Murray State University Athletics
Ohliger signed by St. Louis Rams
7/21/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Former Murray State placekicker Jesse Ohliger, a second-team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection last season as a senior, signed a free-agent contract with the St. Louis Rams on Tuesday.
Ohliger, who transferred to MSU from the University of Miami (Fla.) prior to the 2001 season, will report to training camp at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill., on July 28. He will compete against 10-year NFL veteran Jeff Wilkins and second-year kicker Mark Jensen when he arrives in Macomb.
"Jesse will have a chance to impress the Rams coaches, and that's all you ask for: a chance," said Racer head coach Joe Pannunzio. "He's still learning the fundamentals of kicking, but he has great size and a great leg for a kicker. He's worked hard to earn this opportunity, and I'm proud of him for getting his shot."
A native of Newark, Del., Ohliger turned in a tremendous senior season in 2003, making 13 of 18 field-goal attempts and 24 of 26 point-after attempts. His longest field goal, 47 yards, came at Tennessee Tech. He also shared the punting duties with junior James Gaither, averaging 36.6 yards on 32 punts. His 86-yard boot against Eastern Kentucky was just four yards shy of the Murray State school record.
Ohliger, 6-2, 226 pounds, began his career as a kickoff specialist for the Racers in 2001 and 2002 before taking over the full-time placekicking duties when Shane Andrus graduated. During the 2002 OVC championship season when Andrus took over all of the placekicking duties midway through the year, Ohliger served on the kick coverage team as a wedge-breaker.
