How long have you been kicking?

I have been kicking for eight years.

How did you get started Kicking?

I played soccer all my life.  My freshman year of high school the football coach, Coach Jinks, came out and wanted to see if anyone on the soccer team could kick a football.  I tried it and made the team.  I was on varsity as a sophomore.  I probably would have never kicked a football if it wasn’t for him.

What is your favorite thing about kickinG?

The fact that your great grandma can tell if you did good or not.  The result is black and white, the kick is either good or no good.

What has been your biggest challenge while kicking?

I struggle kicking off into the wind.  That is my biggest weakness.

What is one thing that you know now, that you wish you knew when you started kicking?

To stay level-headed and do not ride the waves of the ups and downs that come with the position.

What is the most memorable moment you had while kicking?

Recovering my own onside kick against Boise State my freshman year.

What is one piece of advice that you want to give to someone that is just starting to kick?

Stay level-headed!

Have you ever been in a kicking slump?  How did you get out of it?

Trust yourself and trust your abilities.  Your abilities got you to where you are today.  Stay focused on each kick individually.  Focus on going one for one.

Do you have any pregame rituals or routines?

I stretch the same every game.  I kick six balls on one side of the field and six on the other.  I kick with my snapper and holder before every game.

What do you think about on the sidelines before you’re called to Kick?

Commit to the kick.  Go out there, find a line, trust it and hit the ball exactly where you wanted to.

Do you have any kicking records at Byron P. Steele II High School?

Most field goals made in a single season (13) and longest field goal in school history (48 yards).

Do you have any kicking records at Louisiana Tech University?

Single season leader on PATs.

How many times a week do you kick?

I kick three times a week, all year round.  I kick about 25 field goals and five kickoffs every time I kick.

What are your favorite drills?

Going on the end line and trying to hit the uprights.

Have you learned anything while being a kicker that can be applied to your life outside of football?

Never lose sight of who you are as a person outside of being a kicker.

What is Your favorite bible verse?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given to you?

If you’re not going to go into something with 100%, why go in at all?

What do you think mental toughness looks like?  How would somebody develop this?

Mental toughness is being able to clear everything else out of your head and to be able to focus on one single thing and make it happen.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF8KJZev7u0

What are the biggest mistakes you feel people make under pressure?

They crack under it.  You have to stay strong and trust that you have done everything you can to succeed in that particular situation.

Why do you feel kicking is so stressful?  What do you think we can do to make it less stressful?

It’s black and white.  It’s either good or no good.  Practice and know there has never been a kicker that has made every kick in his career.

In your opinion, how does one become confident?

Make your kicks on your own in practice, translate with the team during practice, then translate that into games.

In your opinion, what is the key to being consistent day in and day out?

Love what you do.  Come out with a positive attitude. Trust your ability and make it happen.

What do you feel is something that people need to recognize in order to take their game to the next level?

You will not make every kick, but you can limit the amount of kicks that you miss.  Aim small, miss small.  Completely commit to the kick.