We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

I hope Gunn is good, but we've had 0 evidence of this. All signs point to the coaches having no faith in him.

I think we'll be okay at RB. We have players who were talented in high school. But they haven't really played in college yet and their blocking ability, which is more important, is a question mark. It's telling that Dabo ran Mafah into the ground last year and did very little subbing, when that's not like him. I think they'll pan out, but it's silly to act like we know we're loaded.

I have no faith in Vizzina being ready. Maybe I'm wrong, and I hope I am. But I've followed him since high school. I really have doubts in his accuracy and decision-making.

I do think we're okay at DE, at least the starters. If we have injuries, then we might be in trouble, but that goes for any position.

I think LB will be excellent.

I'm not worried about defensive backs. We don't really have any Andrew Booths, but I think we're pretty good, pretty deep, outside of the strong safety position.

NIKE

National Champion [7624]

TigerPulse: 96%

Posts: 5751

Joined: 2022

I might be oversimplifying it but ...

Jan 29, 2025, 3:41 PM

Response to the Concern About Clemson’s Kicking Situation

Introduction: The Importance of a Reliable Kicker

As college football programs grow in both talent and expectation, certain positions seem to be undervalued despite their critical importance. One such position is kicker, which plays a pivotal role in game outcomes, particularly in tight matches where every point matters. The fact that a program like Clemson, with all its success, is still facing uncertainty at the kicker position is alarming. We are, as you pointed out, "one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker," and that’s a situation that should never arise for a team with championship aspirations. This issue should have been addressed two years ago, and yet it appears that not enough has been done.

In this response, we’ll dive deeper into the history of this problem, look at how other teams have approached the kicker position, and propose actionable solutions that could help prevent a crisis in the future. Along the way, we’ll provide examples from other teams to show how managing this position effectively can make all the difference. Let’s break down why this issue keeps resurfacing and what needs to change.

Clemson’s Kicking Woes: A Brief Overview

At the core of your frustration lies a simple truth: Clemson has had kicking problems for years. While the team has excelled in many areas, the kicker position has consistently been a vulnerability. A recurring theme in college football is the failure to learn from past mistakes, and Clemson’s coaching staff seems to be no exception in this regard. Two years ago, when the team was one injury away from being without a reliable kicker, fans expected the coaching staff to make a change. Yet, fast forward to today, and it appears little has been done to rectify this issue.

Historically, Clemson has been able to rely on solid kicking performances for many years, but there have been intermittent periods of instability. The issue seems to lie not in the lack of talent but in the lack of depth. With only one viable kicker on the roster, it’s impossible to mitigate the risk of injury, loss of form, or other external factors that can affect performance. Given the importance of the kicking game in deciding close contests, particularly in the ACC, this is a problem that cannot be ignored any longer.

The Role of the Kicker in College Football

Before delving deeper into the specifics of Clemson’s kicker situation, it’s crucial to understand the significance of the kicker position. A kicker in college football isn’t just responsible for extra points and field goals; they can be the deciding factor in a game’s outcome. With close games, teams often find themselves in situations where the difference between a win and a loss comes down to a single kick. In many cases, that one successful field goal can lead to a season-defining victory, while a missed kick can spell disaster.

For example, one of the most iconic games in college football history— the 2013 Sugar Bowl between Oklahoma and Alabama— came down to a 19-yard field goal attempt. Alabama’s kicker, Cade Foster, missed three field goals, and Alabama eventually lost the game. This type of pressure can make or break a season. The importance of having a reliable kicker who is not only skilled but mentally resilient in high-pressure moments cannot be overstated.

Looking at Clemson’s situation, their kicking game is one of the most vulnerable aspects of the team, especially when you consider how tight ACC games can be. The absence of a backup plan for kicker has become a glaring problem, and the importance of addressing this deficiency is undeniable.

Learning From Other Teams: The Importance of Depth in Special Teams

While Clemson’s struggles with its kicker position are evident, it’s important to take a broader view and examine how other programs handle this issue. Teams like Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia consistently ensure that their kicking game is strong by having multiple kickers on the roster.

For instance, Alabama has consistently carried at least two reliable kickers on the roster for the past decade. In 2020, Alabama had both Will Reichard and Charlie Scott, both of whom were capable of handling kickoffs, field goals, and extra points. While Reichard took the majority of the kicking duties, Scott was always ready to step in if necessary, ensuring there was no drop-off in performance due to injury or fatigue.

In contrast, Clemson’s apparent lack of depth at the kicker position reflects a broader issue with roster management. A program of Clemson’s stature should not be in a position where its kicking game could crumble due to the absence of a single player. This oversight in depth has been a mistake for two seasons, and it’s time the coaching staff reevaluates its strategy.

