Villanova kicker Chris Gough transfers to Rutgers

With the Wildcats just 25 yards from glorious victory, Chris Gough earned a seasons-full of sighs from the Villanova faithful when he missed a field goal that would have upset the Syracuse Orange in last year's football opener. It was the start of a long season of kicking woes for the Wildcats across multiple placekickers. Despite the Widlcats' struggles this season, Gough proved enough on the field at Villanova to land himself a chance to finish his college eligibility at Rutgers.

Gough had issues with his accuracy on field goals (4-of-8), but he made 28-of-31 extra points and showcased a booming leg that could consistently drive kickoffs through the back of the endzone. It was that last feature that likely caught the eye of the Rutgers staff.

The Scarlet Knights are probably set at kicker with Kyle Federico returning this Fall after making 76.2% of his field goal tries last season. Where Gough may fill a need, however, is on kickoff duties -- a role that he had excelled in for the Wildcats as a Sophomore and Junior prior to competing for field goal duties last Fall. He averaged 58.6 yards on kickoffs and had 18 touchbacks on 90 attempts in 2014.

Gough may also offer valuable depth at the position for Rutgers, who graduated both of their back-ups at kicker this Spring.

He is eligible immediately at his new school as a graduate transfer, under NCAA rules.