A senior, Patrick Henry (Roanoke, VA) punter Nick Conte had never played football before this season. But the University of Virginia took notice of his talents during camp this past summer, and just a few weeks ago Mike London offered the 6’3″, 200-pound prospect a preferred walk-on opportunity. Today, Conte accepted.

“I love the campus,” Conte began when asked why he chose UVa. “Everything there is so nice. It’s a fun place to be. I haven’t known anyone who has gone there that hasn’t loved it. I’ve wanted to go there for seven years, so this is like a dream for me.”

UVa starter Jimmy Howell is in his final year of eligibility, leaving a hole at punter next season. Conte, who says the staff is looking at a few more recruited walk-on punters to join him, will compete for the starting job and, subsequently, a scholarship. This season, he is averaging 40.9 yards per punt in seven tries. He has a long of 58 yards.

“He is 6’3″, 200 pounds, and he’s a great athlete, which is something you look for with a skill player. Anytime you can get an athlete back there at punter, it’s a bonus,” said first year Patrick Henry head coach Alan Fiddler, who has guided the Patriots to a 4-1 start to the 2011 season. “Nick has a very strong leg. His best football is ahead of him, once he gets more coaching. This is his first year playing football. He has such a strong leg that he has a lot of potential.”

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