New Auburn Special Teams Coordinator Evaluates Kicker Competition Going Into Spring Practice

Spring practice is an exciting time for college football programs, as it allows coaching staffs to evaluate players, implement new strategies, and lay the foundation for the upcoming season. For the Auburn Tigers, one of the areas of particular focus this spring is the kicker position. After an offseason of changes, including the hiring of a new special teams coordinator, Auburn is entering spring practice with an open competition at kicker.

The kicking game is often one of the most scrutinized aspects of any football program. Whether it’s a game-winning field goal attempt or a crucial extra point, kickers are under constant pressure to perform at a high level. With Auburn coming off a season where the kicking game was inconsistent, there is no shortage of attention on this position heading into the new season. The arrival of new special teams coordinator [Insert Name], who brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective, has added intrigue to what will likely be one of the most important position battles this spring.

In a recent interview, [Insert Name], Auburn’s new special teams coordinator, shared his thoughts on the current kicker competition, his approach to coaching the kicking game, and what fans can expect to see in the coming weeks. Here’s an in-depth look at his evaluation of the kicker competition as Auburn gears up for spring practice.

The Importance of the Kicker Position

When discussing the kicker competition, [Insert Name] emphasized just how crucial the position is for the Tigers’ success in the upcoming season. Special teams can often be the difference in a close game, and a reliable kicker can be the difference between victory and defeat. Whether it’s knocking down a 50-yard field goal in a tight SEC contest or securing extra points, Auburn’s ability to capitalize on special teams plays a significant role in their overall success.

“A solid kicking game is essential for a team’s confidence,” said [Insert Name]. “You want to make sure your offense has the faith that, if they don’t get into the end zone, they can count on the kicker to put points on the board. On the flip side, your defense needs to trust that your kicker can hit those game-changing kicks when the game is on the line.”

In addition to the psychological impact on the entire team, the kicker’s consistency is key. Whether it’s in an early-season matchup or a conference championship game, being able to rely on the kicker for routine extra points and field goals, as well as clutch attempts, is vital. With Auburn coming off a season where missed field goals and extra points were a recurring issue, the competition this spring will be a critical element in shaping the future of the team’s special teams unit.

The Kicker Competition: A Wide-Open Battle

Heading into spring practice, the kicker competition at Auburn is wide open. [Insert Name], who was hired to oversee all special teams duties, has emphasized that he is looking for consistency, mental toughness, and a strong work ethic from all candidates. While it’s clear that Auburn will likely rely on a primary kicker throughout the season, [Insert Name] stressed that every candidate will have a fair chance to prove themselves during the spring.

“This is an open competition,” said [Insert Name]. “We have a group of talented kickers, and it’s going to come down to who is the most consistent and who can perform under pressure. We want to see who can execute when the spotlight is on them. It’s not just about leg strength—it’s about accuracy, focus, and the ability to perform in high-pressure situations.”

Among the contenders for the starting job are [Insert Player Names], each with their unique strengths and backgrounds.

Key Candidates in the Kicker Competition

1. [Insert Player Name] (Sophomore) A returner from last season, [Insert Player Name] showed flashes of potential but was inconsistent in his performance. While he has a strong leg and the ability to hit long field goals, he struggled with accuracy in certain high-pressure situations. As a sophomore, he has the potential to develop into a reliable kicker, but he will need to prove his consistency this spring.

   [Insert Name] praised [Insert Player Name]’s natural talent, saying, “He has a strong leg, and you can see the raw ability. What we need to see now is that consistency, especially in practice. If he can prove that he can hit kicks under pressure and remain mentally focused throughout the competition, he could very well be our guy.”

2. [Insert Player Name] (Freshman) A highly touted recruit, [Insert Player Name] comes to Auburn with a reputation for being one of the top kickers in the country. He impressed during his high school career with a combination of leg strength and accuracy, and many fans are excited to see what he can do at the collegiate level.

   “He’s definitely someone to watch,” said [Insert Name]. “He’s got the skill set to compete at the highest level. The key for him will be adapting to the speed of the game and handling the pressure that comes with kicking at a big-time program like Auburn.”

3. [Insert Player Name] (Junior Transfer) One of the more experienced kickers in the competition, [Insert Player Name] arrives at Auburn as a transfer from [Insert Previous School], where he was a reliable kicker for the previous two seasons. He has experience in high-pressure situations, having kicked in several close games and postseason contests.

   “Experience is a big factor when it comes to kicking,” said [Insert Name]. “Having a player who’s been through the ups and downs of college football and has proven himself in games is invaluable. He brings a level of maturity to the competition that can’t be overlooked.”

Evaluating What’s Important: Consistency and Mental Toughness

When asked about the most important traits he is looking for in his kicker, [Insert Name] didn’t hesitate: “Consistency is key. A kicker who can make 80 percent of his kicks during practice but falters under the lights won’t cut it. We need someone who can consistently perform, not just in drills but when the pressure is on.”

In addition to consistency, [Insert Name] is placing a strong emphasis on mental toughness. “Kickers have to be able to handle adversity,” he said. “They need to block out distractions, stay focused, and be able to perform when things aren’t going perfectly. Whether it’s a tough road game or a long field goal attempt with the game on the line, they have to be able to shake off mistakes and keep executing.”

While leg strength is an important factor, [Insert Name] emphasized that a successful kicker is much more than someone who can launch a ball 50 yards. Accuracy, follow-through, and the ability to make clutch kicks in critical moments are all equally important.

The Role of the Special Teams Coordinator

As Auburn’s new special teams coordinator, [Insert Name] is working to revamp the entire special teams unit, with the kicking game being a key focal point. One of his primary goals is to create a strong, competitive environment in which players are constantly pushing one another to improve.

“I want all of our special teams players to feel that they are being evaluated every day, no matter what position they play,” said [Insert Name]. “I want them to be motivated to be the best. The competition within the unit should breed success, and the kicker position is no different. We’re building an environment where everyone feels accountable to one another, and that competition will only make us better as a team.”

Additionally, [Insert Name] plans to work closely with the kickers during practices to fine-tune their technique. “We’re going to focus on the little details that can make all the difference: foot placement, balance, follow-through. We’re also going to put them in simulated game situations to see how they respond to the pressure,” he said.

The Road Ahead: Spring Practice and Beyond

As spring practice progresses, the competition for the starting kicker job will intensify. With each player eager to prove themselves, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining who will be the Tigers’ go-to kicker for the 2025 season. Whether it’s through clutch kicks in scrimmages or flawless performance during drills, the kicker who can display consistency, focus, and mental toughness will ultimately earn the job.

For [Insert Name], this spring marks the beginning of a new era for Auburn’s special teams. He’s confident that, regardless of who ultimately earns the job, the Tigers will be ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

“We’re building something special here,” said [Insert Name]. “I’m excited to see how our kickers perform, and I’m confident that, with the right focus and work ethic, we’re going to have a kicking game that Auburn fans can rely on.”