Marcus Diaz, Kicker, Mesa College Hits Game Winning Kick over Grossmont
Going into my 9th season as kicking coach at Mesa College, I was ready for another challenge. At the community college level every year is quite different. Sometimes you get some great athletes who cant kick, or you get some kids who can kick but dont lack the college level strength. My first year I helped Brian Courtney (Saints HS) earn a punting scholarship to TCU and kicker Louis Villagomez went on to (West Texas A&M). I like to think I have been very fortunate over the years, numerous students have come and move on to the college ranks. One year we had over 7 kickers and punters. To many memories to recount, this years crop involves a returning kicker, McCall Penn (La Jolla HS) and new comer Marcus Diaz (Poway HS).
McCall and Marcus did not disappoint in this years opening kickoff against Grossmont College in San Diego, CA. McCall handled the punting duties and Marcus kicked a the game wining field goal from 44 yards in a 33-30 win for Mesa College last Saturday night. After 14 seasons of not beating Grossmont it was a pleasure to watch as the ball sailed thru the uprights, after working on the operation all summer long. McCall, our punter, is also the holder on field goals and with our snapper (Brandon) we got perfect laces and great get off time, so there was no chance of getting this kick blocked. We cant wait to play Southwestern!
Marucs Diaz, Mesa College & McCall Penn
Brian Stahovich, Punter, San Diego State University, Interview
In this episode, Tim Valencia talks with Brian Stahovich, SDSU punter, about kicking and punting in college, kicking technique and much more.
Vincent Pagazza Interview, 44-Year Old Trying to Make the NFL
In this episode, TKS Owner, John Matich and Tim Valencia talk with Vincent Pagazza. Vincent who is trying to make the NFL as a kicker as a 44 year old. Want more information on Vincent visit www.willvincentmakeit.com
This is the first 10 minutes of the interview, if you want more visit us at www.blogtalkradio.com or download us on ITUNES!
Matt Stover, Interview, Former NFL Kicker, Baltimore Ravens
In this episode, former NFL Kickers talks about his career, his future, kicking technique and key tips to help you take your kicking game to the next level! Another must listen!
San Diego High School Kickers & Punters Preview 2011
It has been a busy summer and TKS wanted to take the time and preview this years kickers and punters for San Diego High Schools for 2011. Every year we are amazed of all the publications (we will not name them) on how much they don’t know about the best kickers in Southern California & San Diego. Special Teams will play a big part in many of the leagues this year.
1) Brian Heinz SR. – Cathedral Catholic HS – Brian has the size about 6-5 190 and has been working on his technique all off-season. We expect a blow out year for Brian as long as he stays healthy. Brian won the Kansas State punting and kicking camp compeition this summer and his confidence is rising.
2) Nick Stanistas SR. – Scripps Ranch HS – Nick a lefty should put every ball in the endzone this fall and contend for the field goal title if given the chance at Scripps. Nick went and visitied numerous DII schools of the summer and getting some heavy consideration from a few of them.
3) Travis Nicklaw. JR. – University City HS – A late bloomer and soccer convert – Travis has plenty of leg strengh, if he works on his technique should be a all-league kicker. Has the potential to be on the top kickers in San Diego this fall.
4) Diego Rodriguez, JR. – Lincoln HS – Its not often you find a good kicker at this school but they may have one with Diego. He has been working hard and although he is small in stature he will be blasting away touchbacks on a regular basis. Look for a good year from Diego.
5) Brady Esterbrook – JR. Patrick Henry High School – Brady kicks and punts but has a knack for punting. Great hands with a quick leg, he has shown some progress over the course of the summer. Brady should contend for best punter this fall.
6) Jason Dunbar – SR. -Escondido HS – Jason also punts and kicks but favors the punting. Jason who is looking to play college football has all the right tools and could make a name for himself this fall as a punter.
7) Kyler McLaughlin – SR. Serra HS – TKS only had chance to work with Kyler back when he was a sophmore when former Serra Kicker Parker Munoz was a senior. Kyler was just learning the ropes back then, but has the ability with a strong leg and athletic ability to content for all league kicker. Kyler us a soccer player convert as well.
