Punt returner looks forward to atoning for mistake

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Posted 3:10PM on Friday, December 15, 2006

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Arkansas punt returner Reggie Fish says he's looking forward to having a chance on New Year's Day to make up for his mistake in the Southeastern Conference championship game against Florida. Against the Gators on Dec. 2, Arkansas led 21-17 when Fish tried to field a punt near the goal line instead of letting it bounce into the end zone for a touchback and a start at the 20-yard line. Fish fumbled the ball into the end zone, where a Florida player fell on it for a touchdown that took the air out of the Razorbacks' sails. Florida won 38-28, and takes a No. 2 ranking into its national championship contest against top-ranked Ohio State while No. 12 Arkansas goes to Orlando to face No. 6 Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl at Orlando on Jan. 1. Fish said Thursday that he appreciates still having his assignment as Arkansas' No. 1 punt returner. He said he's gotten a lot of feedback both criticism and supportive comments on the play. He said he's used the criticism as motivation. ``That helps drive me, because throughout my life I've had a lot of adversity,'' Fish said. ``I've been used to people saying, 'You're too small to do this or too small to do that.''' The 5-foot-7, 156-pound Fish said he especially appreciated the support from his teammates. ``They've all stuck with me,'' he said. ``They've patted me on my head and told me, 'Hey, we still need you. Keep your head up, keep going, keep grinding, you'll get another chace to shine.''' James Shibest, Arkansas' tight ends coach and special teams coordinator, said he's not surprised at Fish's attitude, and at the mature way he stood up before the media after the Florida game and discussed his error. ``He's got great character, and that's why we're not just going to throw the towel in on him,'' Shibest said.