“LONESOME KICKER” from Greg Kohs on Vimeo.
“Who cares about the kicker?” The truth is we all do at some point during the season when the game is on the line and out onto the field trots the lonesome kicker. People will remember your name for one of two things. A shank to lose a game or hitting the game winning field goal as time expires. The fact is a kicker is under intense scrutiny and pressure. The same can be said for the punter. They are back there on an island. A lot i.e. field position is riding on the punter’s foot. So let’s take a look at who will have the pressure on their shoulders this year by handling the kicking duties for OSU.
BTW – for those interested in a throwback version of The Lonesome Kicker check out this performance on Conan O’Brien. I remember watching this as it aired. I guess I am getting old!
Who the Buckeyes lost from last years team…
Ben Buchanan – Ben was a three year starter for the Buckeyes. He averaged 41.2 yards for his career. That was only good enough for 7th in the Big Ten last year. Ben was a solid performer during his career, but there is room for improvement this year. That being said, Ben is an all-around good dude. He was a finalist for the Jesse Owens Medal of Honor. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
2013 Starters…
Cameron Johnston – is a 21 year old freshman. He is a former Australian rules football player. He has a sweet accent. Most importantly, he is the starting punter for the 2013 Buckeyes (an hopefully the next four years).
Cameron was brought in to be a starter from day one. After to listening to him, he seems like he will handle the pressure well. I am looking forward to his contributions to the team. If he lives up to the hype, OSU has themselves a great punter for the next four years. If you have six minutes to kill feel free to watch Cameron punt.
Drew Basil – Drew is our version of Andre Kristacovitchlalinski, Jr. Drew is entering his senior year and third year as a starter. He has made his field goals at a 75% rate during his career. I expect another solid season from Drew. He has been there and understands the pressure we discussed. I have confidence that he will be up to the task if given the opportunity to kick a winning field goal, but let’s be honest hopefully a game never comes down to that!
Who are the Backups…
Hopefully we never have to find out.
How they will fare…
Extra points a plenty and an impressive debut by the Aussie.
I am really excited about Cameron Johnston he has a huge leg but has never faced the kind of pressure that he will when another team is trying to kill him…