CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - For several years, including the previous scholarship and non-scholarship eras, Austin Peay's kicking game left a little to be desire, perhaps even a lot to be desired.

In some years, extra points were adventures; punt return specialists specialized in offering the fair-catch signal; a kickoff return outside the 30-yard line was considered an achievement.

Now the Govs kicking game has evolved into one of its strengths. Of course, owning the NCAA record holder in kickoff return yardage, senior All-American Terrence Holt, is great place to start.  He has totaled 1,000 or more yards in kickoff returns each of his previous three seasons. He returned one kickoffs and one punt for TDs a year ago. He was named first-team All-America a year ago and his name has appeared on almost every preseason All-America team this season.

Holt is just part of the kicking game puzzle that returns intact. Punter Ryan Key returns for his fourth season as punter. After struggling through a so-so sophomore season, Key bounced back with a strong 2009 season,  averaging a career-best 39.1 yards per boot in the Govs directional scheme.  He had 11 punts downed inside the 20 and forced nine others to be fair caught.

Sophomore kicker Stephen Stansell became an offensive and defensive weapon a year ago.  He was second on the team in points (54), including connecting 9-of-15 field goals. He connected on three field goals of more than 40 yards, including a 52 yarder at Murray State.  

Just as importantly as the field goal and extra points, Stansell's deeper kickoffs in 2009 forced the opposition to start 10 yards closer to their own end zone than the previous season.

"With Stephen around, once we get into field goal range, it offers us a chance to perhaps take a few more shots down field," APSU coach Rick Christophel said. "We have that luxury of knowing we have some points (three), but we can take some chances because you know if we don't get it (TDs), we can count on Stephen to get us those points."   

HEAT FORCES GOVS INSIDE: The first official Austin Peay football practice took place indoors Monday afternoon.

With oppressive heat reaching close to 100 degrees outdoors, the Govs practiced in head gear and shorts in thed air-conditioned Foy Center. The Dunn Center was not available because of preparation for Friday's Summer Commencent ceremonies.

The Govs are expected to be outdoors in Governors Stadium, 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, for their second practice.

-AP-    

Also important to the kicking game is the fact Nick Newsome returns again as the long snapper, helping both the punting and kicking game excel.

But the Governors kicking game importance is just not limited to the returns and kick/punting aspects. In fact, the Govs punt/kick block teams have been instrumental in recent years. Last season, the Governors blocked three punts, two leading directly to touchdowns and the third eventually leading to a score.

And you cannot talk about the Governors punt block team without mentioning senior linebacker Ricky Thomas, who blocked three kicks a year ago and now has an APSU record seven blocked kicks during his career.

"We spend a lot of time working on our kicking game-it is something we really stress," APSU coach Rick Christophel said.  "And when we say we have most of our kicking game back, we are not just talking about Stephen Stansell and Ryan Key and Terrence Holt.  We also are talking about the guys who blocked for Terrence and the guys who cover the kicks. "