Leigh Manley is very cognizant of the “big cleats” he’s filling as the new South Carolina State starting punter.

Not only did Aaron Haire develop the past three seasons into one of the Bulldogs’ most improved performers, setting a single-season school record last year for punting average (41.9 yards per kick), the Orangeburg-Wilkinson product was among head coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough’s favorite players for his academic prowess. Ironically, it was Haire’s desire to pursue medical school which forced him to decide not to return for his senior season.

Having sat out last season after transferring from Division III Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C., Manley now looks to contribute in much the same manner as Haire, albeit with a different approach.

“I try to bring hard work and really help my team get in good position on the field,” he said. “That’s what a punter’s job is ... to back up the opponents towards their end zone.”

While Haire’s strong points were kicking for distance and his ability to improvise (as seen by his successful rugby-like kicks against Hampton), Manley sees himself as a “hang-time guy.” The Darlington native averaged 36.4 yards per kick in his one season at Methodist College, but had four touchbacks, nine fair catches and 21 attempts which landed inside the 20-yard line.

Nevertheless, Pough has seen enough similar traits to express confidence in who would be only the fourth starting punter in his eight-year tenure.

“You’ve got to replace more with Aaron than just a punter,” Pough said. “He was really good solid citizen and I think Leigh really fits that mold. I think he’ll do a nice job of continuing to be a good solid guy that we can depend on and knowing that those guys will get in there and work hard enough to perfect the skills that you’ve got to have to make this whole thing come together. So they’ll be OK.”

During spring practice, Manley and placekicker Blake Erickson, who’s also punted, have worked closely with volunteer assistant Geb Runager. When asked what advice he’s received from the coaching staff, Manley broke it down into three areas.

“Stay healthy, work on consistency, work on my speed from snap to kicking and make sure I kick the ball where the coach tells me to kick it.”

S.C. State will hold a brief practice at 4 p.m. today in preparation for Saturday’s annual Garnet and Blue game.

Free meal offer for ‘Garnet’ fans

As part of the annual Garnet and Blue game this Saturday, the State Club will hold a post-scrimmage tailgate party/cookout where they will honor the 2008 MEAC football and co-ed cheerleading champions.

The event begins at 3:30 p.m. at the State parking lot located behind Staley Hall and across from Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. School president George Cooper, Athletics director Charlene Johnson and head football coach Pough are expected in attendance.

Fans who attend and wear “garnet” shirts in support of the teams will receive a free meal on behalf of the State Club. The organization will also seek to sign up new members and kickoff a drive for season ticket sales.

T&D Senior Sports Writer Thomas Grant Jr. can be reached by e-mail at tgrant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5547. Read his blog, Following the Bulldogs, and other stories on-line at TheTandD.com.

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