The 4A Watchlist: Kickers and Punters

Matthew Collentine

August 9, 2020 @ 04:10 PM

The 4A Watchlist is where I list out my top 75 football players coming into this season in Class 4A. This year, I have 3 players who primarily played as a Kicker and/or Punter last season that are worth noting heading into the 2020 season.   Jake Calvert, Dowling, SR In his second season as the Maroons starting kicker, Jake Calvert is looking to take the next step and possibly make an all-state team in his senior season. As a junior, he went 48-54 on extra points and 3-3 at field goals, with a season-long of 42 yards. The left-footer Calvert gets good distance on his field goals, none of his field goals look like they barely graze the crossbar. Right now not many schools are actively recruiting kickers like the other positions, so while Jake doesn’t have any offers now, expect that to change when the season ends.   Jacob Cross, Cedar Rapids Jefferson, SR A third-year starter as both kicker and punter, Jacob Cross should be one of the state’s best returning special teamers in 2020. In kicking, he made 16-19 pats, while going 7-10 on field goals with the longest field goal he made last season was from 41 yards back twice. Meanwhile, as a punter, he had a 38.4 average off of 44 punts. Cross has a strong boot in both situations, and he as good accuracy too, especially when staying inbounds on punts. Currently, Jacob doesn't have any offers yet since not too many schools want to pull the trigger on an under-the-radar kicking specialist before the season starts.   Owen Smith, Iowa City West, SR Owen Smith was a second-team all-state selection by the Iowa Print Sportswriters Association last season as a first-year starter, and now heading into his senior season, he should in the conversation for best 4A kickers in 2020. Last season he went a perfect 20-20 on pat’s and 6-9 on field goals, while making a season-high 51-yard kick. Smith has some power to his leg to make some 40+ yard field goals, and he’s pretty accurate when it comes to PAT’s and short-range field goals. While Owen doesn't have any offers yet, there should be no doubt that there is a fair share of schools interested in a potential two-time all-state kicker.   Other notable names Sam Braksiek, Prairie, SR Ben Jaeger, Dubuque Hempstead, SR Jesus Jaime, Ottumwa, SR Jacob Schroeder, Sioux City East, SR Liam Wahe, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, SR