New Texans Punter

[cambyman316]

http://www.dailypress.com/sports/dp-...p-sports-local

Marty O'Brien
Daily Press

HAMPTON -- Two years ago, Hampton University punter Cameron Muro was asked to kick a few balls so that the Houston Texans could scout HU return man Jerome Mathis. The Texans went on to draft Mathis, who was so good returning kicks as a rookie in 2005 that he played in the Pro Bowl.

That scouting session might produce a second NFL career: Muro's. Earlier this week the Texans signed Muro to a free agent contract. The guy who asked Muro to come to Houston for a tryout is the same one who scouted Mathis that day: Texans' special teams' coordinator Joe Marciano.

"Muro absolutely has a chance to make this team," Marciano said. "I think he's one of the best-kept secrets out there. When we came up to work out Mathis, Muro was launching some bombs.

"He's a left-footer and they're traditionally harder to catch. I like big guys kicking (Muro is 6-foot-2, 260 pounds) because they can get off good kicks into the wind."

Marciano said that it was important to sign a punter at this time because he expects to lose the team's 2006 starter, Chad Stanley, to free agency. But it appears even if Stanley returns, Marciano is looking for someone to compete with him because Stanley ranked 29th among NFL punters this past season.

"I told Muro it's going to be him versus Stanley or him versus somebody else," Marciano said. "Let the best man win."

Muro, a 2006 graduate of HU, brings solid credentials to his tryout. He holds school records for single season punt average (42.1 yards) and career average (41.8 yards), and was twice named to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference first team.

Marciano said that Muro will likely play in NFL Europe this spring before joining the Texans in camp.

"That way he'll get some games under his belt and get to deal with some stuff," Marciano said. "You have to deal with some difficult weather over there, and the long snappers aren't always the best."

Muro, who learned about the Texans' interest from agents Steve Forbes and William Harris, said he's ready to go - regardless of conditions.

"I'm definitely excited," he said. "I like Houston's coaching staff and front office. It's a very positive environment. I think coach Marciano is pulling for me."

Marciano added, "It would be good to have two guys from Hampton on one team. I don't know if that's ever happened before."

Marciano said he's looking forward to getting Mathis back full-time next year. Mathis was limited to just two appearances in 2006 because of foot and groin injuries.

Mathis showed a glimpse of his old self with an 87-yard kickoff return against Oakland in December. That set up the game-tying touchdown in the Texans' 23-14 victory.

"He probably shouldn't even have been playing that day," Marciano said. "But he gave us a spark when the offense wasn't doing well and helped us win the game.

"I anticipate him being full-strength next season."

He has own website.

http://www.cameronmuro.com/

[Scooter]

fantastic! kinda odd that he's a lefty, you dont see too many left footed punters. i wonder what kind of foot this kid has, hopefully it's not too much to ask that he boot it farther than the 35 yarders that we're used to.

[kiwitexansfan]

I'm just glad that we have made a move to at least bring in competition for the punters job. Stanley was awful this year and Special Teams is something that is important for a team like our who seems to be always on the edge between winning and losing.

[mexican_texan]

Playoffs aren't even over yet...or started for that matter.

[eriadoc]

"I told Muro it's going to be him versus Stanley or him versus somebody else," Marciano said. "Let the best man win."

This is great. I wish we could get that type of honest competition at every position on the team. Marciano is still one of my favorite coaches.

[Texans_Chick]

Cameron Muro website.

Quick, someone email him and ask if he can hold for extra points. We don't want Sage getting hurt again.

[The Dude Abides]

Somewhere, PowerfulDragon is crying himself to sleep.

[YoungTexanFan]

Originally Posted by Scooter

fantastic! kinda odd that he's a lefty, you dont see too many left footed punters. i wonder what kind of foot this kid has, hopefully it's not too much to ask that he boot it farther than the 35 yarders that we're used to.

Well, I'm a lefty and I did punts this year. I averaged over 35 but under 43. My hangtime isn't DI level apparently. Our punter before me averaged almost 56 a punt and was a lefty. I've just always known the strongest legs to be that of a lefty. I'm right handed though.

[tiger06]

draft Sepulveda!!

[TheCD]

Originally Posted by YoungTexanFan

Well, I'm a lefty and I did punts this year.

Originally Posted by YoungTexanFan

I'm right handed though.

I don't get it...are you a righty or lefty? Don't be ashamed of being a south paw...we've got to represent!

[Beer and Metal]

Originally Posted by TheCD

I don't get it...are you a righty or lefty? Don't be ashamed of being a south paw...we've got to represent!

Lefties are the only people in their right mind.

[A Texan]

Muro got quite a few honors in college, Black College & SBN all-American, All-MEAC, and was named the team MVP as a sophomore. About time he got his chance.
Both of my wife's parents were right handed and both of their children were lefties. What's the odd's of that?

[PapaL]

Why didnt we sign him during the year? He was a FA after all. Could have even PS'd him.

[shinerbock_girl]

Originally Posted by Beer and Metal

Lefties are the only people in their right mind.

I'm a lefty also

[carter08]

What happened to Stanley. He used to be a good punter

[elbison]

Where's Greg Montgomery?

[YoungTexanFan]

Originally Posted by TheCD

I don't get it...are you a righty or lefty? Don't be ashamed of being a south paw...we've got to represent!

I grew up play select soccer on a national traveling team, and I played striker. I can do a lot with my right leg that most people can't, but I am left footed. I chose to kick with my left foot but I can just as easily kick with my right. My coaches always stressed being able to put a ball on with either foot and do it well enough to score. I eat left handed, but I write with my right hand. I can't write w/both at the same time, but I can write ledgibally with my left if I try. I can throw a football about 15-20 yards with my left hand, but can throw one about 55 yards with my right. I can kick a ball about 35 with my right but I can kick one 60+ with my left.

I'm both, aren't I special!!

[Doug]

It's funny that this came up. My oldest son (8) is right handed but when he plays soccer he tends to kick the ball more with his left and is stronger and more consistent with his left leg. I've been working hard with him to get in the habit of using his right leg more but he just tells me, daddy I like it better because nobody else on my team can do it. I thought it was a weird thing some kids go through but I guess it's not. We have a friend who's son is on the jr. high football team and is right handed but kicks field goals left footed, and now seeing this on here I guess I have a hybrid son. LOL

[mexican_texan]

Let's send Marciano to Austrailia. It's worked before.

[Malloy]

Originally Posted by A Texan

Both of my wife's parents were right handed and both of their children were lefties. What's the odd's of that?

The odd thing is that you have two wives!!