WECT TV6 - WECT.com - Wilmington, NC news and weather - Bucs sign kicker Connor Barth

Bucs sign kicker Connor Barth

Posted by:
Bob Bonner|email

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have changed kickers for a second time in 2009.

In is Connor Barth, a second-year pro who turned in a strong 10 games with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008. Out is Shane Andrus, who attempted only one field goal during his three games with the team.

Barth agreed to a two-year deal for the League minimum salary.  With one year of experience in the NFL Barth will earn $385,000 in 2009 and $475,000 in 2010.

"I flew in Monday night and kicked Tuesday morning.  It was pretty windy, it sort of reminded me of Kansas City, but I made 16 of 18 field goals and hit four really good kickoffs."  Barth then finished his first team practice 5-for-5 on his field goal attempts.

"This feels like a great situation."  Barth said Tuesday night from his hotel in Tampa.  "They even gave me number ten which is my old college number.  Maybe it's a sign that this will work out."

The 23-year-old Barth (5-11, 193) was a standout at the University of North Carolina, known for both his accuracy and a booming leg on kickoffs. He originally joined Kansas City in 2008 as an undrafted free agent and battled veteran Nick Novak for the Chiefs' kicking job last summer. Novak won the job to begin the season but was released and replaced by Barth after six games.

Barth made the most of his 10-game opportunity last year, converting 10 of 12 field goal attempts and all 24 extra point tries. He made his first nine attempts as a pro and also hit 31 of his 46 kickoffs inside the 10 or in the end zone, leading to four touchbacks.

Now he has a chance to make a name for himself in Tampa.

"The NFC South is like a kickers paradise."  Barth said.  "You're guaranteed two games in domes playing in Atlanta and New Orleans and the weather here and in Charlotte is pretty good in the winter.  I feel very fortunate."

In 47 games at North Carolina, Barth succeeded on 54 of 71 field goal tries (76.1%), setting a school record for most three-pointers. As a senior in 2007, he was good on 19 of 22 tries (86.4%) and was named the kicker on the All-ACC first-team. He made four field goals from beyond 50 yards during his Tar Heel tenure, including a career-best 54-yarder against North Carolina State in 2007.

Barth played his prep ball in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he was a high-school All-America choice by USA Today.