Utah’s Kicking

This is just a hunch, but maybe… just maybe, the coaches had a reason for replacing Redding with Noyes? Maybe he performed far better in camp?

Kicking was a huge strength for the Utes until about four years ago.  Now it is a disaster.  It seems so odd to me that we cannot kick the ball into the end zone.

We have been lucky at kicking.

A converted Olympic reserve downhill skier and a collegiate soccer player that washed out due to
Injury.

Whitt used to coach special teams. It’s now delegated and it shows that coach Shah doesn’t cut it as special teams coordinator. He’s a good DB coach and does a good job recruiting and coaching the athletes in those positions and even kick coverage. But he’s doesn’t know how to coach or recruit the P or K.

My friend’s son is a kicker on a small D-1 school (N. Alabama).   He has a small build and was not broadly recruited, but did well at summer kicking camps (e.g. Chris Sailor’s camps).  Even after recovering from a minor injury he kicks-off to the end zone nearly every time.  Kicked a 43-yard FG last Saturday; he has not missed a FG or PAT all year. Maybe he can transfer to Utah??   Utah should be going to those camps or consulting with the organizers to get quality kickers, even transfers from small D-1 schools, kids who might want a chance on a bigger (P5) stage.   Relying on walk-ons and such is not working.

Here’s a stat from last night: each team punted 4 times, Utah for 143 yards (35.8) and WSU for 193 (48.2).

When the teams were trading drives early and punting, Utah went from having WSU pinned deep to being pinned deep themselves over a couple of possession changes which led to WSU’s first TD. For years I said I’d gladly give up some special teams to have a better offense. I just didn’t think I’d have to give up all of it.

82% is not good. Especially as we tend to keep most kicks short. Inside 40 the % should be 97%+

Reddings form is poor. Watch his follow through, he does not get his leg above his waist. He basically stabs at the ball. Leads to poor directional control. For the golfers out there – imagine a swing with follow through keeping the club below your belly button.

There wasn’t a great image on the broadcast last night, but looked like his kicking leg follow through and body drifted left, as did the ball.

I’d love someone to show me I’m wrong, but it seems to me that our coaches can’t assess kicking form. They seem to be flying blind.

I’d like to see the freshman Cheek get a few

Utah not attempting a short FG to make it a 2 score game is a coaching failure flat out.not thr first time Whitt has done this. I know Whitt is like God around here but his decision making has gone down hill in recent years