Ain't that a kick!

[SoCalDomer]

Within a weeks time, ND secured verbal commitments from two of the best kicking prospects for the 2009 class. Shortly after the offer was extened, punter Ben Turk accepted and became the 8th member of the Fighting Irish's 2009 class.

In an attempt to beat the Golics' quick acceptance records, Nick Tausch commited as soon as Weis extended the formal offer becoming the 9th member of the 2009 class.

Welcome aboard, boys.

 

[irishmarine]

great title socal. and great things are coming our way

 

[coachjohnson]

Getting better and better.

 

[Shamrock44]

Special teams are critical to success. Great move offering these guys scholarships. I love the fact that they accepted the offers so fast, while not even seeing the campus. Does anybody know what they are ranked by rivals or scout?

 

[SoCalDomer]

Neither rivals nor scout has reviewed any kickers or punters that I am aware of.

The kicker rankings for Hopkins and Tausch came from Chris Sailer, who is probably more accurate than Rivals or Scout for kickers anyway.

 

[Mattmags]

Chris Salier Kicking Spring 2008 Field Goal Final Rounds

Video of Hopkins and Tausch if you're interested. This is also posted in the profile for Tausch.

Only from what I was able to see...they both have an fluid kicking motion. If they miss, it's not by much. Granted, there is no defense, but they are high school kids.

 

[SoCalDomer]

Your point abou them being HS kickers is well taken Mattmags.

Remember folks, they have one more year of HS football to play. They have work-outs this summer, the 2008 season, the off-season training and conditioning, and summer FB at ND before they will ever possibly be put into a college game.

 

[Irishlew]

one thing i noticed was Tausch kicks off the ground and Hopkins uses a kicking block. Tausch is already ahead of Hopkins as far as being ready for college.

 

[kicker20]

kicker rankings

kicker rankings

Neither rivals nor scout has reviewed any kickers or punters that I am aware of.

The kicker rankings for Hopkins and Tausch came from Chris Sailer, who is probably more accurate than Rivals or Scout for kickers anyway.

I agree that we have to very good k/p commitments. Chris Sailor bases he's rankings on the kickers results at the camps that he runs. Like any person, you miss one kick at 30yds, but you were making 60 yarders all camp. The same kid who has a great talent, will be ranked 31 of 50. Then the results are put on recruiting and kicking websites and that same kicker may have to walk-on, because of one kick.
You can go to prokicker.com, Chris's website, and see that he does attract great talent. He does the same completion in 30 cities. I would bet that Chris is a great coach and judge of talent. I wouldn't take this as the bible.
I was also a 1994-95 high school 1st team All- American and ranked the best kicker at camps. The year I was All-American I made 1of 8 fieldgoals, the other 7 were blocked as I was on a 3and7 team. It was going to camps, sending every school my tapes, and they were able to see the whole picture. I would say the rankings should be more objective.
Kevin Kopka Notre Dame kicker 1995-99.