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Back for his fourth year in a Spartan uniform, Bryce is battling for the punting job. A year ago, Partridge was the team's punter while Michael Carr was sidelined with a foot injury. Partridge averaged 32.9 yards per punt in the five games he handled the punting chores. He began 2000 as the holder and number-two punter and finished as the back-up in both roles. Partridge joined the team in 1998 as a successful walk-on candidate and redshirted the season. He did not see any game action in 1999.


Partridge is a graduate of Amador Valley High School in Livermore, Calif., where he lettered in football (Coach Rick Sira) and baseball. He averaged 43 yards a punt his senior season. Two of his uncles, Rick Partridge and Jeff Partridge, punted for teams in the NFL and USFL, respectively. A San Jose State University "Scholar-Athlete" Award winner, he enjoys surfing and water skiing. Bryce, the oldest of six children, was born in Orange, Calif., on May 29, 1981.