Countdown to Kickoff: 36 Days (Erich Toth)

Erich Toth is set for a big senior season. Image: Heraldtimesonline.com

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Well we are officially entering the preseason. As we hit day number 36 in our Countdown to Kickoff, the rest of the Big Ten is wrapping Media Days in Chicago and we are going to take a look at punter Erich Toth, the player who sports number 36 for the Hoosiers.

#36

Erich Toth

• Ht/Wt: 6-3, 208 lbs.
• Position: Punter
• Year: RS Senior
• Hometown: Indianapolis, Ind.

Toth has been the starting punter for the Hoosiers since week five of the 2012 season after Mitchell Voss suffered a broken leg. That year Toth booted 48 balls for an average of 39.5 yards. Seven of those punts were downed inside the 20-yard line. He won IU special teams player of the week for his performance against Michigan State and was an Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Toth’s first full season punting was his redshirt sophomore season in 2013. He improved his punting average to 40.6 yards per kick on 52 punts, 18 of which were pinned inside of the 20-yard line. His efforts earned him player of the week against Wisconsin as well as a scholarship in pre-season camp. He was again an Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Last season Toth set the school record for most punts in a season, not the most glamorous record to have, with 77 punts. Again, Toth increased his average to 40.7 yards per punt, including 18 downed inside the 20-yard line. He won special teams player of the week four times (Indiana State, Missouri, Maryland, and North Texas). He earned a second scholarship and was selected Academic All-Big Ten for a third time.

Toth is poised to have a big 2015, hopefully with fewer punts. He may have some competition with Joseph Gedeon, but Toth should have the inside track. The key to a successful season will be if Toth can start putting more distance on his kicks and getting more balls downed inside of the 15-yard line.