Show-Me State Specialists You Need to Know About
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It is good to see such an improvement in the recruiting of kickers throughout the country. I am surprised we have so many talented specialists in one state. I have identified six kickers who have the traits to perform under…
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Continue ReadingIt is good to see such an improvement in the recruiting of kickers throughout the country. I am surprised we have so many talented specialists in one state. I have identified six kickers who have the traits to perform under pressure in college. Below, I break down what I saw on film that shows why these prospects will be recruited heavily as they enter their senior year.
Connor Lander Connor Lander 5’8″ | 145 lbs | P Parkway Central | 2024 MO is a rising punter out of Parkway Central High School. The all-metro specialist received his first offer from Quincy University on June 8th. Connor competed at a Kohl’s camp in January and went to Lindenwood’s mega camp last month. Connor averaged over thirty-five yards a punt during a state championship winning season his junior year. Connor’s hangtime from his junior year averaged just under four seconds; Combine that with field goal accuracy from outside extra point depth, and you can see Connor’s next level leg strength. Coaches like seeing Connor hit the center of the uprights from both hashes. Watch out for Connor’s kick off distance to improve his senior year and don’t be surprised if more offers come in before 2024.
Stewart McDonald
Stewart McDonald
Stewart McDonald is the most underrated specialist in Missouri. Stewart attended a Kansas State camp and Kohl’s training camp in Omaha this summer. Stewart is a former soccer player who is entering his second season of football this fall. Next level size and leg strength show consistently driving kickoffs into the back of endzones for touchbacks. Stewart has shown good poise as a punter and the hangtime potential to punt at the next level as well. Look for more field goal opportunities this fall to boost Stewart’s stock in the region.
Bryce Clark
Bryce Clark
Bryce Clark is a decorated kicker out of Eureka High School. Bryce holds one offer from Benedictine College and most recently attended a camp at Indiana State he was invited to; With invites to specialist camps all over the country, I am surprised Bryce has not received more offers from coaches who have watched him compete in person. Expect that to change before his senior year ends. Bryce’s next level leg strength shows on kickoff touchbacks and good trajectory on his field goals. Good size, power, poise, and a fast operation time give Bryce the tools to handle both kicking and punting duties in college.
Joey Scardina
Joey Scardina
Joey Scardina is a top kicking prospect out of Rock Bridge High School. Joey has been to specialist camps at FBS schools all through the Midwest and Great Plains and holds offers from SEMO and Central Methodist University. He also has been on multiple visits to Arkansas State. Next level power shows driving the ball through the endzone on kickoffs; Joey flashes a combination of accuracy and leg strength that equates to place kicker potential at the next level. Coaches like seeing Joey’s hangtime on both kickoffs and field goals. Joey’s calm demeanor shows when extra points are pressured from defenders rushing off the edge.
Kyle Parini
Kyle Parini
Kyle Parini is the most talented lefty in Missouri. Kyle holds offers from Benedictine College and the University of Indianapolis. Kyle has the potential to fill multiple roles in college but expect him to focus strictly on kicking. Kyle’s next level power shows consistently driving kickoffs into the back of the endzone. Kyle is a good athlete who adjusts well to bad snaps as a punter; He also completed a thirty-yard trick pass as a quarterback. Kyle’s poise and efficient operation time allows him to get punts off in the face of pressure; A calm demeanor in the face of pressure adds to Kyle’s ability to strictly be a place kicker in college. Kyle missed one kick from over forty yards out, but between extra points and field goals Kyle was 93% on over forty-five kicks. Coaches like Kyle’s accuracy and envision him making big kicks when they see the lefty hitting from both hashes in high school.
Mason Love Mason Love 6’0″ | 170 lbs | P Park Hill South | 2024 State MO committed to South Carolina on June 12th. He is my top kicking prospect in Missouri and rivals national specialist recruits across the country for evaluators’ top rankings. Mason has a good combination of quick operation time and power that shows consistently in his punts. He has hit over fifty yards on a punt multiple times and consistently has over four seconds of hangtime. Flashes of accuracy shows in directional punts that pin opponents inside their own five yard line. Good power also shows hitting touchbacks on kickoff. Do not be surprised if special teams coordinators around the country attempt to get Mason to flip his commitment before he graduates.