Owls Alex Starzyk looking to compete for starting punting job

After being suspended indefinitely during the spring, Temple senior punter Alex Starzyk was reinstated to the team this week and he feels there is plenty of time to regain the starting spot by the Sept. 2 opener at Notre Dame.

"I've been getting ready this whole time," Starzyk said after Thursday's practice. "It's not like I just started getting ready this week."

Last season Starzyk averaged 39 yards on 53 punts. A starter his first three seasons, Starzyk has averaged 39.9 yards on 186 career punts. The competition is being provided by freshman Connor Bowler of Downingtown West.

Starzyk is naturally thrilled to be back and competing for his old job.

"It's awesome," he said. "I have been hitting the ball great."

He said as much as the competition he missed the camaraderie during his absence.

"It was difficult being away from the team, but football wise, I was still getting my work in, stilt out practicing like I always have been," he said.

Starzyk said he was practicing in New York, even had his own snapper. He said they were working out a couple of times a week.

"I was working out just as hard as ever," he said.

Starzyk said he knew all the time that he was going to be coming back to the team.

He said he doesn't know if he will be the starter. Coach Geoff Collins wouldn't say either.

"We are still figuring that out," Collins said. "He came back this week and got a hold of some balls and we're excited he is back."