BOULDER - Kevin Eberhart's stomach didn't flop, neither did his right foot develop an uncontrollable twitch, when he reported for duty as one of two placekickers signed by the University of Colorado in 2003.

During a weekend conversation with former Buffaloes coach Gary Barnett near the end of his senior season at Broomfield High School, Eberhart was feeling stout about having booted a 55-yard field goal that Friday night.

Barnett congratulated him, then casually mentioned CU's other signee - some guy named Mason Crosby - had kicked a 57-yarder on Saturday morning.

"I knew going in he was a great, great kicker," Eberhart said.

What he didn't know was that Crosby would become an even better friend, even though the All- American would relegate Eberhart to a four-year waiting game that finally has ended. Eberhart's time has come, and no one is happier for him than Crosby.

"It's been a tough situation for him," Crosby said. "I got to kick for four years and he redshirted. This is his chance, and I think he's going to do a great job."

Four years might seem more a sentence than a mere wait to return to the field, but Eberhart didn't let it erode his character or competitiveness. Eberhart, an aerospace engineering major who will earn his bachelor's degree this spring then enter a master's program this fall, immersed himself in schoolwork and staying ready in reserve.

During their freshman seasons, Eberhart kicked off 24 times (five games), hit his only point-after attempt but missed two field-goal attempts that shifted attention to Crosby, who finished the season with a CU freshman-record 52 points.

If Eberhart was impressed by Crosby's leg strength, even more remarkable was Crosby's mental approach. Crosby's "big leg" was apparent, "but you know, the guy came out every day and really loved being here," Eberhart said.

"And I think the thing I really took away from him that might not even be football-related is just enjoying where you're at. . . . I think he was really good at keeping the big picture in mind, looking around and seeing school, friends, the whole experience. I think that made him a lot happier and a lot more successful."

Redshirting in 2004, Eberhart coped with knee and leg ailments that season and the next two. Now healthier than he ever has been, he's primed to become his good friend's successor - a role CU special-teams coach Kent Riddle believes Eberhart more than adequately can fill.

"Mason's a special talent . . . if he hadn't been around here, everybody would be going, 'Wow, Eberhart's awesome,' " Riddle said. "He hits a true ball, it gets up in a hurry. I feel great about him; he's going to do good things for us."

CU also will break in a holder, with senior Dusty Sprague and redshirt freshmen Scotty McKnight and Cody Hawkins now fielding sophomore Justin Drescher's snaps.

Ultimately, naming a No. 1 holder will be Eberhart's call. "Finding that cohesive bond and really getting that chemistry down" is critical, Eberhart said. "Hopefully, it'll be what this spring is all about, and we'll have it down by August."

In no way does Eberhart regret his long wait to play, noting, "When you look at the big picture, with school and wanting to come in and compete, it's all worth it. I really don't regret coming here. All you can really ask is one good year, wherever you are. Any more than that and you're getting a little bit greedy.

"I think it's difficult to realize that sometimes. I've had the burden and the luxury of having the time to sit back and appreciate and really collect my thoughts. And that's the way I'm going to approach it now . . .

"Those years I wasn't kicking or contributing directly on the field, it was still great to come out every day (and) see your best friend . . . be successful. I don't think you can ask for more than that."

brooksb@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5466