2008 Woodie Awards
Special teams kickers deliver hidden impact
By Randy Klins
Issue date: 9/30/05 Section: Sports Extra
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When you add the times the offenses for both teams are driving down the field, smashing helmets and getting uniforms dirty, it doesn't entirely add up to the entire hour. That short time frame when the special teams are on the field could be the most important flash of the game.
In a close, hard-fought battle, the contest could very easily come down to the spotless pants of one of the kicking specialists, either to kick a game-winning field goal or to give the defense good field position to stop the opposing offense.
"You might get only one or two chances to make a difference in the game," coach George Mihalik said. "You have got to be ready."
At Slippery Rock University, a 27-24 game could come down to the strong right leg of either place-kicker Ryan Daniel or punter Ray Rotell.
Daniel is a junior in his second season as SRU's field goal kicking specialist while Rotell is in his third season as the Rock's punter.
They said they both feel pressure is a big part of being a kicker.
"Yeah, there's a lot of pressure," Rotell said. "Kicking and punting I feel are the most pressured positions on the field."
Daniel said he agreed.
"There is pressure," he said. "I feel like I should put points on the board after the offense has a long drive."
Daniel also said it's a mind game.
"It's more of a mental game than a lot of positions," he said.
While Daniel is busy kicking the ball deep on kickoffs and scoring a majority of the points on special teams, Rotell is considered more of a part of the defense because of his ability to pin an offense deep into its own territory.
"The punter is not going to produce any points, but they are part of the defense," Mihalik said.
The kickers said getting a good boot off is very rewarding
"After a good punt, it's a great feeling," Rotell said. "I feel like I did my job and helped the team."
