WSET.com - ABC13Former Hokie Punter Ready to End NFL Lockout

Reporter: Jeremy Mills

Lynchburg, VA - NFL insiders are now saying the current player lock-out will likely end with a deal next Tuesday.

 Nobody is happier about that, than Nelson County's Brian Saunders.  The former Virginia Tech punter is hoping to catch on in the NFL and says the labor strife has left his life in limbo.

"The opportunity is coming, it's just a matter of when," said Massie Saunders, Brian's Father.

Massie Saunders has watched his son Brian through his whole football career.

The stand-out punter is now on the verge of a job in the NFL.

"I'm definitely ready, there's no question. I'm ready for the opportunity. I was ready when I went through Tech and you know I'm ready now," said Brian Saunders.

But staying ready has been a challenge.

"It's been tough, he just hasn't been able to make any plans or anything to work or get a full time job like some college graduates do," said Joyce Saunders, Brian's Mother.

"He's just doing a lot of odd jobs right now, trying to make ends meet until he can find something that will work out for him," said Massie Saunders.

Saunders is working as a landscaper, but only part time.  The rest of the time, he's working on punting.

"I needed to be able to work out and I needed get my kicking in, you know three or four times a week," said Brian Saunders.

Before the lock-out, 9 teams expressed interest in Saunders' punting.  Jacksonville and Denver were the most persistent.

Saunders is hoping the lockout ends soon, so his phone rings again.

"I'm not going to get my hopes up because every time they say they're going to try and end it, they always push it off so you know I'm not trying to get my hopes up too much.  I'm going to take everything in stride and try to be patient with it," said Brian Saunders.

His parents say wherever Brian ends up, they plan to be there for all of his games.

If his NFL dream doesn't work out, he plans to continue to use his degree in landscaping horticulture.