Kickin' It: 2027 Edition

Kickers often get overlooked, however they play a vital role in a team's success. A bad kickoff can lead to the opposing team in good position. Or a missed field goal can change the momentum of the game. I'm going to be diving into the next generation of sophomore kickers. Let's dive in!    Aguilar makes an impact no matter what he lines up on the field. The 5'10 190-pounds sophomore out of Lamar lined up as a RB, SS, and a K. 121 carries for 482 yards and 4 touchdowns, 10 receptions for 72 yards and 1 touchdown, 38 total tackles, 45 kickoffs for 2221 yards, 18 touchbacks, 29/33 on PAT, 7/10 on FGs with his longest being 45 yards. Aguilar has very good athletic ability to succeed at multiple positions. He has very good kick power. Big leg to make the longer field goals at the HS level. He has very good kick accuracy, and when the game is in his hands, he doesn't disappoint. Keep an eye out for this young athlete.     Starting for a prestigious team as Cherry Creek is no joke, especially as a sophomore. Quintana is fresh off a championship and was key component in Creek's championship season. Measuring in at 5'10 140-pounds. 16 kickoffs for 885 yards, 6 touchbacks, 15 punts for 531 yards, 68/72 on PAT, 5/8 on FG with his longest being 47 yards. Quintana tied all sophomore kickers with his longest field goal. He has very good kick power. Quintana has very good accuracy as well. Quintana is cool under pressure, staying calm and collected in the big moments. Watch out for his development this upcoming season.     Measuring in at 5'9 175 is Reynolds from Grandview. Reynolds had 15 kickoffs for 677 yards and 2 touchbacks. He went 4/6 on PAT, and 3/3 from FGs with his longest being 30. Reynolds has good kick power. Reynolds has very good kick accuracy inside the 30. He is consistently hitting his target. Smooth kicking mechanics. I'd like to see Reynolds get some longer field goals, however he has two + years of development yet. He's an exciting kicking prospect.     Owens was a consistent kicker throughout the season. The sophomore went 15/16 on PATs, and 3/4 on FGs, with his longest being 47 yards. Owens tied [player_tooltip player_id='1625972' first='Jolon' last='Quintana'] for the longest field goal amongst sophomores. Owens has very good kick power, and very good kick accuracy. He uses his big leg to make the long kick. He is automatic when it comes to PATs. His team doesn't have to get worried if he's going to miss the kick. I was very impressed with how consistent Owens is. It's one of the most important traits to have as a kicker. Golden has a nice little squad brewing up there, and Owens adds to it.     Higgins measures in at 5'10 150-pounds. Throughout the season, he had 46 kickoffs for 2326 yards and 15 touchbacks. He went 33/37 on PATs, and 3/5 on field goals. His longest field goal was 36 yards. Another very consistent kicker. He's surefire inside the 30. Good kick power. Very good kick accuracy. He is accurate especially under pressure. He stays poised in the big moments. I'd love to see Higgins produce some longer field goals next year!

Kickers often get overlooked, however they play a vital role in a team's success. A bad kickoff can lead to the opposing team in good position. Or a missed field goal can change the momentum of the game. I'm going to be diving into the next generation of sophomore kickers. Let's dive in!