to a 37-yard average last season, putting his job in jeopardy.
Donnie Carona battled LaCour for the job in spring practice with neither emerging as the clear-cut leader. Both showed a strong leg, but were inconsistent, special teams coach Eric Russell said.
“It reduces our depth a little, but I don’t anticipate any problem,’’ Leach said. “We’ve got a couple walk-ons. I think somebody will step up and punt, and Carona’s looked good punting as well.’’
One punter expected to walk on is Ryan Erxleben, a son of former Texas All-America kicker Russell Erxleben. Ryan Erxleben averaged 44.3 yards for Austin Lake Travis last season.
Leach said he believes the suspension is for the first six games of the season, meaning LaCour would miss four non-conference games and Big 12 games Sept. 19 at Texas and Oct. 10 against Kansas State.
