???What is the toughest job in sports?
???Many have made the argument that playing the quarterback position in football presents the biggest challenge. The athlete must be smart, athletic, decisive and a born leader before he can even think about lining up under center. While there is a strong case there, no one may have it tougher than a kicker.
???Meet sophomore kicker A.J. Principe, who last season made the Bulls as a walk-on and managed to set a school record for points in a season with 77.
???According to Principe, the life of a walk-on can be stressful.
???"[It was] a little intimidating coming in at first, being a freshman and not really knowing anybody," Principe said. "Once I got used to the guys and used to the program, it wasn't too bad."
???Coming back this season, Principe found a new outlook as a sophomore.
???"Coming in here, feeling like a veteran, it's great," Principe said. "It's a lot different feeling from last year. I feel like I know what I'm doing around here; it's where I'm supposed to be."
???Growing up, a kid's dream is usually hitting a big home run in the bottom of the ninth of the World Series or throwing the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl. Principe learned early on, however, that the life of a kicker was the one for him.
???"My cousin was actually a kicker," Principe said. "I always followed him, tried to do what he wanted to do. So I went out for the football team sophomore year. My high school said they needed a kicker; things took off from there."
???After joining the squad at St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, Ohio, Principe found his niche. In his senior year, Principe converted 9-of-13 field goal attempts including a 48-yarder. He also was a perfect 44-of-44 on extra points as a senior, earning him All-State Honorable Mention.
???Principe had a few other collegiate options coming out of high school and knows he made the right call in coming to Buffalo.
???"The opportunity to play football was the deciding factor," he said, "It was either here or Marshall, and this was just a better opportunity, better coaching staff. I love the coaches here, I love the school and it's great. The weather is a little bit different, but like I said, it's great."
???Now in blue and white, Principe, like many athletes, has a special routine he follows before game day. While some watch movies or listen to attitude-changing music, Principe has his own special custom.
???"I always have an apple the night before a game," he said. "I love Seinfeld. I have all the DVDs, watch it on re-runs, can't get enough."
???On game days, Principe just lays back and watches college football until kickoff.
???Off the field, Principe is a biological science major and is still undecided about what he may want to do as his career after football.
???"[I] haven't really decided yet," Principe said. "I've thought about becoming a veterinarian or just keeping it kind of open right now. I'll see what happens."
???So, what is the toughest job in sports? With the game on the line and the last few seconds ticking off the clock, dealing with the pressure of having the outcome of a game on your cleat just might be.
???"It's a lot tougher than people think," Principe said. "People don't realize how much pressure is on the kicker. If you miss, everybody hates you. If make it, you're the hero. It's just something you have to get used to. You have to have a level head about that stuff and be ready for the moment."