8 ) Jack Mitchell – SR. Torrey Pines HS — You dont have to say much when you talk about the storied past of the kicking tradition at Torrey Pines. BUT we think Jack could possibly have the strongest leg out of all the kickers to come out Torrey. Jack who can also punt is fine athletes and have seen him crush kick offs (4.25 -76 yards at the TKS Spring Clinic). If he stays healthy and can master the technique, Jack has all the talent to be a DI kicker.
9) Seamus McMorrow – SR. Saints HS – Hitting a 58 yard field last year says a lot. Power is not a problem for Seamus. Although he finished with tough game last season, look for a great year from him. Possible offers coming soon…
Others to Note:
Noam Baltinester – SD Jewish Academy
- Yossi Stein – La Jolla Country Day School
- Leigh Wallace – La Jolla Country Day School
- Jonathan Bennett – Mira Mesa HS
- Adrian Vila – Rock Academy
- Amrando Serna – Montgomery
- Vann Sabin – Helix
- Josh McIntire – West Hills
Open topic…. has Kicking become too easy?
If anyone has currently been watching any of the preseason games, I am sure you have heard the complaints of the new kickoff rule. Through two weeks, touchbacks are up twenty from last year. While it is a small sample size it is expected to increase even more as we progress into the regular season.
While this rule is not expected to be amended anytime this year, the initial backlash has been felt, each game the new rule has been a topic of discussion.
Kick return players have not been the only people to comment on the rule change. Up until recently, no one has commented as thoroughly as New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick has.
Coach Belichick has proposed going even further with changing the rules for kickers.
“Philosophically, plays that are nonplays shouldn’t be in the game,” he told WEEI, a Boston radio station. “I don’t think it is good for the game. Extra points, when the odds are in the 99 percent range, it is not a play. Let’s move the ball back to the 15-, 20-yard line and not make it a tap-in. Let them kick it. Same thing with the kickoff return. If you’re going to put the ball on the 20, put the ball on the 20.” – from article by Dan Daly Washington Times Wednesday August 24th 2011
As much as kickers are seen as non athletes, the recent rule change hasnt been just because of safety but also because kickers have gotten to good at what their duties. This is evident in the suggested changes by Coach Belichick, kickers now convert PAT’s at a 99% rate where as they convert field goals from 30-39 yards at a rate of 87%. So now the questions stands to you.
Recent NFL Kickers / Punters Signings
Cha-Ching! Are the words that come out of my mouth after this first week of signings since the lockout lifted in the NFL. Of course I am happy for a new CBA and NFL season, but what I am excited about is the HUGE contracts this punters and kickers are receiving. Here is breakdown of a few of them:
1) Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers – 5 years 14.75 million – 3 million guaranteed — Don’t get me wrong Crosby has a great leg, but 5 years almost 15 million worth? He is 10-21 outside 50 yards, and I understand Lambeau field is tough but not sure if he is worth the almost 15 million.
2) Ryan Longwell, Minnesota Vikings – 4 years 12 million – 3.5 million guaranteed. Longwell deserves every penny, great kicker and glad to see him get his due.
3) Olindo Mare, Carolina Panthers – 4 year 12 million – 4 million guaranteed. Mare should be one the highest paid kickers in the league because he does both field goals and kickoffs really, really, really well. He is getting older but for kickers he is in his prime.
4) Adam Podelsh, Chicago Bears – 5 year (Cant find any details on the contract)– I thought Weatherford would be a Bear, now that let Maynard go – Podlesh is about 10 years younger, could provide consistency over the next few years. Dude ranked 4th in net punt last year and was a pro bowl alternate. Rumors he can run a 4.5 40 yard dash.
5) Adam Vinateri, Indianapolis Colts – 3 year extension — There is not enough money you can give this guy.
