Kicking woes solved?

[BWahlberg]

It was one scrimmage but it was night and day from what we saw in spring camp.

Tim Semenza hit two fieldgoals, both in the 46 to 48 yard range. If I remember correctly his first kick, the longer attempt, had plenty of power and carried into the seats of the south endzone. His 2nd hit the railing of the seats. His only PAT was down the middle.

Brandon Purdy hit one fieldgoal, also about 46 yards out. He's a left-footed kicker, his kick cleared the cross-bar with not a lot of room to spare but it was good. His lone PAT attempt was also dead on.

Eric Williams hit two booming punts, had another serviceable punt, and one shorter one. Also pinned a punt on the opposing teams 11 yard line on a fair catch, it was a high and towering kick - not a long distance as he was at about mid-field. However with the hang time on the punt there would've been zero chance for a return on it. Williams, however did not make any kicks into trashcans, boats, or other random objects.

 

[Glendivegriz]

Heard Stitt talking them up in interview. Good news. Said they are going to start working on special teams soon. Hopefully, we can shore up some shady blocking on field goals and PAT's as well that have plagued us the last few years.

 

[Yukon]

two RS-F competing for the job. Would one leave that did not get the job? (at some point)

 

[BWahlberg]

two RS-F competing for the job. Would one leave that did not get the job? (at some point)

Presumably...

Semenza appeared to have the stronger leg yesterday. But it will be interesting to see if that carries over for kickoffs too.

 

[HookedonGriz]

I must admit, I was very worried about our kicking game or what seemed a lack there of in the spring. it sounds like the kickers have made some great strides and are much improved. I really hope that is the case as I am also keeping in mind that was just one day and one scrimmage. I really hope that trend continues

 

[grizfan1984]

Is LeCorre still on the team? Seems like he did kickoff a couple of times last year?

 

[Umista]

Stitt mentioned to me (early summer) that he was not worried about the kicking so it may turn out he was spot on. Also seemed to think the punter was OK also. Now let us watch the O-Line he stated would be far better than last season.

 

[reinell30]

My kicking concerns will remain until the big kick is needed in a real game. After that we will know what we have for sure....

 

[Umista]

Obvious hard work is paying off for the kicking game. Three men are required for a perfect kick and it is good news for us during the pre season. Much work is still required but for now it looks good.

 

[BWahlberg]

Nice little Missoulian write-up; http://missoulian.com/sports/college/montana/griz-kickers-punters-coming-up-big-in-fall-camp/article_a3826b21-5ab7-5132-95ff-c06fa8a53ab1.html

Likewise, both Semenza and Purdy spent their offseasons working to become more steady. Semenza even called upon kicking coach John Carney, a 25-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion, for guidance.

"He's a guy who can change just one centimeter on your steps and you'll be hitting the ball ten times better," said Semenza, who traveled to Carney's gym in Carlsbad, California.

The results showed on Monday when the pair of Griz kickers went 3 for 3 on field goals, all from 47 yards or longer. Semenza drilled attempts from 49 and 48 yards while Purdy, a lefty, hit a 47-yarder.

Those kicks are a pretty close representation of what things have looked like behind closed doors in practice, Niekamp added.

"I think right now if we charted all their kicks, they're both between 85 and 75 percent, which isn't too shabby considering where we were four months ago," he said. "And 3 for 3 over 45? I'd take that any Saturday no matter where I'm at. If I was coaching in the NFL I'd take that."

 

[bgbigdog]

Nice little Missoulian write-up; http://missoulian.com/sports/college/montana/griz-kickers-punters-coming-up-big-in-fall-camp/article_a3826b21-5ab7-5132-95ff-c06fa8a53ab1.html

Likewise, both Semenza and Purdy spent their offseasons working to become more steady. Semenza even called upon kicking coach John Carney, a 25-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion, for guidance.

"He's a guy who can change just one centimeter on your steps and you'll be hitting the ball ten times better," said Semenza, who traveled to Carney's gym in Carlsbad, California.

The results showed on Monday when the pair of Griz kickers went 3 for 3 on field goals, all from 47 yards or longer. Semenza drilled attempts from 49 and 48 yards while Purdy, a lefty, hit a 47-yarder.

Those kicks are a pretty close representation of what things have looked like behind closed doors in practice, Niekamp added.

"I think right now if we charted all their kicks, they're both between 85 and 75 percent, which isn't too shabby considering where we were four months ago," he said. "And 3 for 3 over 45? I'd take that any Saturday no matter where I'm at. If I was coaching in the NFL I'd take that."

Hey BW - is Williams a rugby or straight on punter? I've only seen the garbage can sessions and wasn't sure if he was dashing into the frame to heighten the suspense?

 

[BWahlberg]

Nice little Missoulian write-up; http://missoulian.com/sports/college/montana/griz-kickers-punters-coming-up-big-in-fall-camp/article_a3826b21-5ab7-5132-95ff-c06fa8a53ab1.html

Likewise, both Semenza and Purdy spent their offseasons working to become more steady. Semenza even called upon kicking coach John Carney, a 25-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion, for guidance.

"He's a guy who can change just one centimeter on your steps and you'll be hitting the ball ten times better," said Semenza, who traveled to Carney's gym in Carlsbad, California.

The results showed on Monday when the pair of Griz kickers went 3 for 3 on field goals, all from 47 yards or longer. Semenza drilled attempts from 49 and 48 yards while Purdy, a lefty, hit a 47-yarder.

