No. 8 – The kicking game
August 22, 2014
Eight days to go until the umpire hands TCU place kicker Jaden Oberkrom the ball to start the game and says, “Now, son, don’t kick it ‘til I tell ya tew, ya
undahstand?” And since we’re 8 days away, a tip of the cap to our favorite No. 8 Davey O’Brien.
Now this gets my motor running. Let’s talk kicking!The return game and key terms: hang time, get-off times, spinning the laces and hitting spirals. There’s a ton of detail in the kicking game. It’s part art and part execution.
Luckily, the Frogs have two of the biggest legs in the country in Oberkrom and punter Ethan Perry.While Oberkrom has struggled a little in fall camp, I think he’ll be alright as the games approach. The one thing I like about Jaden is the way he goes after it, attacking and driving the ball. That’s the way to kick it.
Meanwhile, Perry has been great in fall camp with more tight spirals than I’ve ever seen him kick. Tight spirals mean hang time and distance, both of which are critical elements to a punter and the 10 guys running down the field to cover it.Speaking of coverage teams, just sit back and watch as these speed-laden waves of purple seek out
kick returner prey. They’re fast! The biggest thing about these two specialists is that they can dictate and control the opponent’s starting field position with each kickoff or punt, making them a key part of the defense.
On the bounceback side (the return game), you may see quarterback Trevone Boykin in special situations, but not a lot as a punt returner. He’ll return some kickoffs. I look for wide receiver Cameron Echols-Luper to continue to improve in the punt return game.Remember, the Frogs also have wide receiver Deante Gray, who took a punt to the house on his first collegiate touch two years ago against Grambling.
Kickoff return should be a lot of fun, too, as running back Kyle Hicks will join running back B.J. Catalon as the primary kickoff return men. Catalon has the ability to go all the way every time he touches one. Remember I told you so!
Tomorrow, it’s No. 7
Kick ‘Em High!
Ten reasons you’re going to love these Frogs
Aug. 20: No. 10 – The schedule
Aug. 21: No. 9 – The defensive line
About Extra Points with John Denton
John Denton has been the color analyst for the TCU Sports Network from IMG since 1988. A former standout for the Horned Frog football team, Denton went from walk-on to a four-year lettermen as a kicker and punter for the Purple and White from 1981-84 and completed his career at the 1984 Bluebonnet Bowl. Shown here with his former coach, the late Jim Wacker, Denton currently serves as the Associate Athletics Director for Athletics Alumni Relations & Executive Director of the Block T Association.
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