6) Michale Koenan, Tampa Bay Bucaneers – 6 year – 19.5 million. Well I know Koenan does kickoffs and punts and has a very strong leg. But he does not rank in any of the top 5 categories in punt totals. Not sure what the Bucs are thinking but time will tell if he can produce some good punt numbers. Kickoffs are great, should even improve kicking in Florida. He has a better deal than Lechler from the Radiers, makes no sense to us. Thank you for the new CBA!
7) Nick Folk, New York Jets, resigned for a 1 year deal (according to Chuck Vine of Titan Sports) – 76% last year on field goals last year, still young at 27, and will compete with Nick Novak this summer.
8 ) David Akers signed a 3 year deal with the 49ners – With Nedney and all of his injuries (he just failed a physical), he is expected to retire this year. I think getting veteran to kick in San Francisco is always good thing, with the wind conditions having a reliable kicker will be huge for new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Wonder why he did not pick up his old college kicker Nate Whittaker (Vikings) to at least compete for the job. I know Akers finished on a sour note in Philly but his daughter was just diagnosed with cancer who is 6 years old.
9) Shaun Suisham, Pittsburg Steelers, signed a new deal as well. (Not sure of the details) But connected on 14-15 field goals after replacing Jeff Reed. Its not east to kick at Heinz Field, so far he has done an excellent job.
10) Steve Weatherford, NY Giants – 1 year $870 K – I think a great signing for the Giants after Matt Dodge and his debacle in the final game of the season Weatherford can provide some solid field position which he has proven with the Jets.
11) Phil Dawson, Cleveland Browns – signed a tendered contract.
12) Matt Prater, Denver Broncos – singed a tendered contract.
Not to mention the frenzy of all the free agent rookie kickers and punters that have signed as well. It has been crazy!
Here is a list I pulled from my previous post for free agent signings:
Chas Henry, Eagles
Travis Baltz, Colts
Josh Jasper, Tampa Bay
Nate Whittaker, Minnesota Vikings
Thomas Webber, Bengals
Brian Saunders, Jaguars
Dan Bailey – Cowboys
Derrek Epperson, Cardinals
Ryan Donahue, Lions
Reid Forrest, Buffalo
Jacob Harfmen – Atlanta Falcons
Buffalo Bills – Chris Hazley
Spencer Lanning – Chicago Bears
Jeff Wolfert – Clevland Browns
Brett Hatmann – Houston Texans
Chirs Koepplin – New England Patriots
John Gold – Seattle Seahawks
Jake Rodgers, New Orleans Saints
Chad Cunningham – Tennessee Titans
Wes Byrum – Seattle Seahawks
I know there are few more….
Post NFL Lockout for Kickers and Punters
Here are some important transactions (and comments) so far post NFL Lockout regarding kickers and punters:
1) Chris Kluwe, Minnesota Vikings, punter, has yet to be fined by the NFL after the lockout. Hopefully he will use a whiteboard to sketch out how the new NBA came about (legally or illegally).
2) Jay Feely, Arizona Cardinals, kicker, is probably still on the golf course debating which club to use…
3) The Eagles rescinded the transition tag off of kicker David Akers (no big surprise there, they did draft the next Adam Vinateri – Alex Henery)
4) Dave Rayner signed with the Lions – no biggy there.
5) Brad Maynard, will not be resigned by the Bears, which means Robbie Gould is upset. I would be too if I lost one of the best place-holders in the league and helped him achieve over 85% on field goals in Chicago!
6) Nate Kaeding is still with the Chargers — still not sure how I feel about that — And the Cowboys released Kris Brown and signed a rookie kicker- How many kickers have they signed once they let go of their kicking coach?
7) Redskins told former Pro-Bowl punter Josh Bidwell not to report to training camp and that he will be released Thursday. I wonder how he took that news.