Examples of Programs That Got It Right

Let’s look at a few examples of programs that have been able to maintain a strong kicking game by having multiple capable players at the position.

Ohio State: The Buckeyes have a tradition of cultivating depth at kicker. Over the past few years, they’ve maintained at least two kickers on the roster, one for long-range field goals and another for extra points and kickoffs. This approach ensures that there’s no pressure on a single player to perform at all times.

Georgia: In 2020, Georgia had Rodrigo Blankenship, one of the most reliable kickers in college football. But the team didn’t just rely on him— they had a backup kicker in place and ensured that their special teams unit was one of the most well-prepared in the country. The depth at the position gave Georgia the confidence to handle any scenario that came their way.

Alabama: As mentioned earlier, Alabama has consistently ensured that their kicking game is a priority. The Crimson Tide’s roster includes multiple kickers with a variety of skill sets to handle all situations. This strategy allows the team to avoid putting all the pressure on one player.

Why Clemson’s Current Approach Isn’t Enough

While Clemson has had periods of success with kickers, it’s clear that the coaching staff has failed to recognize the necessity of having depth at this position. It’s not just about having a solid kicker— it’s about having a backup kicker ready to step up at any given moment.

The argument that Clemson has been “one injury away” from disaster shows the lack of foresight when it comes to roster management. Even if the starting kicker is performing well, injuries, fatigue, or off days are a reality in college football. No team can afford to put all its eggs in one basket when it comes to the kicker position, especially when the success of the season can hinge on a single kick.

Solutions: Building Depth and Consistency

Recruit More Kickers: One simple solution to this problem is to recruit more kickers with potential. Clemson doesn’t necessarily need to sign five-star recruits for this position, but having two or three solid kickers on the roster ensures depth and reduces risk. In addition, having younger players on the roster gives the team the opportunity to develop their skills over time and create a pipeline of talent for the future.

Develop Kickers Through the Program: Rather than relying on walk-ons or transfers, Clemson should focus on developing kickers through its system. This means prioritizing the development of high school kickers, ensuring they receive the training they need to succeed at the college level.

Invest in Special Teams Coaching: Special teams can often be an overlooked part of the team, but they are crucial in deciding close games. Investing in high-level coaching specifically for the kicking game can help ensure that the team is prepared for all situations. It’s also important to ensure that kickers are conditioned physically and mentally to handle the pressure of important kicks.

Focus on Mental Resilience: As with any position in football, kickers need to have mental resilience. Having multiple kickers not only addresses depth concerns but also allows players to step up when needed without the fear of letting the team down.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Clemson

The situation with Clemson’s kicker is a reminder that no team can afford to overlook any position, no matter how specialized. A lack of depth in the kicker position puts the team at significant risk, especially in high-stakes games. Fans, coaches, and players alike need to recognize that one injury or off day should not be enough to derail a season. Clemson has the resources and the ability to solve this issue, but it requires proactive thinking and a shift in strategy.

It’s time for Clemson to learn from its mistakes, address the kicker depth issue, and ensure that this vulnerability doesn’t continue to hinder the team’s success. If the coaching staff fails to do so, they risk repeating the same mistakes and putting the team’s championship aspirations in jeopardy.

flag link

military_tech

thumb_down

thumb_up

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

LB depth is alarmingly thin***

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

Between Hauser and Gunn, we're fine at kicker...

Re: Between Hauser and Gunn, we're fine at kicker...

Re: Between Hauser and Gunn, we're fine at kicker...

Re: Between Hauser and Gunn, we're fine at kicker...

Bi**h please

Promise you wont be going around pulling on peoples

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

We should see if Adam Randall can do it

Re: We should see if Adam Randall can do it

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

I might be oversimplifying it but ...

Re: I might be oversimplifying it but ...

Re: I might be oversimplifying it but ...

Re: I might be oversimplifying it but ...

Re: I might be oversimplifying it but ...

Re: I might be oversimplifying it but ...

Re: I might be oversimplifying it but ...

^ Unabridged version***

Re: I might be oversimplifying it but ...

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

Funny you ask...

I'm glad you brought this up.

Re: I'm glad you brought this up.

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

Awe...we can just ###### 1 of the bench warmers off of one of the better

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

This reminds me of the time Christian Wilkins pulled Braxton Miller's

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

And many Tnet posters are only one pulled groin away from

Re: And many Tnet posters are only one pulled groin away from

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

Re: We are one pulled hamstring away from not having a kicker

TigerBoard POTD