Those kicks are a pretty close representation of what things have looked like behind closed doors in practice, Niekamp added.

"I think right now if we charted all their kicks, they're both between 85 and 75 percent, which isn't too shabby considering where we were four months ago," he said. "And 3 for 3 over 45? I'd take that any Saturday no matter where I'm at. If I was coaching in the NFL I'd take that."

Hey BW - is Williams a rugby or straight on punter? I've only seen the garbage can sessions and wasn't sure if he was dashing into the frame to heighten the suspense?

Straight on.

Additionally I didn't watch it too closely but it appeared he did the style of punt where you kick it nose down on his one situational punt where he pinned the ball inside the defense's red zone

 

[IntuitiveGriz]

How come no mention here, or in the scrimmage write-up, the two balls snapped around extra-point depth that doinked off the crossbars, two in a row in fact?

This was either right before the scrimmage or to start the scrimmage off--couldn't tell which exactly. It happened minutes before 4pm (scheduled start time), when the coaches cleared the field (team to the sideline) and they kicked a couple.

 

[bgbigdog]

Nice little Missoulian write-up; http://missoulian.com/sports/college/montana/griz-kickers-punters-coming-up-big-in-fall-camp/article_a3826b21-5ab7-5132-95ff-c06fa8a53ab1.html

Likewise, both Semenza and Purdy spent their offseasons working to become more steady. Semenza even called upon kicking coach John Carney, a 25-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion, for guidance.

"He's a guy who can change just one centimeter on your steps and you'll be hitting the ball ten times better," said Semenza, who traveled to Carney's gym in Carlsbad, California.

The results showed on Monday when the pair of Griz kickers went 3 for 3 on field goals, all from 47 yards or longer. Semenza drilled attempts from 49 and 48 yards while Purdy, a lefty, hit a 47-yarder.

Those kicks are a pretty close representation of what things have looked like behind closed doors in practice, Niekamp added.

"I think right now if we charted all their kicks, they're both between 85 and 75 percent, which isn't too shabby considering where we were four months ago," he said. "And 3 for 3 over 45? I'd take that any Saturday no matter where I'm at. If I was coaching in the NFL I'd take that."

Hey BW - is Williams a rugby or straight on punter? I've only seen the garbage can sessions and wasn't sure if he was dashing into the frame to heighten the suspense?

Straight on.

Additionally I didn't watch it too closely but it appeared he did the style of punt where you kick it nose down on his one situational punt where he pinned the ball inside the defense's red zone

Many thanks.

 

[HookedonGriz]

Nice article on the kickers

http://missoulian.com/sports/college/montana/griz-kickers-punters-coming-up-big-in-fall-camp/article_a3826b21-5ab7-5132-95ff-c06fa8a53ab1.html?utm_content=buffer2382c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=LEEDCC

 

[SaskGriz]

Nice little Missoulian write-up; http://missoulian.com/sports/college/montana/griz-kickers-punters-coming-up-big-in-fall-camp/article_a3826b21-5ab7-5132-95ff-c06fa8a53ab1.html

Likewise, both Semenza and Purdy spent their offseasons working to become more steady. Semenza even called upon kicking coach John Carney, a 25-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion, for guidance.

"He's a guy who can change just one centimeter on your steps and you'll be hitting the ball ten times better," said Semenza, who traveled to Carney's gym in Carlsbad, California.

The results showed on Monday when the pair of Griz kickers went 3 for 3 on field goals, all from 47 yards or longer. Semenza drilled attempts from 49 and 48 yards while Purdy, a lefty, hit a 47-yarder.

Those kicks are a pretty close representation of what things have looked like behind closed doors in practice, Niekamp added.

"I think right now if we charted all their kicks, they're both between 85 and 75 percent, which isn't too shabby considering where we were four months ago," he said. "And 3 for 3 over 45? I'd take that any Saturday no matter where I'm at. If I was coaching in the NFL I'd take that."

Hey BW - is Williams a rugby or straight on punter? I've only seen the garbage can sessions and wasn't sure if he was dashing into the frame to heighten the suspense?

Straight on.

Additionally I didn't watch it too closely but it appeared he did the style of punt where you kick it nose down on his one situational punt where he pinned the ball inside the defense's red zone

That is a technique that was originally used in Aussie Rules and Gaelic football, it stays dead straight and puts backspin on the ball, so easy to see why it's used for situational punting.

 

[IntuitiveGriz]

How come no mention here, or in the scrimmage write-up, the two balls snapped around extra-point depth that doinked off the crossbars, two in a row in fact?

This was either right before the scrimmage or to start the scrimmage off--couldn't tell which exactly. It happened minutes before 4pm (scheduled start time), when the coaches cleared the field (team to the sideline) and they kicked a couple.

More anxiety in the kicking game in scrimmage #2.

 

[fanofzoo]

How come no mention here, or in the scrimmage write-up, the two balls snapped around extra-point depth that doinked off the crossbars, two in a row in fact?

This was either right before the scrimmage or to start the scrimmage off--couldn't tell which exactly. It happened minutes before 4pm (scheduled start time), when the coaches cleared the field (team to the sideline) and they kicked a couple.

More anxiety in the kicking game in scrimmage #2.

Right, thought after first scrimmage they had it solved, well maybe not.