Former Biloxi kicker Grayson Pontius commits to Marshall

St. Stanislaus' Chase Rogers wasn't the only Coast product to recently find a home at the Division I level. Former Biloxi kicker Grayson Pontius has decided to transfer from East Mississippi Community College after one season and enroll at Marshall this summer.

Pontius announced his decision Monday night on Twitter.

He said Tuesday he plans to enroll at Marshall in May and begin workouts in June.

The distance from home was a consideration, but a full scholarship with the Thundering Herd was too good for Pontius to pass up.

"It should be a culture change and a culture shock, especially with the weather, but I think it'll be fun," said Pontius, who plans to visiting Huntington, W.V. in April. "I'm nervous about being away from home and not having crawfish and seafood. That's definitely the worst part.

"It's going to be different."

Coast cuisine notwithstanding, Pontius is confident in his ability to contribute to the Herd as a sophomore in 2016.

The former Indian handled the bulk of East Mississippi's punting duties and was the junior college's full-time kicker.

The freshman converted 6 of 11 field goal attempts with a long of 43 yards in 2015 for EMCC. He also averaged 39 yards on 16 punts with a long of 52; six landed inside the 20-yard line.

At Marshall, Pontius hopes to at least fight for playing time booming kickoffs and field goals, and, if that goes well, possibly punting.

"That's fine with me," he said. "I'm not scared to compete."

Pontius has not officially signed with Marshall as of yet, but he said he expects to finalize the paperwork on his visit next month.

This story was originally published March 8, 2016 at 5:57 PM with the headline "Former Biloxi kicker Grayson Pontius commits to Marshall ."