| Joe Hughes |
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On three occasions during Joe Hughes' time as a Penn State student he participated in walk-on tryouts to try and earn a spot on the Nittany Lion football team. A place-kicker at Downingtown East HS, Hughes was not invited to join the team after any of the three tryouts. But, in September 2006, six months after his last attempt, the coaching staff contacted Hughes about his interest in joining the squad. Kevin Kelly was experiencing some back pain and Hughes would have an opportunity to serve as a backup with the possibility of doing some kicking. The week of the Ohio State game, Hughes joined the team and a week later he handled the kickoffs (seven kicks) in Penn State's win against Northwestern, followed by four kickoffs the next game at Minnesota. Hughes and Collin Wagner will look to challenge Kelly for the placements and kickoff duties this season. One of the squad's top students, Hughes compiled a 3.63 grade-point average during the spring semester to gain Dean's List recognition. He owns a 3.54 cumulative GPA in mechanical engineering and is a potential ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America and Academic All-Big Ten candidate. Hughes and redshirt freshman quarterback Pat Devlin were high school teammates.
2006 Junior Season
Hughes participated in three walk-on tryouts for the team (Fall, 2004; Fall, 2005; Spring, 2006) but was not invited to join the team after any of the three. But, in September 2006, six months after his last attempt, the coaching staff contacted Hughes about his interest in joining the squad. Kevin Kelly was experiencing some back pain and Hughes would have an opportunity to serve as a backup with the possibility of doing some kicking. The week of the Ohio State game, Hughes joined the team and a week later he handled the kickoffs in Penn State's win against Northwestern (seven kicks), followed by four kickoffs the next game at Minnesota.
High School
Hughes was an all-area place-kicker as a junior and senior at Downingtown East HS. Playing for Coach Michael Matta, Hughes was a senior place-kicker in 2003 and then-sophomore quarterback Pat Devlin was the holder on placements. During his senior campaign, Hughes played cornerback, in addition to punting and kicking. He also participated in track and field (400 and 800 meters) and soccer in high school.
Personal
Full name is Joseph P. Hughes. He is the son of Richard and Bernie Hughes and has three siblings, Rich, Katie and Chrissy. Katie is a Penn State alumna. He enjoys music. Hughes is majoring in mechanical engineering and owned a superb 3.54 grade-point average through the spring semester. Born February 5, 1986 in West Springfield, Mass.
