Wide open race, I suppose.

I would assume Conner Madden would have the inside edge at this point assuming he is healthy. No knowledge of who else they may have brought in as a kicker this spring.

Brian

No pun intended, but big shoes to fill. Ethan broke all sorts of records in his career. That said, we don't need a record breaker, just someone that is consistent on FGs, and someone to boot it to the end zone reliably on KOs.

If Madden can hone in his accuracy, I love the leg strength he has......on kickoffs the ball just explodes off his foot. Totally different explosion and sound than you get from either Ratke or Wise.

I loved what Ratke gave us, but we need more leg strength and the ability to kick 45+ yard fgs and not just barely get them over the bar. Yes I know they count but there was zero margin for error and many times we punted rather than attempt FGs over 45 yards.

So, what is everyone's take after the spring game? Any opinions on who our kicker will be?

(04-27-2022 09:02 AM)DAWG13 Wrote:  So, what is everyone's take after the spring game? Any opinions on who our kicker will be?

My take is we saw the best available kicker we have kicking on Saturday. But when will Madden be 100% and how does he match up when he is? Problem is we’re so used to Rathke’s accuracy that we’re going to have those games we’re shaking our heads over a short shank or long FG that falls short and wide like Saturday.

(04-27-2022 10:47 AM)Polish Hammer Wrote:  

(04-27-2022 09:02 AM)DAWG13 Wrote:  So, what is everyone's take after the spring game? Any opinions on who our kicker will be?

My take is we saw the best available kicker we have kicking on Saturday. But when will Madden be 100% and how does he match up when he is? Problem is we’re so used to Rathke’s accuracy that we’re going to have those games we’re shaking our heads over a short shank or long FG that falls short and wide like Saturday.

Not at all worried about leg strength.....that will be better with either Wise or Madden.

I think we will be 'ok' in the fall. Will we miss a couple that ratke may have made probably so.....but I also think we will make a couple of longer ones that ratke would not have made/attempted.

(04-27-2022 10:47 AM)Polish Hammer Wrote:  

(04-27-2022 09:02 AM)DAWG13 Wrote:  So, what is everyone's take after the spring game? Any opinions on who our kicker will be?

My take is we saw the best available kicker we have kicking on Saturday. But when will Madden be 100% and how does he match up when he is? Problem is we’re so used to Rathke’s accuracy that we’re going to have those games we’re shaking our heads over a short shank or long FG that falls short and wide like Saturday.

Absolutely. Give me near certainty on 45 yard kicks every Saturday and twice on Sunday. A kicker’s “big leg” means nothing if they’re inconsistent. There’s some work to be done before the first game to find JMU’s next FG kicker.

(04-27-2022 10:57 AM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(04-27-2022 10:47 AM)Polish Hammer Wrote:  So, what is everyone's take after the spring game? Any opinions on who our kicker will be?

But when will Madden be 100% and how does he match up when he is? Problem is we’re so used to Rathke’s accuracy that we’re going to have those games we’re shaking our heads over a short shank or long FG that falls short and wide like Saturday.

Anyone know why he didn't kick in the spring game? Will he be ready by fall? Heard we missed a 27 yarder, which should be automatic. Also, missed a 43 yarder, which is obviously longer, but very makable. I have a feeling the FG dept is going to be way down in 22. I hope I am wrong. Moving up to a tougher schedule, every point is going to matter. Especially with a new QB. Can be very discouraging and momentum changing to drive almost the length of the field and then miss a short FG.