Father of ND punter proud of son's 'dream season'

When the Notre Dame punt unit comes onto the field, there's usually only one man in Notre Dame Stadium standing: Dave Price.  Father of Irish punter Geoff Price, Dave Price said this season has far exceeded his wildest expectations.

"I mean, really, it doesn't get any better than this," said Price, who drives from Colleyville, Texas to see all of his son's games and usually films each of the punts with a personal camcorder.  "Geoff's seen the field more this year than I can ever remember.  This has really been a dream season for the both of us.  Fire (head coach Charlie) Weis with this kind of punt production?  Are you serious?"

With the team's record at 1-9 and the Irish 119th of 120 Division I teams in yards per game, Price said the team's offensive woes are his son's gain.  Geoff is averaging more than 6 punts a game.

"I've always rooted for the opponent to force us to punt, but this year has been crazy," said Price, who custom-made a "#1 Notre Dame Punter" fan hand in honor of his son. "I was a little worried coming into the season with (Jimmy) Clausen, but luckily his inefficiency has been a godsend for Geoff.  I love it when we're just past mid-field and the offensive line breaks down, Clausen gets sacked, and my son gets a little more room to have a chance to pin the other guys back.  Of course, we don't get to the middle of the field too often, but it still can be fun when it happens."

When asked whether he will be at his son's final game at Notre Dame when 1-9 Duke visits South Bend on Saturday, Dave Price said, "I wouldn't miss that punters duel for the world."