8) There will be some fresh blood in preseason games:
Chas Henry, Eagles
Travis Baltz, Colts
Josh Jasper, Tampa Bay
Nate Whittaker, Minnesota Vikings
Thomas Webber, Bengals
Brian Saunders, Jaguars
Dan Bailey – Cowboys
Derrek Epperson, Cardinals
Ryan Donahue, Lions
Reid Forrest, Buffalo
There are a few more which I will add at a later time…
9) Josh Scobee, might be just a little upset the NFL Lockout is over, he will have to curb his appetite for golfing for a few months and focus back on kicking. Last we talked with Scobee he was in San Diego golfing at the Drew Brees Golf Tournament and I dont think he has stopped since. He had a 75 to make the Jax Amateur cut at 5-over 147. This guy can play some golf!
10) As soon as the NFL Lockout was lifted my inbox went crazy, “How do I get in the NFL?”
11) I am still waiting for my phone call – either as a player or coach, I’m flexible, I was ready with or without a CBA in place!
Till next time…
Hawaii Kicking Camp (Kauai)
Yes you heard it right! For the second year in a row – TKS will be offering a football kicking camp and lessons during the week of August 22nd-27th, 2011
If you are interested in attending please call us at 619-994-2364
TKS will be on the island of Kauai during this time frame!
July…. the most dangerous part of the year.
The month of July is a tumultuous one for kickers and punters. For some it’s when they start working for the upcoming season, for others its where they work on polishing their skills. For all its a dangerous part of the year.
NFL linebacker Bart Scot recently commented that the end of two-a-days is an unnecessary softening of NFL players. For kickers and punters endnig two a days would be a welcome relief.
In July, when kickers and punters report to training camp, hell week, whatever you want to call it, their season rests in the balance of how hard they push themselves. Fatigue, deadleg, and other more serious injuries can occur during the first weeks of football practice during a season. While there are multiple reasons they are all simple. The human leg is not prepared for such a dramatically increased workload.
Throughout all of our interviews, with semi-pro or pro kickers, a common theme on advice from them is not overkicking. After kicking 1-2 times a week during the offseason the leg is not prepared to do two practices a day. Conservatively, a kicker or punter does 50+ kicks in a single session during summer on their own. At an average of 1-2 workouts a week their legs are accustom to about 100 kicks a week with multiple days rest.
At the time of the start of organized team football practices, kickers and punters increase their workload to 40+ per practice. With current California laws stating you cant have consecutive two a day practices you would say 7-9 practices a week week totaling 280-360 kicks in the first week. This is also not including potential scrimmages with game situation.
Increasing from 100- around 300 with no real rest is a recipe for disaster. Pitcher’s in baseball go through this in Spring training and it can cause a slow start to their seasons. Just like Pitcehrs, kickers and punters must think the same way. Your legs are like a gun, as they have limited “bullets”.
Your job during Football Camp is not to impress, show off, work on increasing distance, stength or speed, its to stay healthy and polish up your technique youu worked on during the Spring and Summer.
Two specific tips are invaluable.
1.) Know your limitations.
At all costs do less than 20 kickers per practice. If possible aim for 25-30 a day. You will feel obligated to do extra work and kick more based on how hard everyone else is working. Focus on stretching, mental drills, your steps, your ball drops, etc. They are countless other pieces of technique you can work on besides full kicks that can help you out.
2.) Recovery
Regardless of how you feel after each practice, make sure you recover and rest properly. This includes loading up on three things; Rest, Water and Ice.
Rest- make sure you are getting as much sleep as you can. Most times you will be tired enough and this will take care of itself.
Water- regardless of wherever you are youu will get dehydrated and even get cramps. The more water you drink the faster your body will keep your muscles hydrated and even repair themselves faster.
Ice- Even if you dont hurt, dont feel sore, or think its weak, load up on ice or a cold bath. While scientists have yet to discover the specific cause ice helps you recover faster. 15-20 minutes of ice on your legs will do wonders for the next week.
Follow these simple tips and you will be able to survive and be more prepared for the start of the season. Push yourself and you are more than likely to hurt your chances on having a great season.
San Diego & Orange County Kicking Coach: Started in 2004 TKS has placed over 60+ kickers to schools around the country.
