A Desperate Cry for Help: Arizona State’s Kicking Woes
Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham has reached his breaking point. After three consecutive games without a made field goal, he’s taking drastic measures to address the team’s kicking struggles.
An Unconventional Solution
In a post-game press conference, Dillingham expressed his frustration, saying, “Our kicking game’s atrocious.” He then made a surprising announcement: the team will hold open tryouts for kickers on Monday, inviting anyone from the student body to come and showcase their skills.
Dillingham’s comments were met with skepticism, but he assured reporters that he’s “dead serious” about finding a solution. The tryouts will be advertised on the team’s social media channels, and anyone who thinks they have what it takes is encouraged to attend.
The Current State of Affairs
The Sun Devils’ current kicker, Ian Hershey, has struggled this season, missing crucial attempts in recent games. Despite his pre-game warm-ups showing promise, Hershey’s performances on the field have been inconsistent. Redshirt freshman Carston Kieffer has also failed to impress, missing his only field goal attempt this season.
A Lesson in Accountability
Dillingham’s initial comments seemed to place the blame squarely on Hershey’s shoulders. However, the coach later apologized on social media, acknowledging that his words were unfair and that the team’s losses are ultimately his responsibility.
Precedent for Unconventional Recruitment
Arizona State’s decision to hold open tryouts is not without precedent. In 2022, Ole Miss added punter Charlie Pollock to their roster after discovering him at a frat house. Similarly, in 2008, Texas Tech’s Mike Leach recruited student Matt Williams to the team after watching him kick a 30-yard field goal during an in-game contest.
A Glimmer of Hope
While there are no guarantees that the tryouts will yield a new kicker, Dillingham remains optimistic. If someone emerges with the necessary skills, they’ll be welcomed onto the team with open arms. As the coach said, “If somebody is [good enough], then, you know, welcome to the team and we’ll rock and roll from there.”
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